2 Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of Righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the Holy Commandment delivered unto them.
Yesterday, we touched on a subject that is extremely controversial in the Body of Christ. That being the false doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved.” It is also known as “Unconditional Security.” It means that once a person merely says they believe in Jesus it doesn't matter what they do for the rest of their life. They are saved no matter what.
This is probably the single most harmful doctrine and teaching in all of Christianity. This single teaching has probably resulted in millions of people spending eternity in Hell than any other false teaching. The teachers of it will surely answer for their actions.
Yesterday, we proved this teaching to be false by the Scripture found in Hebrews 12:14-17 which reads: Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the Grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the Blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
No one is positive as to the author of the Book of Hebrews, however we do know that it was inspired by God as is all Scripture. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in Righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Having read this Scripture, written by Paul to Timothy, allow me to ask these questions: If a person only needs to profess their faith in Jesus at one time in their life but continue to live their life dominated by sin and still be granted a place in Heaven, why would they need the Word of God to live by? Why would they need instructions in Righteousness? Why would they need to be thoroughly furnished unto all good works? Why would they need correction and reproof? The answer to all these questions is this: They wouldn’t.
Now let us consider the words of Peter. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the Knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of Righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the Holy Commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true Proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:20-22) This Scripture makes it clear that a person who is once saved through their knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ can in fact turn from their faith and once again be entangled in the evil of this world. In such a case, the end for them will indeed be worse than if they had never been saved because they knew the Grace of God and made the conscious choice to turn from it.
To add to our case against this false doctrine, let us look again at the words of the great Apostle Paul. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1) This is a clear instruction and warning about returning back to our old life of sin. We must stand fast and strong in the Righteousness we found by faith in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross. He went on to say, Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from Grace. (Galatians 5:4) Final question: How can we fall from Grace if we were never saved by Grace? You cannot fall from a place you are not. You cannot fall off a ladder unless you are on the ladder.
Anyone born again person can indeed fall from Grace. We do this ourselves by CHOOSING to turn our backs on the Ways of Righteousness and return to our old ways of sin. It is true that no one can make you fall or cause you to fall. People fall from Grace by their own choosing and unfortunately the doctrine and teaching of “Once Saved, Always Saved” gives them permission to do so. Those who teach this falsehood have a lot of blood on their hands for which they will answer. My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (James 3:1)
The Truth of the Word of God will……….turn the tide
Holding fast to the Truth, Doreen
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