Once Saved Always Saved?

TL;DR

• “Once saved always saved” is true in the sense that a person who has truly been regenerated, or born again, by God will certainly remain faithful until death and be saved.
• A person who merely makes a verbal profession of faith but who does not exhibit the fruit of salvation does not lose salvation, but was never saved in the first place.

Introduction

The doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved” is a cornerstone of Christian belief that emphasizes the unshakeable nature of true salvation. This concept posits that an individual who has genuinely experienced regeneration, or being born again through God’s grace, is assured of their salvation and will persevere in faith until death. However, this doctrine also underscores a critical distinction: merely professing faith verbally without the accompanying fruits of salvation does not signify a loss of salvation, but rather, it suggests that true salvation may never have occurred. This article delves into this nuanced understanding, examining how true saving faith manifests in a believer’s life, in accordance with scriptural teachings.

The Nature of True Regeneration

The doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved” hinges on the nature of true regeneration. According to this view, when a person is genuinely regenerated by the Holy Spirit, a profound transformation occurs. This transformation is not just a momentary decision or a mere verbal acknowledgment of faith, but a deep, spiritual rebirth that fundamentally changes the individual’s heart and life.

Scripture provides ample evidence for this transformation. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse suggests that being ‘in Christ’ is not just a statement of belief but a total renewal of one’s nature. Similarly, John 3:3 emphasizes the necessity of being “born again” to see the kingdom of God, indicating a radical change that goes beyond mere words.

This true regeneration is accompanied by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as noted in Ephesians 1:13-14, where believers are described as being marked with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance until redemption. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a key marker of genuine salvation, prompting a life that bears fruit in accordance with godly principles.

The perseverance of the saints, then, is not a perseverance of faith by their own strength but is undergirded by the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 1:6 asserts this confidence: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse underlines the belief that the work of salvation, initiated by God, will be brought to completion by God Himself.

The Evidence of True Faith Through Fruit-Bearing

The second crucial aspect of the “Once Saved, Always Saved” doctrine from this perspective is the manifestation of true faith through the bearing of spiritual fruit. This concept is based on the understanding that while salvation is not earned by works, genuine faith inevitably results in a transformed life that produces godly fruit.

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fruit as evidence of true faith. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus teaches, “By their fruit you will recognize them… Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” This passage highlights that the authenticity of one’s faith is discernible through their actions and character. True believers, transformed by the Holy Spirit, will exhibit qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.

James 2:17 also underscores this principle: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This does not imply that works are a means to salvation, but rather that genuine faith is active and living, naturally producing good works as a reflection of Christ’s transformative influence.

The concept of fruit-bearing as evidence of salvation aligns with the doctrine of perseverance of the saints. It’s understood that those truly regenerated will continue in their faith, not because of their own strength or willpower, but because their faith is a living, dynamic relationship with God that naturally produces good fruit. This ongoing fruit-bearing is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life, affirming the assurance of their salvation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved,” as understood through the lens of true regeneration and the perseverance of the saints, offers a deeply scriptural and theologically sound perspective on the nature of salvation. It asserts that salvation, once genuinely received, is secure and eternal, underscored by the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. This security, however, is not a license for complacency but a call to a life of faith marked by continuous spiritual growth and fruit-bearing. The evidence of a true saving faith is manifested not merely in words but in a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ. This understanding encourages believers to examine their faith and fosters a deeper reliance on God’s grace and sovereignty in the journey of faith.