Satan’s Great Lie: Once Saved, Always Saved

Once saved, always saved (“OSAS”) or sometimes called the Doctrine of Eternal Security, is a doctrine that permeates Christianity.  Many so-called “giants” of the Christian faith espouse this doctrine.  So what is the doctrine of OSAS?  It is a guarantee from the Almighty that once the gift of salvation is possessed, defined as when a person receives Christ into his heart by faith, this gift of salvation cannot be lost.

 

OSAS proponents believe the receiving of Christ into believers’ heart is a one-time mental event and no works or human conduct of any kind are required to receive salvation.  Good works that believers do after receiving salvation, including water baptism (1), are merely a sign that believers have already been saved.  Those espousing OSAS explain away believers’ departure from the faith by saying that they never really received salvation in the first place.  That is, they never truly received Christ into their heart by faith.

 

Let us look at the doctrine of OSAS to see if it is Scriptural.  Based on this doctrine, once someone receives Christ into their hearts by faith, that believer receives the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which is the seal of salvation (Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30).  Therefore, the promise of entering the Kingdom of Yahweh cannot be taken away and all current believers are waiting for is the entrance into the Kingdom of Yahweh. As a side note, receiving salvation in Scriptures is equivalent to entering the Kingdom of Yahweh (see Matthew 7:21, 13:37-43, 18:1-5, Acts 14:21-22, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and Galatians 5:19-21).

 

But this doctrine contradicts many Scriptures which tell us that somewhere between the initial belief in Messiah and the entrance to the Kingdom of Yahweh, saints can fall away and not receive salvation.  We will review the Scriptures that clearly show this.

 

The first Scripture to show that saints can fall away is the Parable of the Sower.  There are two types of believers in the parable who believe for a while, but fall away and bring no fruit (i.e. good works) to perfection.

 

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of Yahweh.   12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.   13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.   14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. (Also see Matthew 13:18-23 and Mark 4:14-20)

 

(1) Water Baptism is part of the salvation plan.  For more information on this topic, please read “Does a believer need to be baptized for salvation?”

 

In fact, falling away from Yahweh after believing is somewhat commonplace in the Scriptures.

 

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;   2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

 

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;   4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Sovereign Yahweh Messiah, and by our gathering together unto him,   2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Messiah is at hand.   3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

 

Believers are likened to salt that can possibly lose its saltiness and virgins whose lamps may run out of oil.  And as we read in Matthew 25 verse 8, the five foolish virgins (i.e. believers) at one-time had oil (i.e. Holy Spirit) in their lamps, but the oil ran out and their lamps went out.

 

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

 

Luke 14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?   35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

 

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.   2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.   3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:   4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.   5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.   6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.   7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.   8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.   9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.   10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.   11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Sovereign, Sovereign, open to us.   12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.   13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

 

The book of Revelation is written to saints (Revelation 1:1, 4, 11).  Yet, the same would have to overcome by being faithful to YahwehShua to the time of their physical death or the second coming of Messiah.   Yahweh warns believers in the book of Revelation to be faithful to the end so they will not be hurt by the second death, another name for the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8).  Those who go to the Lake of Fire do not receive salvation, that is, they don’t enter the Kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Therefore, the need to be faithful to the end implies that some will not be faithful to the end and will not receive salvation.   One term Yahweh uses to describe believers who endure to the end is the “called, chosen, and faithful”.  Therefore not everyone that is called and chosen (i.e. initially believed) will be faithful to the end!

 

Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Sovereign of sovereigns, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

 

Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the assemblies; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of Yahweh.

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.   11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the assemblies; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

 

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his El, and he shall be my son.   8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

And as we read in Revelation 3:5, those who overcome to the end will not have their names blotted out of the Book of Life by Yahweh.  So it is clear that believers’ names in the Book of Life can be blotted out.

 

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.   6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the assemblies.

 

The Scriptures are clear about believers needing to finish the race, endure to the end, and through much tribulation enter the Kingdom of Yahweh.  Why would believers need to finish the race and endure to the end if their salvation was guaranteed?

 

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

 

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 

Luke 9:62 And Yah’shua said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Matthew 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.   22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (Also see Mark 13:13)

 

Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living Elohim.   13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  14 For we are made partakers of Messiah, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

 

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which Yahweh hath promised to them that love him.

