Introduction
There seems to be a growing trend among Christians to deny that Christians can be sure whether they are saved - or will remain so - until they die. Is it true, "once saved always saved" or can we lose our salvation through disobedience or unbelief? Theologically, this doctrine has been referred to as the perseverance of the saints or security of the believer.
Salvation
Before we can examine whether a believer can be secure in his salvation, we need to understand how we are saved according to the Bible. In many religions it is believed that a person goes to heaven if one's good deeds outweigh ones bad deeds. However, the Bible says that sins (bad deeds) keep a person out of heaven,1 regardless of good deeds, since God is completely without sin and cannot have fellowship with a sinner.2 When Jesus first taught this concept, the disciples were astonished and asked "Who then can be saved?"3 Jesus' response was "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26) So, the Bible says that salvation is a work of God,4 based upon belief in Jesus Christ.5 Although the concept of belief seems simple and straightforward, it involves more than just an acknowledgement that Jesus existed in history, since even the demons "believe":
Quote:
Always Saved?
I put up this page in response to the overwhelming number of pages refuting the idea of eternal security on the web. If you are an eternal security skeptic, please read the entire page before emailing me. Thank you!
I put up this page in response to the overwhelming number of pages refuting the idea of eternal security on the web. If you are an eternal security skeptic, please read the entire page before emailing me. Thank you!
Rich Deem
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. (James 2:19)
The difference between a true believer and a demon is that although the demon mentally understands the concept, he rejects the lordship of Jesus Christ. Likewise, a "Christian" who responded to an altar call in 1982, but isn't following Jesus isn't really a believer. The New Testament qualifies the definition of a believer as being one who has faith in Jesus Christ.6 Faith is more than merely having some knowledge about the facts surrounding the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said that those who truly believed in Him would "take up his cross" and follow Him.7 The Bible calls into question the "belief" of anyone who is not following Jesus as Lord. Another sign of a true believer is that the believer does not practice sin (live in a state of continual sin),8 although we are not completely without sin.9
At least part of the controversy about the security of the believer has to do with the definition of a true believer. Many critics of "once saved always saved" object to what they call "easy beliefism." Much of the emphasis in Christian evangelism is on the "altar call" or "revival meeting." Although some people can be saved through such activities, many are caught up in the emotion of the moment and do not really believe. Then they wonder why their lives have not changed. It is clear from the Bible that the true believer is transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.10
Why the believer has assurance of salvation
Once we have defined who a true believer is we can show why such an individual can be assured of their salvation. The Bible says quite clearly that we can know that we have eternal life:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
Although this is the strongest verse telling us that we can know that we have eternal life, it is not the only biblical evidence. The Bible also says we can know that
we are children of God11
we are in Christ12
the Holy Spirit lives in us13
we have passed from death to life14
we will be raised with Jesus15
we will go to heaven16
we will receive a glorious inheritance17
we will be rewarded by Jesus18
If it is true that we cannot know for sure if we are saved, how can we know all these other things, which are dependent upon salvation?
Called, chosen, predestined, sealed, heirs
The Bible makes numerous claims that believers have been chosen and called by God and predestined to be His heirs. I am listing all these verses in the text below (rather than in the references section) so that you get an appreciation of how prevalent these teachings are. In other words, these are not "one verse" ideas.
Children of God
First, the Bible indicates that believers are children of God:
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (Romans 8:16)
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, (Galatians 3:26)
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:6-7)
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Hebrews 2:9-10)
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." (Hebrews 12:5-6)
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3:1)
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:10)
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. (1 John 5:19)
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- (John 1:12)
To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where God disowns one of His children.
Predestined for salvation
The Bible also indicates that believers have been predestined, even before the creation of the world:
Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." (Matthew 20:23)
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (Matthew 25:34)
but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared." (Mark 10:40)
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)
For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:2-3)
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)
What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory-- (Romans 9:23)
but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; (1 Corinthians 2:7)
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- (1 Corinthians 2:9)
he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- (Ephesians 1:5)
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, (Ephesians 1:11)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:16)
To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where God unpredestines a believer.
Heirs of God
In addition, the Bible indicates that believers are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, according to the promises of God:
Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:7)
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:6)
whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:6-7)
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. (Hebrews 6:17)
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)
To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where God disinherits a believer. Please cite one verse where God breaks a promise.
