I know there are a fair amount who believe it is possible to lose one's salvation. Clearly, there are a lot of verses one has to explain away (as well as explaining how God's guarantee of our salvation can be broken - which can't make it a guarantee). And my biggest question is, how isn't this a theology of works righteousness?
First some of the verses that are used. Certainly, not all, but a few.
Paul does state in Philippians 2:12
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
And in Galatians 5:4
4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
And further in that same chapter of Galatians 5:
19Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The thinking is that by committing certain sins and not repenting of them is removing the salvation.
The verse:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
Is taken to mean that unless you remain "in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Paul -Galatians 5:16) then you are not remaining "in Christ Jesus."
Some consider it not only sin, but also your hanging onto the Gospel. As 1 Corinthians 15 declares:
1Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,
2and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
They also use Hebrews 3:
6but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
14For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Now, "how
isn't this a theology of works righteousness?"
It isn't.
That is,
the difference is work because of righteousness is what the Bible teaches (James - 2 "
14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
... 17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.")
Faith without works is not redeeming faith.
However, those who teach the possibility of loosing the salvation,
place the human work not as evidence but as a qualification to attain and maintain righteousness.
They nearly all present faith as a free will human innate attribute that is empowered by either prevenient (enabling) grace, or has enough ability to get God's attention for examination of their life.
The idea of "sinless perfection" can also be woven into the fabric.
Not necessary for the thread, but a bit of history.
Phoebe Palmer Knapp was one of Fanny Crosby's best friends. They fellowshipped often, and collaborated in writing hymns.
Next time you sing "Blessed Assurance" think of the two of them. They were members of the same church. Phoebe's husband was founder and owner of Metropolitan Life. A company that is still in existence.
Now all that to say, that Phoebe's mother (Phoebe Palmer) was Methodist holiness who believed and taught even considered herself sinless. In fact, this lady became a most influential person who influenced the denominations of the Nazarene churches, the Salvation Army, the Church of God, and the ongoing Holiness movements to this day.
Surprisingly, Albert Finney also engaged in a type of holiness teaching (see the founding of Oberlin) and some historians think that Phoebe Palmer was the inspiration or catalyst for some of his thinking, which directly relates to why Baptist churches have alter calls.
Anyway, hope this is sufficient.
