Is Eternal Security Biblical?

Is Eternal Security Biblical

Can A Believer Become A Lost Sinner, Then Get Born Again, Again?

According to biblical theology, can a true Believer become Lost, then be Saved again? Or are we Eternally Secure in Christ? There are two views on this subject. In this article, we are going to examine both views, starting with Eternal Security.

Biblical theology includes a range of perspectives on the topic of whether a true believer can become lost and then saved again. Different Christian denominations and theological traditions interpret certain biblical passages differently, resulting in varying beliefs about the perseverance of the saints or the possibility of falling away from the faith.

  1. Perseverance of the Saints (Eternal Security): Many theological traditions, hold to the belief in the perseverance of the saints. They argue that once a person is genuinely saved and has a true faith in Christ, they will be preserved by God and cannot ultimately lose their salvation. This perspective is often based on verses like John 10:28-29, where Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
  2. Conditional Security (Arminianism): In contrast to the Eternal Security view, some theological traditions, often associated with Arminianism, teach conditional security. They believe that it is possible for a true believer to turn away from their faith and, as a result, lose their salvation. However, it is also believed that if they repent and return to faith, they can be saved again. This perspective is based on passages like Hebrews 6:4-6, which speaks of those who “have fallen away.”
  3. Middle Ground Views: Some theological traditions take a middle ground approach. They argue that while it is theoretically possible for a true believer to turn away from their faith, it is unlikely to happen if one is genuinely saved. This views often emphasise the importance of persevering in faith and emphasise God’s role in preserving believers.

It’s important to note that discussions about this topic have been ongoing for centuries, and there are numerous theological arguments on both sides. Ultimately, the belief in the possibility of a true believer becoming lost and then saved again or the belief in the eternal security of the believer often reflects one’s theological and denominational background. It’s a topic that continues to be a subject of theological debate amongst Christians. It is also important to keep in mind that these views are not essential doctrines for salvation.

If you are interested in understanding your specific denomination’s or church’s stance on this issue, it’s advisable to consult with your pastor, theologian, or religious authorities, as they can provide guidance in line with your particular faith tradition’s teachings.

It is important that we decide for ourselves which view we believe is the truth, as this will effect how we interpret the scriptures, and will shape our faith.

We are going to examine the two main views. Eternal Security and Saved and lost doctrines. Each view is written by someone who believes in the view they are writing about, without commenting on what they believe the other view is about. The purpose of this post is to allow the reader to make up their own minds according to their conscience. Please remember, context is the key to understanding.

It is also important to note that there are many scriptures that both sides of these views can agree on.


1. Eternal Security Doctrine

Understanding how the penalty of sin came into the world, and how we became sinners, will help us understand what we have been saved from and what we have been saved for. Therefore we are going to have a close look at Genisis.

The Foundation

This is just a basic understanding of what it means to be Eternally Secure in Christ. It’s important to note that while the doctrine of “Christ alone” is a foundational belief within Protestantism, the interpretation and emphasis on this doctrine may vary amongst different Protestant denominations and theological traditions. However, the core idea remains consistent: that salvation is found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Saved By Grace Alone

In the Bible, “grace” is a fundamental concept that carries profound theological and spiritual significance. It refers to the unmerited favour, kindness, and love of God toward humanity. Grace is often associated with God’s willingness to forgive, save, and bless people despite their unworthiness or sinfulness.

Several key aspects of grace in the Bible include:

  1. Unmerited Favour: Grace is often described as unmerited favour, meaning that it is given freely by God and cannot be earned or deserved. Ephesians 2:8-9 is a well-known verse that highlights this aspect: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  2. Forgiveness and Salvation: Grace is the means by which God forgives and redeems people. It is through God’s grace that individuals can be reconciled with Him and experience salvation. Romans 3:24 emphasises this: “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
  3. Empowerment and Strength: Grace is not only about forgiveness but also about God’s empowering presence in the life of a believer. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the apostle Paul writes, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This indicates that God’s grace provides strength and sustenance in times of weakness.
  4. God’s Love and Compassion: Grace is an expression of God’s deep love and compassion for humanity. It signifies God’s willingness to extend His hand of mercy and love even to those who may have fallen short of His standards. Ephesians 2:4-5 states, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
  5. Sufficiency: Grace is often seen as sufficient to meet all of humanity’s spiritual needs. This is reflected in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Overall, grace is a central theme in the Bible, illustrating God’s generosity, compassion, and willingness to extend His love and favour to those who seek Him. It is a cornerstone of Christian theology and a source of great hope and comfort for believers.

