11/26/05—
‘Notes on ‘Eternal Security, Cheap Grace, & Free Will’ (STR)’:
What do some Christians find offensive? The concept of ‘once saved always saved’—they feel it takes away a human’s freedom of choice.
Why does it take away choice? Because once we join God, we cannot choose to leave, no how badly we sin or backslide. We’re ‘puppets on a string.’
What is another issue that is often mentioned? Many feel that eternal security for backsliders cheapens God’s grace.
Where is our position in regards to free will? How free are we? Anyone who commits sin is a slave to it. It’s like a dying man who does not have the freedom to be well.
Whose choice is security based on? God’s.
What is salvation based on? It‘s based on God starting and completing the process of salvation. What part do we play? The reception of God’s invitation.
Neither God’s capacity for choice, nor ours is limited by eternal salvation. If he’s offended, he can forgive because he’s the one offended.
How badly must we sin or backslide to lose our salvation? First, refer to what Paul says about forgiveness and salvation in Romans.
How does it say we’re saved? Well, it says that we’re not saved by works. On the contrary, we’re damned by works, as no one can do one’s works perfectly.
How then are we saved? By God’s grace.
How much sin can God forgive? There’s only one that he can’t forgive, one that one is not likely to make if one is saved. All others he can forgive, even crimes committed by the likes Jeffrey Dahmer.
Can God choose not to forgive? No. He told us he would.
If Jeffrey Dahmer can be forgiven, then what does that say about us? That certainly our lesser sins can also be forgived?
How is it that we’re able to choose God? Because he enables us to.
What is our salvation based on? Not works, but on his faithfulness.