Is Eternal Security the Gospel?
Written on 10 April 2025.
Is Eternal Security the Gospel?
The subject of eternal security often divides professing Christians into starkly different camps. Some claim it is a secondary issue, not essential for salvation. Others maintain that it lies at the heart of the good news itself. A recent sermon titled "Is Eternal Security the Gospel?" argued uncompromisingly that the doctrine is not merely adjacent to the gospel, but in fact, part and parcel of it.
The Foundation of the Argument
The preacher begins with a reading from Psalm 1 and sets the tone with a prayer, acknowledging God's clear word. The thesis is soon introduced: belief in eternal security is indispensable to believing the gospel.
There is criticism directed at those who claim that requiring eternal security adds a condition to the gospel, calling such objections foolish. The speaker points out the danger of accepting a superficial faith that doesn't understand the eternal nature of salvation.
Seven Reasons Why Eternal Security Is the Gospel
1. Misunderstanding the Accomplishment of Jesus
Those who affirm the death, burial, and resurrection but deny eternal security—such as many Catholics—are said to believe in vain. The preacher insists that to misunderstand what Jesus actually accomplished is to misunderstand the gospel.
2. Removal of Good News
By separating eternal security from the gospel, the message ceases to be good news. Citing Luke 2:10, the sermon highlights that the gospel is supposed to be glad tidings, which is nullified if salvation can be lost.
3. Believing in the Wrong Jesus
A savior who offers only temporary life is not the Jesus of Scripture. The sermon equates belief in salvific loss to belief in a fake Jesus.
4. Rejection of the Biblical Record
Referencing 1 John 5, the preacher asserts that disbelief in eternal security is a denial of God's record and equates to calling God a liar.
5. Works-Based Salvation
If one must maintain their own salvation, they are by definition relying on works, which contradicts the gospel of grace.
6. Assurance as an Element of Faith
True faith includes assurance. Without eternal security, there can be no assurance, and thus no biblical faith in Christ.
7. Biblical Belief Involves Persuasion
Citing Romans 4:20-21, belief is shown to be persuasion that God is able to keep His promise. Rejecting eternal security is rejecting this persuasion.
A Caveat: Childlike Faith
The preacher allows that a young child, or someone not yet introduced to the doctrine, may be saved by simply believing the basic gospel. However, if someone is shown eternal security in Scripture and adamantly rejects it, they are in a different category altogether.
Conclusion
According to the sermon, evangelism should always include eternal security when time permits. Not to do so is to omit the very essence of what makes salvation good news.
Eternal security is not an optional upgrade to the gospel. It is the gospel. To deny it is to deny the eternality of God’s promise, and to proclaim a conditional message that offers no lasting peace.