 

Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the evangel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,   22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Proponents of OSAS base their false doctrine on very few Scriptures with John 10:27-29 being their main Scripture.

 

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:   28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.   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.

 

Yes, based on this Scripture, believers can feel secure with Messiah since He cannot fail and His promises are guaranteed.  But understand there is a difference between saint’s free will actions that can lead to falling away and the guaranteed promises of the Father and the Son.  Just as a believer, through their free will given by Yahweh, can come into the faith, by the same free will they may depart from the faith.  These verses in John are explaining that no one, Satan or any other being, can snatch a believer out of the Father’s hand, but saints may leave of their own accord.

 

The apostle Paul clearly states in his letter to the assembly at Philippi that he has not attained the resurrection (i.e. final salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of Yahweh) and therefore must press forward to receive Yahweh’s prize.  And in the letter to the assembly at Corinth, Paul discusses his need to run the race so he would not be cast away.  Again, these are direct contradictions to the teaching of OSAS.

 

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;   11 If by any means I (i.e. Paul) might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.   12 Not as though I (i.e. Paul) had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Messiah Yahweh.   13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,   14 I (i.e. Paul) press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Yahweh in Messiah Yahweh.

 

1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.   25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.   26 I (i.e. Paul) therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:   27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself (i.e. Paul) should be a castaway.

 

Why would anyone have to work out their salvation with fear and trembling or be diligent to make their election sure if there was nothing to lose?

 

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

 

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

 

Let us be clear about Yahweh’s Word.  Salvation does not come from a one-time mental belief.  Yahweh only gives His Holy Spirit (i.e. the seal of salvation) to those who obey Him continuously.

 

Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh hath given to them that obey him.

 

Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

 

Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of Yahweh, and do it.

 

It is also very clear from Scriptures that believers can quench or lose the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.  We have already read about those whose salt loses its savor and those whose lamps run out of oil.  We see those who fall away in times of temptation and because of the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, bring forth no fruit unto perfection.  It is also clear from Scriptures that once believers quench the Holy Spirit, it cannot be renewed.

 

2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Sovereign and Saviour YahwehShua Messiah, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.   21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.   22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

 

Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,   5 And have tasted the good word of Yahweh, and the powers of the world to come,   6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of Yahweh afresh, and put him to an open shame.   7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from Yahweh:   8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

 

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,   27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.   28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:   29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of Yahweh, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?   30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith Yahweh. And again, Yahweh shall judge his people.   31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living Elohim.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.   17 Pray without ceasing.   18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of Yahweh in Messiah YahwehShua concerning you.   19 Quench not the Spirit.

 

Salvation requires continually obeying Yahweh’s Word until the end.  Note that the following Scriptures show that believers who turn to a life of sin (i.e. repetitive sin), don’t receive salvation in the end.  There are no exceptions for believers who at one time in the past received Christ into their hearts through faith.

 

Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;   42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

 

John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

 

Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:   8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

 

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,   10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,   20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,   21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh.

 

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.   9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.   15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.   16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

 

Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Messiah and of Yahweh.   6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of Yahweh upon the children of disobedience.   7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

 

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

 

1 John 3:10 In this the children of Yahweh are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of Yahweh, neither he that loveth not his brother.

15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

 

Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:   15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of Yahweh, and that the Spirit of Yahweh dwelleth in you?   17 If any man defile the temple of Yahweh, him shall Yahweh destroy; for the temple of Yahweh is holy, which temple ye are.

 

The problem with OSAS is it perverts Yahweh’s basic formula for salvation, which is actually faith plus good works (i.e. obeying Yahweh’s Word).  Yes, works alone do not save by themselves.  There are philanthropists and humanitarians who do many good works that Yahweh commands believers to do.  But they don’t obey all of Yahweh’s commandments, including the salvation plan.  They will not receive salvation.  James states so clearly that “faith without works (i.e. obeying Yahweh’s commandments) is dead”.

 

Therefore the basic formula for salvation is not an either-or formula of faith equals salvation and works does not equal salvation.  Salvation is faith with works.  As James clearly writes “faith if it has not works is dead”!  Did you know that “the devil also believes and trembles”!  Selah  (i.e. think about it).  Therefore a one-time belief with no on-going works of obedience is not enough for a person to receive salvation.

 

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.   18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.   19 Thou believest that there is one Elohim; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.   20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

 

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

The big problem with the OSAS doctrine is that it ignores multitudinous Scriptures.  Yahweh clearly warns believers in both the Old and New Testaments not to take away from His Word.