Called by God
The Bible also says that believers are called by God:
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. (John 10:27-29)
The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. [Psalms 121:7-8]
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 6:37)
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:39)
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [Romans 8:28]
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2)
but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24)
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife... hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 5:1, 5)
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. [2 Corinthians 4:17-18]
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. (1 Thessalonians 4:7)
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3-4)
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:4-6)
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, [Ephesians 1:18]
Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: (Jude 1:1)
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14)
The Bible says God's call is irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)19 To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where God uncalls a believer.
Chosen by God
The Bible also indicates that believers are chosen by God:
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (Ephesians 1:11-13)
If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. (Mark 13:20)
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? (Luke 18:7)
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (John 15:16)
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19)
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. (Romans 8:33)
So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. (Romans 11:5)
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (James 2:5)
who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. (1 Peter 1:2)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14)
"For many are invited, but few are chosen." (Matthew 22:14)
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14)
To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where God unchooses a believer.
Sealed by God
The Bible also says believers are sealed by God for redemption:
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (Ephesians 1:13)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." (2 Timothy 2:19)
To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where God unseals a believer.
Glorified by God
The Bible says that believers will be glorified after death:
Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)
encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12)
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:4)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (1 Peter 5:10)
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)
He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10)
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where God unglorifies a believer.
Born again, new creature
The Bible says that once one believes, one becomes born again:
Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)
"Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' (John 3:7)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3)
for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Ephesians 4:23-24)
To the eternal security skeptic: Please cite one verse in the Bible where a believer can be unborn again.
Over 80 verses, from virtually every New Testament book indicates that the believer is predestined, called, chosen, and sealed as a child of God to be an heir with Christ for glorification in heaven. The idea that believers can never have assurance of their salvation is something that is refuted over and over in the Bible.
Eternal Life
Throughout the Bible are promises of eternal life to believers. None of these verses indicate that one can lose the eternal life that God promises:
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matthew 19:29)
"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. (Mark 10:29-30)
"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life." (Luke 18:29-30)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36)
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)
And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. (John 6:39)
For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:40)
For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:2-3)
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. [Acts 13:47-48]
The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:20-21)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1)
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [Galatians 6:8]
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)
a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, (Titus 1:2)
he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7)
See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us--even eternal life. (1 John 2:24-25)
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:11-13)
Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 1:21)
In John 5:24 above, Jesus says that a believer "has crossed over from death to life." Nowhere does the Bible say that a believer can cross back to death. In John 6:39, Jesus said He would "lose none" of those the Father gave Him. Was Jesus lying? Acts 13:48 says that believers have been "appointed for eternal life." Nowhere does the Bible say a believer can become unappointed. In Titus 1:2, Paul tells us that God promised eternal life "before the beginning of time." The promise is tied to God's inability to lie. In Titus 3:5-7, Paul tells us that believers undergo "rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Nowhere does the Bible say a believer can be unreborn or unrenewed. John tells us in 1 John 5:11-13 that we can know we have eternal life. If it's true that we can lose our salvation, why does John say that we can know we have eternal life? Dozens of other verses explain how believers can earn rewards in heaven by doing good works on earth20 (although such works do not get one into heaven). If we can lose our salvation, what happens to all those rewards we had supposedly earned?
Can one lose salvation through sin?
The Bible indicates that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.21 This means that no sin a believer commits can result in condemnation or loss of salvation. What about "believers" who live in a continual state of sin? Such individuals are hypocrites and not believers at all. The Bible indicates that believers do not practice sin on a routine basis.8 A direct example of a believer falling into sin, but still retaining his salvation is given by Paul:
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife... hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 5:1, 5)
Paul indicates that the man was committing incest with his father's wife (mother?), yet Paul was still confident that his spirit would be saved. So, a true believer cannot lose his salvation through sin.
Can one lose salvation through unbelief?
