The Bible
clearly, repeatedly, and emphatically affirms the security of all who believe
in Christ (John 3:16; 5:24; 10:27-29; Php. 1:6; 1Pet. 1:3-5; 1John 3:9). But Scripture
is equally clear in repeatedly and emphatically affirming that not all who
profess to believe in Jesus do so in a saving way (Luke 6:46; John 8:31-32).
For instance, John says some “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” (1John 2:19). Likewise on
the Day of Judgment, there will be many who called Jesus “Lord” and who did
many mighty, religious deeds to whom the Savior will say, “I never knew you”
(Matt. 7:21-23).
There were many
in Jesus’ day who professed belief in Him but were either insincere (John 6:26)
or did not endure (John 6:64-66). Some were unwilling to accept the cost of
being His disciple (John 12:48). Others confused confession and commitment (Luke
9:57-62). Still others believed for a time but later turned away (John 13:21-30).
None of these received the promise of eternal life. As the Hebrews writer says,
“For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence
firm to the end” (3:14).
Those who
believe simply a profession of faith will save without the corresponding grace
of sanctification and perseverance cannot account for the real examples of
visible apostasy noted in the paragraph above. The grace of salvation involves
a change of heart (Ezek. 36:26; John 3:5) that leads inevitably to
sanctification and good works (Gal. 5:19-24; Eph. 2:10). Such faith will endure
because it is sustained by the grace that originally gave it (John 6:37; Heb.
10:39). Since this is so, we can see how some who profess to believe may later
turn and fall away (Gal. 5:4; Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-31; 2Pet. 2:20-22). Such is not
the apostasy of true believers, but of those visibly connected to Christ and
His Church (John 15:1-7; Acts 8:13-23) who are not truly regenerate and elect. It
is not visible connection to the Church that will save us, but union with
Christ alone. -JME