 

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, Yahweh shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:   19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, Yahweh shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

 

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh.

 

Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Yahweh your Elohim which I command you.

 

The OSAS doctrine also demonstrates a misunderstanding of the Greek words for “believe” and “faith”.  The Greek word #4100 “pisteuo” is translated in English as “believe” while the Greek word #3982 “pistis” is translated in English as “faith”.  The Greek word “pisteuo” is derived from the Greek word “pistis”.

 

The more interesting fact is the understanding of the Greek language pertaining to these two Greek words.  These Greek words can be translated in a continuous tense, which means these words are active. The understanding of these Greek words as continuous or active contradicts the concept of a one-time belief in the evangel.

 

Therefore to be congruent with Scriptures, the words “believe” and “faith” involves more than a one-time mental thought or confession.  An on-going oath to follow Messiah by being obedient to His Word is necessary.  That would be all of His Word, not some of it.  We cannot take away from the Scriptures.

 

Over and over in the Scriptures, the salvation plan commands faith with works.

 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yahweh Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?   17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, Yahweh: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.   18 He saith unto him, Which? Yah’shua said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,   19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  (Also see Mark 10:17-19)

 

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;   6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience righteousness;   7 And to righteousness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.   8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Sovereign Yahweh Messiah.   9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.   10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

 

Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before Elohim, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

 

Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.   36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of Yahweh, ye might receive the promise.

 

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Sovereign, Sovereign shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (Also see Luke 6:46)

 

These Scriptures are clear about the need to obey Yahweh’s commandments.  Solomon writes that the whole duty of man is to fear (i.e. respect) Yahweh and keep His commandments.  And we read in the revelation of YahwehShua that those who are allowed to enter the gates of New Jerusalem are those who kept Yahweh’s commandments!

 

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Elohim, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

 

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

 

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of Yahweh abideth for ever.

 

OSAS adherents understand that the law and the prophets culminate in love but they don’t understand that obeying all of Yahweh’s commandments is a necessary expression of that love.

 

Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,   36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?   37 Yah’shua said unto him, Thou shalt love Yahweh thy Elohim with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.   38 This is the first and great commandment.   39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.   40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

OSAS adherents should ask “What is Yahweh’s definition of love?”  Most believe that love is an emotion and that love is connected with helping people in need.  This is part of love, but not the full comprehension of Yahweh’s love.  What is missing is loving Yahweh by obeying all His Commandments!

 

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of Yahweh, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

 

2 John 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.   6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

 

Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth Yahweh thy Elohim require of thee, but to fear Yahweh thy Elohim, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Yahweh thy Elohim with all thy heart and with all thy soul,   13 To keep the commandments of Yahweh, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

 

1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.   5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of Yahweh perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

 

John 14:23 Yah’shua answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

 

Let us look at the OSAS doctrine another way.  It is clear from the following Scriptures that Yahweh’s promises can be conditional based on our free will actions.  Therefore believers do not have an unconditional promise of salvation after a one time mental belief of receiving Christ into one’s heart.

 

Ezekiel 18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.   25 Yet ye say, The way of Sovereign is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?   26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.  

 

Jeremiah 18:7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;   8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.   9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;   10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.

 

Ezekiel 33:13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.

 

The following Scriptures are very interesting in that they have an “if” in every consideration of salvation, again making Yahweh’s promises of salvation conditional on our free will actions.

 

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Yahweh Messiah his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

 

1 John 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

 

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

 

John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

 

John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.

 

Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of Yahweh: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

 

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

 

Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Messiah, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

 

2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

 

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 

John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

 

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

 

Deuteronomy 28:9 Yahweh shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of Yahweh thy Elohim, and walk in his ways.

 

Saints need to make every effort to obey Yahweh’s Word to enter the straight and narrow way that leads to salvation.

 

Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

 

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

 

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of Yahweh: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the evangel of Yahweh?   18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the unrighteous and the sinner appear?

 

Why all the confusion on this topic?  Yahweh is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), but Satan is.  All this confusion is Satan’s way to disarm Christians into thinking they don’t really need to continuously obey all of Yahweh’s commandments because their salvation cannot be taken away from them.  It serves as a green light to Christians to give into their carnal natures and not to walk in the Spirit.  Scriptures tell us that walking in the Spirit is contrary to man’s carnal nature.

