In the first chapter of Galatians Paul uses strong words in reference to anyone preaching a different gospel than what he taught. “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9). The book of Galatians addresses the issue of “legalism”. In chapter 3:3 he asks the question “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” My question is concerning the eternal security of the believer and those (entire denominations as well as individuals) who teach that a truly born again person CAN lose their salvation. If we say that we CAN lose our salvation we must also be saying that our salvation is based partly on our obedience to the law (or our behavior). Does this not reject the teaching that “Jesus paid it all and all to him I owe”? Doesn’t this deny what Christ accomplished on the cross? If so, then would you say that anyone teaching that one CAN lose their salvation once truly born again is teaching a “false gospel” and according to Paul is cursed? Most denominations do not believe in the security of the believer but believe that our behavior plays a part in whether a Christian goes to heaven or not. Do you believe that such teachers fall into the category of teaching a “false gospel”? I would like to know your thoughts on this. Thank you very much.
Kevin
Sure it’s wrong, and there’s many who teach that after you’re saved, you have to work to remain saved! This is totally against what the scriptures teach. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 2:9: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
These teachings originally came from the Roman Catholic church and have propagated throughout today’s Pentecostal teachings. To deny that God doesn’t have to ability to keep that which He has bought with a price is so wrong. Didn’t He pay the price for us with the sacrifice of His Holy Son? Are we not His once we’re born again? John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one. and 1st Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God..
Now with the plainness of these scriptures, it would seem that yes, those that teach the loss of salvation are teaching a false gospel. Now, what to do about it? 2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 5:12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
Let’s persuade the brethren about the error of their doctrine. Not with anger, but with love. As one’s having knowledge of the old pathways, which are good ways.