Through Faith Alone

According to the Bible, specifically the doctrine of “faith alone” as articulated in the context of scripture, the phrase “faith alone” emphasizes that a person is justified before God and receives salvation solely through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from any human works or merit. This doctrine is central to Biblical theology and is often summarised with the Latin phrase “sola fide,” which means “by faith alone.”

While the term “faith alone” may not be explicitly found in the Bible, it is derived from passages like the following:

  1. Romans 10:17-18 NASB: So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. [18] But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Faith is a gift that comes from hearing the Gospel.
  2. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB): “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, and not something earned through works.
  3. Romans 3:28 (NASB): “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law.” This verse underscores that justification, the act of being declared righteous before God, is based on faith, not on adherence to the works of the Mosaic Law.
  4. Galatians 2:16 (NASB): “nevertheless knowing that a person is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” This verse reiterates the idea that justification comes through faith in Christ, not through the works of the Law.

The interpretation of “faith alone” affirms that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace and is received by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It excludes human works or merit as a basis for salvation. While good works are seen as important in the Christian life, they are regarded as a fruit or result of genuine faith rather than a means of earning salvation.

In Christ Alone

In the context of Biblical theology, the phrase “saved by Christ alone” emphasizes the truth that salvation is exclusively and entirely the work of Jesus Christ, and it cannot be achieved or obtained through any other means or human efforts. This doctrine is central to a Biblical understanding of salvation and is often expressed using the Latin phrase “sola Christus” or “Christ alone.”

While the specific phrase “saved by Christ alone” may not appear in the Bible, it is derived from various passages and teachings in the New Testament that emphasise the unique role of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of humanity. Here are some key passages that contribute to the understanding of salvation by Christ alone, as found in Scripture:

  1. Acts 4:12 (NASB): “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given amongst people by which we must be saved.” This verse underscores the exclusivity of Christ as the source of salvation.
  2. John 14:6 (NASB): “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.'” Jesus’ statement highlights that He is the sole means by which individuals can have access to God the Father.
  3. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NASB): “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony at the proper time.” This passage emphasizes the unique role of Jesus Christ as the mediator and the one who gave Himself as a ransom for humanity.

Being saved by Christ alone means that salvation is wholly dependent on one’s faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Saviour, and the only means of reconciliation with God. It excludes any reliance on human works, religious rituals, or any other intermediary for salvation. Faith in Christ alone is the central and indispensable element of a Biblical understanding of salvation.

It’s important to note that while the doctrine of “Christ alone” is a foundational belief within Protestantism, the interpretation and emphasis on this doctrine may vary amongst different Protestant denominations and theological traditions. However, the core idea remains consistent: that salvation is found exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Penalty of Adams Sin

According to the Biblical interpretation of the scripture, the doctrine of original sin explains how mankind became sinners. Original sin is a foundational theological concept in scripture that teaches that all human beings inherit a sinful nature due to the disobedience of Adam, the first human, in the Garden of Eden. Therefore it’s not our personal sin that separates us from God. Here are some key passages and theological principles that support this understanding:

  1. Genesis 2:15-18 NASB: Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it. [16] The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may freely eat; [17] but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for on the day that you eat from it you will certainly die.” [18] Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” It is important to note that God gave the commandment not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to Adam personally. Before He created Eve.
  2. Genesis 3:6-7 (NASB): This passage describes how Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in disobedience to God’s command to Adam. As a result, they realised their nakedness and sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. This act of disobedience is referred to as the “Fall of Man.”
  3. Romans 5:12 (NASB): “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind because all sinned.” This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, explains that through the sin of Adam (the “one man”), sin entered the world, and this sinfulness has been passed down to all human beings.
  4. Romans 3:23 (NASB): “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This verse underscores the universal reality of sin, indicating that all individuals, as descendants of Adam and Eve, have fallen short of God’s glory.
  5. Psalm 51:5 (NASB): “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” This verse from the Psalms reflects the understanding that human beings are born with a sinful nature.

