Salvation is referred to in various ways throughout Scripture. If one has salvation, he “knows” Jesus (1 John 2:3,4), has eternal life (1 John 5:12; etc.), has been justified by grace (Titus 3:7), etc. The list goes on and would state a saint also has eternal salvation:
And, once made perfect, he [Jesus] became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Heb 5:9)
Because of various prevalent heresies in our day, connected especially with the believer’s security, certain false teachers have wrongly equated the Biblical term of eternal salvation to the heresy of eternal security (salvation security in sin). Consequently, dangerous confusion often reigns around the term of eternal salvation. From Hebrews 5:9 it should be clear that the only ones who get eternal salvation are also the same ones who OBEY Jesus. That is the all-important key in understanding truth from error on this subject. It is also devastating for the once saved always saved proponents who think the opposite and would even say Paul was the worst of sinners and had salvation in his wickedness.
Truth about eternal salvation needs to be known, especially since it is related to salvation. Many other Scriptures are similar to Heb. 5:9 and all of them say the same. The only ones who have eternal salvation are the same ones who are obeying God. Here are several others:
He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” (Luke 8:21)
Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Mat 7:21)
The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4)
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (Eph 5:5,6)
In conclusion, we must Biblically define terms, especially if they are found in Scripture. If we do that, it is impossible to equate eternal salvation to eternal security. Do you know him?
