There are three legs upon which OSAS stands or falls. Do these verses mean what they supposedly mean, or have they been misunderstood and misapplied? When we examine them next to other scriptures that clearly contradict them will they hold up? Let's see.
First, 1 John 2:19—"They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us."
The OSAS interpretation of this verse says that those who "went out" were never in Christ to begin with; they were never saved. However, I suggest there's another meaning that conforms very well with other scriptures. This view says that those who "went out" were indeed saved and in Christ at one point, but were simply not as committed as the others. It's in this sense that they were not "of us." These are those spoken of in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:5-6): "Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away." It sprang up, it had life to start with; but it "withered away."
Jesus' explanation of this passage is found in Matthew 13:20-21—"As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away."
Second is 1 John 3:6—"No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."
This seems pretty cut and dried: if someone turns away back into sin they never knew Him. But we have to understand this in light of other scriptures that contradict it. Those who "never knew Him," never had a proper understanding of Him. This corresponds to the first group in the parable of the sower: "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart." The seed was "sown in his heart," but was snatched away because of this person's lack of understanding.
Third is John 10:28—"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." I agree with this verse: no one can indeed snatch them out of His hand. However, the person himself can walk away. For this reason I prefer the phrase "forfeit salvation" to "lose salvation."
Now let's look at some scriptures that plainly talk about walking away and falling away. I'm not going to use Hebrews because Hebrews is fiercely objected to by those who advocate OSAS, even though is has many relevant warnings about falling away. But Hebrews isn't necessary—there are plenty of others.
2 Peter 2:20-21—"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them."
This passage clearly illustrates a person who was once in Christ but who turned their back on Him. This shows a conscious action on the part of the one turning back. These verses correspond with Luke 9:26: "Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.' "
Matthew 24:10—"And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another."
1 Timothy 4:1—"Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons."
Matthew 24:13—"But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
Why say that those who endure to the end will be saved? If one cannot forfeit their salvation, why didn't He say "But all who have prayed the sinners prayer will be saved?"
Luke 9:26—"Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.' "
Already mentioned, Luke 9:26 is a clear warning from the Lord about falling away.
Hi Resident Alien,
I'm late to the thread, but in case anyone happens to read it again, I'd like to add some other verses. The other thing to look for are the 'IF' verses. I believe that we are safe and secure in Christ as we remain in Him. If I keep my warm coat, gloves, and hat, and boots on in the winter I am safe from the cold. An anology I heard once of a farmer who on a cold winter day went to his barn, hearing a hen squawking madly--a ways a way from her were three frozen chicks, but under her wing were three live ones. As they remained under the mother hens wing, they were saved. And all they need do is remain.
There is also of course complete rejection of Christ after having once believed. Judas as a primary example--people will say he was never saved, but Christ chose Him--even though Christ knew the outcome. It's a bit complicated to explain this--as he is eternal, but what happened happened in TIME. When he chose Judas in time Judas believed. He was one of the 12 and He then turned away, as the scriptures says,
"While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled."--John 17:12
You cannot be lost if you had not first been found.
People mistakenly think that if you don't believe in OSAS, that you believe that you can lose your salvation by sinning, but that's not the case. It is to turn away and live in DELIBERATE and WILLFUL sin as it says in Hebrews 10:26:
" If we
deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,"
Also Paul said, "But
I discipline my body and bring it into subjection,
lest, when I have preached to others, I
myself should become
disqualified."--1st Corinthians 9:27
Christ said in John 15:6, "If you
do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up,
thrown into the fire and burned." ( figurative for judgment and destruction)
So often churches espousing this doctrine have pastors and elders, congregants, who look at pornography--even at church! These pastors commit suicide and I've even heard pastors 'comfort' people in saying a person who commits suicide is still saved--it may comfort the family, but what about a suicidal person who might be listening? There was a well-known apologist who WILLFULLY lived a life of sin--perhaps he confessed when he became ill and eventually died. I don't know. But I find those who espouse to this often live like the world because they feel they have it in the bag. I feel perfectly secure in my salvation, but just as the Lord's prayers says, I ask to be kept from temptation, I confess my sins and pray I will live a life of obedience to Him. PS All churches I have attended believed in OSAS--I came to my belief by my own study of the word--and I did't feel I was having to dig--it was right there in black and white.
( look online at how many pastors commit sexual sins or commit suicide--I'd venture to guess most are in OSAS churches)
excuse not editing
, would you mind telling me where it said we never had it and its context. I want to know. I will be grateful. I might have some question later again. + Gods love is unconditional that I agree, It is free. But I think we can reject the unconditional.free gift. or else we have no freedom.
