Originally published August 25, 2013
I recently read the column “Salvation and Rejection” published in The Freeman, which discussed Luke 13:22–30 and challenged the belief commonly expressed as “once saved, always saved.”
The passage begins with a question directed to Jesus:
“Lord, are there few that be saved?”
Jesus answered by telling His listeners to strive to enter through the narrow gate, warning that many would seek to enter but would not be able to do so.
The column raised several arguments, including that Luke 13 contradicts the doctrine of eternal security, that “once saved, always saved” is specifically Calvinist, and that salvation may be possible in different ways.
I disagree.
What Must I Do to Be Saved?
Perhaps the clearest question concerning salvation appears in Acts 16:30, when the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas:
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Their answer was direct:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31
Romans 10:9 likewise teaches that if a person confesses the Lord Jesus and believes that God raised Him from the dead, he shall be saved.
Why is faith in Christ central to salvation?
Because Scripture presents Jesus Christ as the Savior.
Acts 4:12 declares that salvation is found in no other name under heaven, while Jesus Himself said in John 14:6:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Salvation, therefore, is not based on membership in a particular church, nationality, social status, or simply being considered a good person. Christianity teaches that reconciliation with God comes through Jesus Christ.
Salvation Is a Gift
Another major issue is whether salvation must be earned.
Romans 6:23 says:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Notice the contrast: wages are earned, but a gift is given.
Romans 5:15–18 repeatedly describes salvation in terms of God's grace and a “free gift.” John 3:16 expresses the same idea: God gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Christ did not come because humanity had earned salvation.
Romans 5:8 says:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
And 1 Timothy 1:15 declares that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
Saved by Grace Through Faith
Perhaps one of the clearest passages is Ephesians 2:8–9:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Salvation is therefore not a reward for giving alms, doing community service, attending church, praying regularly, reading the Bible, or accumulating enough good works.
Good works have their proper place in the Christian life, but according to this passage, they are not the price of salvation.
Salvation is by grace through faith.
Colossians 1:13–14 likewise speaks of believers as having redemption and forgiveness through Christ, while the New Testament repeatedly connects eternal life with faith in Him.
What About “Once Saved, Always Saved”?
The exact phrase “once saved, always saved” does not appear in Scripture, just as many theological terms used by Christians are later summaries of biblical ideas.
The real question, therefore, is not whether the phrase itself appears in the Bible, but whether Scripture teaches that the eternal life God gives through Christ is truly eternal.
Jesus said:
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” — John 10:28
The debate over eternal security has continued among Christians for centuries, and different Christian traditions interpret some passages differently. But the foundation of my conviction remains this: salvation rests upon the grace of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ rather than upon a person's ability to earn it.
Saved by Grace
So, who can be saved?
The biblical answer is not simply “good people,” members of one denomination, or people who have accumulated enough religious works.
The Gospel points instead to Christ.
We must recognize our need for salvation, turn to God, and place our faith in Jesus Christ.
Salvation is not something we can boast about earning.
It is a gift.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith.”
— JP Abecilla, August 2013