 

Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against Yahweh: for it is not subject to the law of Yahweh, neither indeed can be.   8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please Yahweh.

 

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.   17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

 

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of Yahweh: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 

Did you know that salvation is given to those who do not give into the flesh? The apostle Paul clearly states that if saints walk by the Holy Spirit and not by their carnal nature, there is no condemnation (i.e. no second death).

 

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah Yahweh, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.   

 

OSAS perpetuates the “Easy Believe” doctrine that permeates Christianity.  This doctrine of salvation does not get any easier than a one-time belief of receiving Christ into one’s heart by faith.  This “Easy Believe” doctrine emphasizes that believers are not saved by any works indicating that works are not required.  Yes, works alone do not give believers salvation but as already discussed it is faith with works that gives one salvation.  As James clearly writes “I will show you my faith by my works”,  “faith without works is dead”, and the “devil also believes and trembles”.

 

Many blindly follow the OSAS doctrine thinking their leaders (i.e. elders and ministers) in their religious organization are good people doing good work.  And that those leaders have studied the Scriptures all their lives.  But there have been false teachers since the beginning powered by Satan and his dominion.

 

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Messiah. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his (Satan) ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.   18 For they that are such serve not our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

 

Galatians 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Messiah unto another evangel:   7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the evangel of Messiah.

 

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying YahwehShua that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.   2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.   3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

 

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 

Satan is in charge of this world, deceives the whole world, and is the father of lies. Satan and his dominion since the beginning have been distorting the meaning of the Scriptures (see 2 Peter 3:16).

 

John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.  (also see John 14:30, and 16:11)

 

2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our evangel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:   4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious evangel of Messiah, who is the image of Elohim, should shine unto them.

 

Revelation12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

 

1 John 5:19 We know that we are of Yahweh, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one (NKJ).

 

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of Yahweh, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.   12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  

 

And Satan reigns with lies and deceptions, encouraging mankind to fulfill its lusts.

 

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he (Satan) is a liar, and the father of it.

 

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;   2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:   3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires 

of the flesh and of the mind;

 

Still not convinced that believers can lose their salvation?  We have already discussed the Parable of the Sower.  Let us look at three other parables that clearly show saints can lose their salvation.  Let us start with the Parable of the Faithful and Wise Steward.  This parable shows how a faithful servant could turn into an unfaithful one.

 

Luke 12:42 And the Sovereign said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?   43 Blessed is that servant, whom his master when he cometh shall find so doing.   44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.   45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My master delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;   46 The master of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

 

Here is an excellent example how the Sovereign YahwehShua punished a faithful servant who had fallen away with unbelievers.  Messiah is talking about a man whom He had considered faithful enough to trust with heavy responsibilities.  Undoubtedly, this servant represents those who carefully served YahwehShua as true believers but at some point fell away.

 

Let us look at another parable of Messiah that refutes OSAS.  The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant spotlights the fact that continued forgiveness of others is required for salvation.

 

Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.   24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.   25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Sovereign commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.   26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Sovereign, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.   27 Then the Sovereign of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.   28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.   29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.   30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.   31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their Sovereign all that was done.   32 Then his Sovereign, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:   33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?   34 And his master was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.   35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

 

No one can deny the obvious teaching of this parable.  Even though YahwehShua had initially forgiven His servant, that forgiveness is not without conditions.  And if those conditions are not met, that forgiveness and therefore salvation is taken away!

 

Another interesting parable that refutes OSAS is The Parable of the Two Sons.

 

Matthew 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.   29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.   30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.   31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Yah’shua saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of Yahweh before you.

 

It is clear the son who ended up working in his father’s vineyard did the will of his father not the son who initially said he would and didn’t.  Therefore works is required to do the will of our Father not just a one-time belief.

 

So how can believers fall away, quench the Holy Spirit, and lose their salvation?  It is clear that even with the Holy Spirit, believers continue to sin because of their carnal natures.  So we are not taking about quenching the Holy Spirit and losing one’s salvation after a single sin.  Even the great apostle Paul sinned and discussed how difficult it is to control our carnal nature which is contrary to Yahweh’s law.

 

Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.   20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.   21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.   22 For I delight in the law of Yahweh after the inward man:   23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.   24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?   25 I thank Yahweh through YahwehShua Messiah our Sovereign. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of Yahweh; but with the flesh the law of sin.

