Lesson 33 - Security of the Believer

     Almost all Christians question, at some time, whether they are able to become unsaved after they’ve trusted Christ as their Savior. There are two major theological camps are Arminians (named after Jacob Arminius) and Calvinists (named after John Calvin). The former believe it is possible for the Christian to do something that will cause them to forfeit their salvation, while the latter believe that once a person is saved he/she will remain saved forever.

     At the heart of the issue is whether we understand salvation to be a work of man for God (either in whole or in part), or whether it is a work of God alone on behalf of mankind. It follows that if man contributes toward his salvation in any way, then it may be undone if he acts contrary to the character and will of God. If, however, salvation is the work of God alone, apart from any human effort, then God can keep one saved completely apart from human activity, good or bad.

     Scripture reveals that salvation is a work of God alone on behalf of mankind. God has done everything necessary to save eternally those who trust in Christ as Savior. God will discipline the Christian who turns to a life of sin, and though that Christian may suffer discipline to the point of physical death, he/she will never be in danger of forfeiting their eternal relationship with God.