What Made Man-kind Became Sinners?

The doctrine of original sin teaches that because of Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, all human beings are born with a sinful nature. This inherent sinfulness is referred to as a “sin nature” or a “sinful state.” It means that from birth, human beings have a natural tendency to sin because they are separated from God. Therefore, we don’t become a sinner because of anything we have done, but because we are born with a sinful nature, and therefore we naturally sin. The evidence of this is no good parent has to teach their child to lie or steel. In fact a good parent must teach their child not to lie or steel. They do these things automatically.

To address this condition, the bible teaches us the need for personal faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God. This faith, often referred to as “regeneration” or “being born again,” is seen as the means by which individuals can be spiritually reborn and have their sinful nature transformed.

The First Commandment Given to Adam

God gave Adam his first commandment personally, before Eve was created. Note; He did not give Eve the commandment personally. Therefore, the penalty of Adams sin was death. And this death spread to all men. Adams DNA was corrupted, which caused death to be passed on down the generations genetically.

Genesis 2:15-18,20-22 NASB
Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and tend it. [16] The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may freely eat; [17] but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for on the day that you eat from it you will certainly die.” 

God creates Eve
[18] Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” [20] The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him. [21] So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. [22] And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.
The Penalty of Adams Sin Spread to All

Romans 5:12 NASB
Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned—

Adam Sinned Wilfully, But Eve Was Deceived

Genesis 3:1-24 NASB
Now the serpent was more cunning than any animal of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” [2] The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; [3] but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” [4] The serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! [5] For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.” [6] When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. 

[7] Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves waist coverings. [8] Now they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. [9] Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” [10] He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” [11] And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat?” [12] The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me some of the fruit of the tree, and I ate.” [13] Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” 

Adam Was Held Accountable for Violating Gods Commandment

[14] Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all the livestock, And more than any animal of the field; On your belly you shall go, And dust you shall eat All the days of your life; [15] And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel.” [16] To the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you shall deliver children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” 

[17] Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; With hard labor you shall eat from it All the days of your life. [18] “Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; Yet you shall eat the plants of the field; [19] By the sweat of your face You shall eat bread, Until you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.”

The Shadow Of Yeshua’s Sacrifice For Adams Sin

[20] Now the man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. [21] And the Lord God made garments of skin (blood sacrifice) for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. [22] Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might reach out with his hand, and take fruit also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— [23] therefore the Lord God sent him out of the Garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. [24] So He drove the man out; and at the east of the Garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.

The Penalty of Adams sin resulted in the death spreading to all

Romans 5:10-14 NASB
[10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  [11] And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 

The Law Exposes Adams Death

[12] Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned— [13] for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not counted against anyone when there is no law. [14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the violation committed by Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

Through one offence the result was condemnation to all man-kind

Romans 5:15-19 NASB
But the gracious gift is not like the offense. For if by the offense of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many. [16] The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one offense, resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the gracious gift arose from many offenses, resulting in justification. [17] For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. [18] So then, as through one offense the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind. [19] For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

The Reason For The Virgin Birth

This death has been passed down the generations through the male seed, till it got to us. We don’t sin to become a sinner. We sin because we were born with a sinful nature that’s separated from God. The law simply exposes our sinful condition and shows us our need for a Saviour. This was the reason for the virgin birth. If Yeshua had of had a human father, he would have been born with sin like the rest of man-kind.