 

The way that believers quench the Holy Spirit and lose salvation is by continually, willfully sinning against the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 10:26 and 2 Peter 2:20-21)).  Yes, there are sins of ignorance.  The Bible tells us that these sins will not quench the Spirit.  But when believers continually, willfully know to do good but don’t, they risk quenching the Spirit.

 

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

Scriptures are clear that saints can lose the gift of the Holy Spirit and their salvation.  So believers need to strengthen the Holy Spirit that is within them.  They do this by prayer, Bible study, meditation of Yahweh’s Word, repenting of sin, and doing good works, that is obeying all of Yahweh’s commandments.

 

If they do very little to strengthen the Holy Spirit including continually, willfully sinning, then the Spirit becomes weak and they risk quenching the Spirit.  And if the Holy Spirit dwelling in them is weak, this opens the door to Satan who “walks around like a roaring lion looking to devour” the weak in Spirit.  Scriptures tell us that believers must be “sober” and “vigilant” in order to avoid being devoured by Satan.

 

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

 

Another requirement for keeping the Holy Spirit and one’s salvation is that believers must bear some fruit that is good works.  Remember good works come from obeying Yahweh’s commandments.  Otherwise Scriptures tell us they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire and will not receive salvation.  Remember, that the root is Messiah and believers are the branches.  And if believers don’t bear fruit, their branches may be broken off and they will not be spared just as the Israelites were not spared.

 

Romans 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;   18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.   19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.   20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:   21 For if Yahweh spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 

 

Luke 13:6 He (i.e. Messiah) spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.   7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?   8 And he answering said unto him, Sovereign, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:   9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

 

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.   2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.   3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.   4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.   5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.   6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

 

Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from Yahweh:   8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

 

It is interesting to note that the evidence of true belief in Scriptures is continually bearing fruit.  That is good works by obeying Yahweh’s commandments.  A one-time belief about Messiah is not enough!  And continuing with the Parable of the Sower, only one class will receive salvation, the ones who received the seed (i.e. believed) and brought forth much fruit!!!

 

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

 

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.   16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?   17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.   18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.   19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.   20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.   2 But his delight is in the law of Yahweh; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.   3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

 

So how much fruit must saint’s bear?  Is there a magic number of fruit to enter the Kingdom of Yahweh?  Scriptures are clear that believers cannot compare themselves with others.  Yahweh has given us all different gifts.  Some have received many gifts.  Those who received many gifts, many good works are required.  Those who received few gifts, less is required.  But what we do see is that saints must multiply their talents or gifts if they want to be part of Yahweh’s Kingdom.  This is clear as we read the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Pounds.

 

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.   15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.   16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.   17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.   18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his master’s money.  19 After a long time the master of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.   20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Master, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.   21 His master said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy master.   22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Master, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.   23 His master said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy master.   24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Master, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:   25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.   26 His master answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:   27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.   28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.   29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.   30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of Yahweh should immediately appear.   12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.   13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.   14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.   15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.   16 Then came the first, saying, Sovereign, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.   17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.   18 And the second came, saying, Sovereign, thy pound hath gained five pounds.   19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.   20 And another came, saying, Sovereign, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:   21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.   22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:   23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?   24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.   25 (And they said unto him, Sovereign, he hath ten pounds.)   26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.   27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

 

Luke 12:48………..For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more (NKJ).

 

Matthew 13:23 “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

 

Based on all the Scriptures that have been covered, believers’ salvation is certainly conditional even though saints have a secure position in Messiah.  Saints need to understand that there is a difference.  Believers’ conditional salvation is based on man’s freewill to choose good or evil.  On the other hand Messiah’s promises are guaranteed (John 10:27-29).  He cannot fail.

 

To enable believers not to fall away, quench the Holy Spirit, and lose their salvation, saints must keep their faith by continuously bearing fruit (i.e. good works).  Remember good works are accomplished  by keeping Yahweh’s commandments.  They need to be sure they are multiplying the gifts that Yahweh has given them.  And lastly, they cannot continually, willfully sin, that is to know to do good, but not do it.

 

Believers must finish the race that Yahweh has set before them and endure to the end.  Remember the gate is narrow and saints need to make their calling and election sure.

 

1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

 

HalleluYah

(8-14a)