Here's another well written article on eternal security. I really like this guy. He's a clear communicator and knows his subject well.
link > Is Eternal Security Conditional or Unconditional? | Apologetics Index
link > Is Eternal Security Conditional or Unconditional? | Apologetics Index
1) God created mankind with free will and in spite of the corruption of mankind in the fall, this ability to choose freely remains.
2) This free will is exercised in the faith choice that passively receives grace. If one changes their faith choice they no longer receive grace.
3) The faith involves justification and sanctification. Faith is evidenced by a godly lifestyle and is inseparable from it as a result of the life changing work that faith receives. Those who rebel against God in a hardened and persistent manner depart from the faith and are no longer Christians.
4) The promises God makes concerning the believer are an assurance that He will not change His saving choice but not a declaration that He will make our faith choice for us in perpetuity.
5) None of the descriptions of believers or their life in Christ speaks of unconditional security.
6) God says that Christians can fall away and He repeatedly warns us not to do so.
We need not live in dread that one day we will slip and “lose” God’s free gift. The New Testament is realistic in observing that we will not achieve sinless perfection until we are glorified with Christ in the next life. This, however, should be of no comfort for those who depart from the faith. Christians are sternly warned not to turn their back on the savior and reject Him through leaving the faith that received Him and His grace to begin with. Only those who continue in the faith continue to receive saving grace.
2) This free will is exercised in the faith choice that passively receives grace. If one changes their faith choice they no longer receive grace.
3) The faith involves justification and sanctification. Faith is evidenced by a godly lifestyle and is inseparable from it as a result of the life changing work that faith receives. Those who rebel against God in a hardened and persistent manner depart from the faith and are no longer Christians.
4) The promises God makes concerning the believer are an assurance that He will not change His saving choice but not a declaration that He will make our faith choice for us in perpetuity.
5) None of the descriptions of believers or their life in Christ speaks of unconditional security.
6) God says that Christians can fall away and He repeatedly warns us not to do so.
We need not live in dread that one day we will slip and “lose” God’s free gift. The New Testament is realistic in observing that we will not achieve sinless perfection until we are glorified with Christ in the next life. This, however, should be of no comfort for those who depart from the faith. Christians are sternly warned not to turn their back on the savior and reject Him through leaving the faith that received Him and His grace to begin with. Only those who continue in the faith continue to receive saving grace.