Galatians 3:19-23 NASB
[19] Why the Law then? It was added on account of the violations, having been ordered through angels at the hand of a mediator, until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. [20] Now a mediator is not for one party only; but God is only one. [21] Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Far from it! For if a law had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. [22] But the Scripture has confined everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. [23] But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, being confined for the faith that was destined to be revealed.

Now that we have laid a foundation which shows us how we became a sinner and have inherited the penalty of Adams sin, we shall move on and have a look at the difference between Law and Grace, and how this effects us spiritually.


THE LAW VS. GRACE

Now we are going to have a look at the difference between the Law and Grace. This is fundimental to understanding Eternal Security. If we don’t build on a sound foundation, we will fall from grace.

We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Romans 9:29-33 NASB
[29] And just as Isaiah foretold: “If the Lord of armies had not left us descendants, We would have become like Sodom, and would have been like Gomorrah.” [30] What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith; 

[31] however, Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. [32] Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though they could by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, [33] just as it is written: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, And the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame.”

The doctrine that we are saved by grace and not by keeping the law is based on several key passages and theological principles. This doctrine is central to Biblical theology and is often summarised as “justification by grace through faith.” Even Israel, who were under the law, failed to keep the law. Here’s why Bible believing Christians hold this belief:

  1. Human Inability to Keep the Law Perfectly: The Bible teaches that all human beings have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). No one can perfectly keep the moral and ceremonial laws outlined in the Old Testament or fulfil God’s standards of righteousness (Romans 3:10). The law reveals our sinfulness but cannot provide the means for salvation.
  2. The Primacy of Grace: God’s grace is unmerited favour and kindness extended to humanity. Ephesians 2:8-9-10 (NASB) emphasizes the importance of grace in salvation: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage highlights that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, and not something earned through works of the law.
  3. The Role of Faith: The Bible teaches that faith is the means by which individuals accept and receive God’s gracious offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. Faith is not a human work or accomplishment; it is a response to God’s grace. Romans 4:5 (NASB) states, “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.”
  4. Redemption Through Christ: The belief in salvation by grace emphasizes the central role of Jesus Christ as the Saviour. He fulfilled the requirements of the law and offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin. Galatians 2:21 (NASB) underscores this: “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” In other words, if righteousness and salvation could be attained by keeping the law, there would have been no need for Christ’s sacrificial death.
  5. Salvation Available to All: The doctrine of salvation by grace through faith highlights that God’s offer of salvation is available to all, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or adherence to the law. It is an inclusive message of hope for all who place their faith in Jesus.

Scripture emphasizes that salvation is a gift freely given by God through His grace, and it is received by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. While good works are important in the Christian life, they are viewed as a response to God’s grace and not the means of earning or maintaining salvation. This doctrine affirms the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross for our redemption.

A true believer in Christ cannot become lost again, after salvation

A true believer in Christ cannot lose their salvation, often referred to as the doctrine of “eternal security” or “perseverance of the saints,” is a prominent truth according to scripture. This is derived from a variety of biblical passages and theological principles. As we have clearly seen from scripture, Yeshua died for the penalty of Adams sin, not just our personal sin. Our personal sin is the result or evidence, of inheriting Adams sin.

Here’s why many Bible believing Christians hold to this truth:

  1. The Unconditional Nature of God’s Promises: According to scripture, God’s promises of salvation are unconditional and not based on human performance. Once an individual places their faith in Jesus Christ, they are eternally secure because their salvation from the penalty of Adams sin is rooted in God’s faithfulness, not their own actions. John 10:28 (NASB) emphasizes the security of believers: “and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
  2. The Work of Christ: The work of Jesus Christ on the cross is sufficient to fully atone for the sins of believers. Because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice, there is no condemnation for those who are in Him (Romans 8:1, NASB). Therefore, no sin can separate a believer from God’s love or revoke their salvation.
  3. The Seal of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit seals believers as a guarantee of their future inheritance. Ephesians 1:13-14 (NASB) supports this idea: “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.”
  4. God’s Faithfulness: The faithfulness of God to complete the work He has started in believers. Philippians 1:6 (NASB) reinforces this concept: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.”
  5. The Assurance of Faith: The doctrine of eternal security also emphasizes that the assurance of salvation is essential for believers to live with confidence and to grow in their relationship with God. Fear of losing your salvation will hinder a believer’s spiritual growth and joy and rob them of God’s grace principle.
  6. Knowing who’s sin we have been saved from when we are Born Again will shape how we interpret other scriptures. It is important to understand how we became a sinner, and who’s sin bought eternal damnation to all the world. When we get a hold of this truth, we will get a deeper revelation of what we have been saved from, and why it was not our sin that seperated us from God. When we understand that it was not our sin that gave us the penalty of sin, we can get a better understanding of why it’s not our sin that seperates us from the love of God after salvation from the penalty of Adam’s sin. Romans 5:10-14

