The once saved always saved doctrine (e.g. OSAS) teaches that once someone has been saved they can never fall away or “fall from grace.” This argument usually stems from an absolute position regarding God’s sovereignty. The reasoning goes something like:
If God is sovereign (which He is), and God wants all to be saved (which He does), then there is literally nothing that can thwart His will, including man’s own will or desire.
The once saved always saved doctrine permeates throughout modern Christian thought and practice. It is a tenant of Calvinism (Perseverance of the Saints) and Reformed theology.
How Scripture answers "Top 3: Scripture challenges to once saved always saved?"
Our top three passages challenging the once saved always saved doctrine are:
- Jesus’ parable of the sower1 clearly refutes a ‘once saved always saved’ concept in two of the four circumstances.
- The entire book of Hebrews and in particular two passages2,3 serving as capstones for the entire letter. It/they plainly warn of the danger of a Christian falling away. In essence, the book of Hebrews would need to be thrown out if once saved always saved were true.
- God’s rejection of His chosen people4 due to their disobedience directly contradicts OSAS. It’s meant to serve as an example5 for Christians today, and yet this false doctrine flies right in the face of that!
This list could be longer, including many other statements by Jesus. Additionally, the once saved always saved doctrine is challenged by the Bible’s very definition of salvation and clear teaching regarding man’s free will.
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