There is one sin that the Bible indicates is unforgivable - blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.22 The context states that the Pharisees had accused Jesus of doing miracles through the power of Satan, instead of the power of the Holy Spirit. Hence, attributing the works of God to Satan is an unforgivable sin, being in essence, complete unbelief. In fact, unbelief is the only sin that cannot be forgiven. Can a true believer fall into unbelief? According to all the verses list previously, the answer is no. The Bible says believers will persevere, even in the face of extreme opposition.23 Numerous atheists have claimed to have gone from being believers to unbelievers. It is difficult to confirm that these individuals were, in fact, true believers. Several atheists have written to me making such a claim. However, upon making further inquires of them, it has been clear that they never truly understood what faith meant, and never had any kind of experience with the Holy Spirit. So, I have never been able to confirm that a true believer has ever gone into unbelief. Even if they did, we would not know if they came back to faith later in their lives.
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 1:8]
Loss of salvation in Bible?
Dozens of websites claim that the believer does not have any security for salvation. This is a summary and rebuttal to their arguments. One of their main complaints is that the doctrine of eternal security might lead to licentiousness (increased sinning). However, those who value sin above Jesus are not real believers anyway. My contention is that those kinds of people would practice sin whether or not they believed in eternal security. So, the claim that the doctrine of eternal security might lead to licentiousness is a red herring. Here are their other arguments.
Parable of the sower
The parable of the sower has been used by eternal security skeptics as proof that eternal security does not exist, since Jesus indicates that at least one group "fell away."24 However, if this were a parable about salvation, then there should be only two groups (saved versus not saved) instead of four, as in the parable. The first group does not even understand the gospel message, hence doesn't believe.25 The second group hears the word of God and "receives it with joy," but falls away because of "trouble or persecution."24 The third group hears the word but produces no fruit since they are more concerned about wealth and worries of life.26 Unbelievers are able to recognize the goodness of the gospel, and may play the religion game while there is no cost to them. Both the second and third groups fall into this category. Neither group produces any fruit. It would be quite a stretch saying that these groups represent true believers. True believers always produce some fruit (although the amount of fruit can vary considerably). Since the "seed" in the parable is the preaching of the gospel, it is clear that none of the first three groups ever preached the gospel to others. So, it is quite clear that none of these people were true believers at any point before they "fell away."
Matthew 7:21
In Matthew 7:21, Jesus says that not all who call Him Lord will go to heaven, "but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."27 If we continue reading, we find out what Jesus is talking about. Some of these people who call Jesus "Lord, Lord" are actually practicing evil. The NIV calls them "evildoers" while the NASB says they "practice lawlessness." Either way you translate it, these people are pretending to be followers of Jesus while they continually practice evil deeds. So, these people are not backsliding Christians, but unbelievers who were never truly saved.
Matthew 24:10
In His description of the Great Tribulation, Jesus says in Mathew 24:10 says that "many will turn away from the faith."28 Although it seems at first glance to be a pretty clear description of believers losing their salvation, it is really a description similar to that found in the parable of the sower (discussed above), in which unbelievers playing the religion game fall away under the pressure of persecution. In addition, the Greek word translated "turn away"29 does not necessarily indicate a permanent condition, since all the disciples "turned away" when Jesus was arrested and crucified.30 However, within three days they were all back on board, so, obviously, this word does not imply they lost their salvation.
Mark 13:13
Mark 13:13, along with Matthew 10:22, 24:12-13 indicate that "one who stands firm to the end will be saved."31 One must look at the context to determine what these verses are referring to. In all instances, the context is persecution of the followers of Jesus by unbelievers. A true believer will hold onto his faith in Christ even in the face of persecution. One should note that none of these verses say that a person will lose their salvation if he fails to stand firm.
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11)
John 8:31
In John 8:31 Jesus distinguished between Jews who were true disciples and those who weren't saying they "hold to my teaching."32 Believers are not saved by holding to His teaching, but they hold to His teaching because they are saved. There will always be those who pretend to be believers, but do not hold to the teachings of Jesus.
Acts 5:32
Acts 5:32 says that God has given the Holy Spirit to "those who obey Him."33 Eternal security skeptics say this verse implies that if you stop obeying God the Holy Spirit will be taken away and you will lose your salvation. But the verse doesn't say that. It says that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God. The Holy Spirit is not given to those who pretend to obey God, but to those who actually obey. The verse does not say that one can lose the Holy Spirit or his salvation through an act of disobedience. If this were true, then none would ever be saved.