The Law is Powerless to Save Us!

DO YOU BELIEVE GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE FOREVER THOSE WHO COME TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST?

The law can’t make us righteous because it’s powerless and weak. But God has made us righteous through the New Covenant of Grace. It was the law that killed us. But once we have been saved from the penalty of Adams sin, what the law could not do, Christ has done by releasing us from the law sin and death. If we believe we are saved or stay saved by keeping the law, then we nullify grace. It is not our righteousness that saves us. Just like it was not our sin that made us sinners. We need the free gift of His righteousness to be saved forever.

Romans 4:13 NASB 
For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Romans 7:5-9 NASB
[5] For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were brought to light by the Law, were at work in the parts of our body to bear fruit for death. [6] But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. [7] What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.” [8] But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. [9] I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died;

Hebrews 7:23-27 NASB
[23] The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing;  [24] Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. [25] Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. [26] For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens;  [27] who has no daily need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because He did this once for all time when He offered up Himself.

Romans 8:3 NASB
For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
Romans 10:4 NASB
For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Galatians 2:21 NASB
I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Galatians 3:21 NASB
Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Far from it! For if a law had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.

Philippians 3:8-12 NASB
[8] More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, [9] and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, [10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; [11] if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Grace: God’s Unmerited Favour

God’s Grace (unmerited favour) saves us from the PENALTY of Adams sin forever. Therefore mankind does not go to hell because they commit a sin. They are already condemned and on their way to Hell, because of one man’s sin, we all became sinners. However, God has removed the law for all those who believe.

In the Bible, “grace” is a term that carries significant theological and spiritual meaning. Grace is often described as God’s unmerited favor, kindness, and generosity toward humanity. It is a central concept in Christian theology and is frequently mentioned throughout the New Testament.

Grace can be understood in several ways:

  1. Unmerited Favor: Grace is often described as God’s favor and love extended to humanity even though we do not deserve it. It is a gift from God that cannot be earned through good works or human effort.
  2. Forgiveness and Salvation: Grace is closely associated with the forgiveness of sins and the offer of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It is by God’s grace that Christians are saved from the consequences of their sins.
  3. Empowerment: Grace not only pardons sins but also empowers believers to live a life that is pleasing to God. It provides strength, guidance, and the Holy Spirit to help Christians grow in their faith and live according to God’s will.
  4. God’s Love and Mercy: Grace reflects God’s boundless love and mercy toward humanity. It is an expression of God’s character and his desire for a relationship with his creation.

The most famous verse related to grace in the New Testament is found in Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB, which states, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

In summary, grace in the Bible is a fundamental concept that represents God’s unmerited love, forgiveness, and favor toward humanity, offered through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a central aspect of Christian belief and theology.

John 3:17 BSB
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:18 BSB
[18] Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Romans 3:20 BSB
Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

Romans 5:12 BSB
Therefore, just as SIN ENTERED THE WORLD THROUGH ONE MAN, and death through sin, so also death was PASSED ON TO ALL MEN, because all sinned.

Romans 5:13 BSB
For sin was in the world before the law was given; but sin is not taken into account WHEN THERE IS NO LAW.

Romans 5:16 BSB
Again, the gift is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment that followed one sin brought condemnation, but the gift that followed many trespasses brought justification.

