Salvation in the Bible – An Eternal Salvation
The Security of Salvation in the Bible
Many people wonder if it is possible that they can lose their salvation. If we read the Bible closely we will see that our salvation is secure. Most of the time in the Bible, salvation refers to the life-long process of salvation and not just the aspect of our eternal destiny. Many scriptures that may be interpreted as our losing Salvation actually don’t refer to our eternal destiny. Instead they are about losing our present fellowship with God or losing a reward in the coming age. We first need to take a look at what the Bible says about the security of our salvation.
The Bible shows us 10 items that are the foundation, guaranty, and security of our salvation:
- God’s Selection
- God’s Predestination
- God’s Calling
- God’s Love
- God’s Grace
- God’s Righteousness
- God’s Life
- God’s Strength
- God’s Unchanging Faithfulness
- God’s Promises
Salvation Was Initiated by God
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).
In other words, salvation was God’s idea, not ours. In eternity past we were chosen and even predestinated (marked out) by Him (Eph. 1:4-5). Furthermore, it was He who called us (Rom. 8:29-30). Since it was God’s plan to save us in the first place, it is also His plan to keep us in that salvation. Could God choose us, mark us out, call us into salvation and then abandon us? No, God’s salvation is eternal.
Basic Elements of the Christian Life, Volume 1, by Witness Lee & Watchman Nee, Living Stream Ministry, Chapter 2, pg 13
We Have Become God’s Children
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, Who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13)
Once we are born again, we can never be “un-born”.
Basic Elements of the Christian Life, Volume 1, by Witness Lee & Watchman Nee, Living Stream Ministry, Chapter 2, pg 15
God Is Strong
“I give to them eternal life, and they shall by no means perish forever, and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father...is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29)
Another reason for the security of our salvation is God’s strength. God is unwilling to allow anything or anyone to snatch us from Him. The hand of the Father and the hand of the Lord Jesus are two strong hands holding us fast. Even if we try to run away from our Father, it would be impossible. Not only is God stronger than Satan, He is also stronger than we are.
Basic Elements of the Christian Life, Volume 1, by Witness Lee & Watchman Nee, Living Stream Ministry, Chapter 2, pg 16
God Never Changes
“For I, Jehovah, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Mal. 3:6)
One day we are hot; the next, cold. But our salvation is not based upon our erratic feelings. It is rooted and grounded in a God who is unchanging in His love and faithfulness toward us.
Basic Elements of the Christian Life, Volume 1, by Witness Lee & Watchman Nee, Living Stream Ministry, Chapter 2, pg 16
Salvation is Eternal
“I know that whatever God does, it will be forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
Your Faith can grow by reading the Basic Elements of the Christian Life, Volume 1. You will find 3 sections helpful.
- The Mystery of Human Life contains an overview of salvation.
- The Assurance, Security, and Joy of Salvation fully covers the 10 items mentioned above and more on the assurance and joy of salvation.
- The Precious Blood of Christ gives us the way to maintain our fellowship with God.
*All quoted verses taken from "The New Testament Recovery Version Online" at http://online.recoveryversion.org, Copyright © 1997-2019 by Living Stream Ministry.