Even a cursory reading of the Bible will reveal one of its most important doctrines: the assurance of eternal salvation. Considering what is at stake in the matter, we can ill afford to take this doctrine for granted. Sadly, my experiences in evangelical churches indicate to me that it is widely misunderstood. Not only that, many so-called evangelicals seem to go blithely along in life, apparently unaware that they should even question whatever reason they think they have for a blissful eternity.

I have found it a common experience in what are known as evangelical churches that people cling to the notion that all we have to do is "accept the Lord", and PRESTO...all is well and we're on our way to heaven! No need for any real commitment to honor God in every aspect of our lives. All we have to do is make a decision.

I hate to break the news, but basically nothing could be further from the truth. First, this teaching is not found in the Scriptures. Although true faith is a condition for being counted righteous (Rom. 4:5-8), it is a condition which is met by God, not by man (John 6:29; Eph. 2:8-9; 6:23; Phil. 1:29). Those who have true faith, or what the Bible calls a "living" faith, rest on the finished work of Christ, and desire to "walk closely" with Him (Acts 13:38-39; 16:31; I John 2:1-6). Second, it contradicts the Scripture's teaching that eternal salvation is not a result of what people do. Instead, salvation is the result of being made spiritually alive (Eph. 2:1-7). Third, since this teaching contradicts the scriptural doctrine of the assurance of salvation, many people who show no real evidence of spiritual life are often led to believe that they have a saving relationship with Christ because of some "decision" they made. An obvious concern is that evangelical churches may become full of people who are unconverted, yet think they have "a ticket to heaven."

Similar things can be said for those who pin their eternal hope on their water baptism or their church membership. Although these things should accompany true conversion, they ought not to be considered to be causes of conversion, or by themselves to guarantee that all is well.

May God bless you as you seek understanding of this doctrine. For more information on saving faith, try other links on my home page.