Romans 5:17-21 BSB
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an ABUNDANCE OF GRACE and of the GIFT of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

[18] So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men.

[19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. [20] The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, [21] so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We don’t sin to become sinners. We sin because we are born sinners

Jesus did not come to condemn sinners. He came to save all those who would believe the gospel. But saved from what?

It was the penalty of Adam’s sin (which was death), which has been passed down through the male seed to all generations, getting more evil with every passing generation. We have inherited this death at birth, which causes us to sin. Because of this one man’s sin, we all became sinners. The sins we commit are merely the evidence, or the fruit of this death, so that we can know we were already sinners in need of a Saviour. We don’t sin to become a sinner. We sin because we are born a sinner. Because we have received the penalty of Adams sin, death, at conception.

What does the word Salvation mean?

Its important that we understand what the word Salvation means. Salvation is one of the most comprehensive words in scripture. It is written in 3 tenses. Past, present & future. If we don’t understand this, we will confuse the scriptures and misinterpret their meaning. Of course if we are not born again we will never understand scripture.

For those who have been born again…

THE 3 TENSES OF SALVATION.

1. Past: Spirit. We HAVE BEEN saved from the PENALTY of sin once forever, the moment we were born again.

2. Present: Soul. We are BEING SAVED from the POWER of sin throughout our lives, as our minds are being renewed to God’s truth & our life is transformed into His image.

3. Furure: Body. We SHALL BE saved from the PRESENCE of sin when our body dies & we receive our new resurrected body, & go to live with Christ forever in His presence.

Believers are perfect in Christ. That would be impossible if we are still sinners.

  • Our spirit is perfected forever
  • Our soul is being perfected
  • Our flesh shall be perfected

Sin is in our flesh. Influences our soul, but can’t effect our spirit which is in Christ perfected forever.

Romans 8:3 BSB 
For what THE LAW WAS POWERLESS to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, GOD DID by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH, 

Hebrews 7:25 NASB 
Therefore He is also able to SAVE FOREVER those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make INTERCESSION FOR THEM. 

Hebrews 7:27-28 BSB [27] 
Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. [28] For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. 

Would you agree that Yeshua is the love of God? Would you agree that believers are one in Him? Would you agree that Nothing can seperate us from Yeshua?

Romans 8:33-39 BSB  
Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and HE IS INTERCEDING FOR US. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [38] FOR I AM CONVINCED that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, NOR ANYTHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION, WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are one in Christ as He is one in the Father. There is absolutely nothing that can seperate us from Him. Neither life or death. Angels or principalities. Time or power. Heaven or Hell. Nor anything in all creation. Absolutely NOTHING can seperate us from Christ who is Gods love.

God is Speaking to Believers

 Hebrews Chapter 6

Hebrews 6:1-20 NASB
Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, [2] of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. [3] And this we will do, if God permits.

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[4] For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, [5] and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, [6] and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

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[7] For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and produces vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; [8] but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned. [9] But, beloved, we are convinced of better things regarding you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we are speaking in this way.

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[10] For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, by having served and by still serving the saints. [11] And we desire that each one of you demonstrate the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and endurance inherit the promises. [13] For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear an oath by no one greater, He swore by Himself, [14] saying, “indeed I will greatly bless you and I will greatly multiply you.” [15] And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.

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[16] For people swear an oath by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath serving as confirmation is an end of every dispute. [17] In the same way God, desiring even more to demonstrate to the heirs of the promise the fact that His purpose is unchangeable, confirmed it with an oath, [18] so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us. [19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable and one which enters within the veil, [20] where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

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Reach NZ Evangelism Network exists to preach the gospel wherever people are, and to equip God’s people for evangelism. “We are a non profit organization which exist to Network with other Evangelists and Evangelism organisations and resourses, to help equip Churches train their members to evangelize, and run outreaches in their communities”. God has called us to help make disciples by equipping the saints to do the work of evangelism. Our objective is to help you to become equipped to communicate the most powerful message in the world.

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