"The Debate on Eternal Security" - John 10:22-38

Jesus says in verse 28 that "they shall never be taken out of his hand." Fundamentalist Christians use this verse among others to support their doctrine of "eternal security," sometimes called "once saved always saved." I am often asked where the United Methodist Church stands on this doctrine. Some of the questions in behind it are: 1) Does that mean that once I give my heart to Christ then I can do as I well please? 2)If that doctrine is not true, then am I at constant risk? If I should die (or if Jesus should come again) when I am in the process of sinning or have unconfessed sin or unforgiveness in my heart, do I go to hell? 3) Can I lose my salvation either by gradually sinning my way into separation from God or by choosing to no longer believe?

In fairness to Southern Baptists (who hold strongly to this doctrine), they will say to question 1, "If one willfully and repeatedly sins and lives a sinful life, then the person was probably never saved in the first place. A converted heart leads to a change lifestyle." In fairness to those who don't believe in eternal security, they will say to question 2, "We are in the hands of a merciful and gracious God, who "is not willing that any should perish. People should not take license with their behavior, but they are not at constant risk either.

In fairness to both sides in question 3, a) fundamentalists will say that where there is genuine faith in Christ, there cannot be loss of salvation due to sin or personal choice. After all, salvation is based on the grace and power of God, not on our behaviors and doubts, b) non-fundamentalists will emphasize that we always have the freedom to choose to accept or reject the grace of God. God has created love relationship in such a way that no one can be forced to accept it. That's why the idea of "irresistable grace" is a problem. We can resist and people can be free to choose to no longer believe. But once again, we are in the hands of a merciful God. We can choose an immoral life and choose to no longer believe, but as long as there is breath, we can come back to God.

As you can see, there is truth in both positions. One emphasizes the power and providence of God. The other emphasizes human freedom to choose. Scripturally, we must hold these positions in tension. My short answer to the question of eternal security is, "I believe people can choose to break their relationship with God and lose their salvation. But there is always hope. God's mercy is greater than our doubts or our sinfulness. But I do believe in blessed assurance. When I die or if Jesus comes, and if St. Peter asks the question at the proverbial gates, "Why should I let you in heaven?" I will answer, "By grace I am saved. I am counting on the blood of Christ to cover every sin. I don't deserve to go to heaven, but by grace I can enter anyhow."

This is certainly not the last word on this issue? Where do you stand and what other questions come to mind?

AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW, NBA IS CLOSED TONIGHT DUE TO WEATHER. WE WILL HAVE MUCH GROUND TO MAKE UP WHEN WE GET BACK TOGETHER. BE WARM AND BE SAVE, AND ABOVE ALL, COUNT ON THE LOVE AND GRACE OF GOD IN CHRIST THROUGH THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT.