Over the years I’ve heard that some of my writings have caused some people who believe 1 Cor 15:3-4 to doubt their salvation.
Before I get into the details, let’s first consider whether it is good or bad for someone to doubt their salvation.
If a person is not convinced that he is saved once and for all, he doubts his eternal destiny. He may believe he is saved for now, but he does not yet believe he is saved forever. He believes that he is in a state of grace but is unsure whether he will stay in that state.
Unbelievers can believe many truths about Jesus, including His deity, impeccability, substitutionary death on the cross, and bodily resurrection. But until someone believes in Jesus “for everlasting life” (1 Tim 1:16), he has not yet been born again. See John 3:16; 4:10-14; 5:24; 6:35, 37, 39, 47; 11:26; Acts 16:31; Eph 2:8-9.
Do you think it is good if a person who is not yet born again doubts his salvation? What if those doubts lead him to pray and seek the truth? Isn’t that a good thing (Acts 17:11)?
The message of God’s grace can cause people to doubt their salvation for one simple reason: If a person is not convinced that he is eternally secure, then by definition, he doubts his salvation. But he does not think about it that way. He thinks, “I’m saved. I may lose it. But I’m saved. And I’m confident I will keep it because I’m determined to keep on following Christ.” But when he hears the message of grace, it causes his doubts about his final destiny to bother him.
If someone has been taught that whoever believes the message of 1 Cor 15:3-4 is saved for now but must remain faithful to keep it, then he has what some would call assurance of salvation. (I would call it assurance of probation.) Many people appear to be comfortable believing this message. Some even mock OSAS (once saved, always saved) as a dangerous doctrine. In their view, fear of the possibility of going to hell is needed to keep people on the straight and narrow.
Many people think that eternal salvation begins by faith alone and is maintained by perseverance in faith and good works. They are convinced they will gain final salvation if they just keep doing what they’re doing.
But they may become concerned if someone tells them they believe a false gospel. What if I must be sure of my eternal destiny to be born again? What if I follow Christ my whole life and end up in hell because I never believed in the promise of everlasting life that cannot be lost?
By the way, that is my testimony. I was that person. When John Carlson asked, “Is it possible that your view of the gospel is wrong?” I had grave doubts about my ultimate salvation. I met with Warren Wilke, who convinced me that OSAS is true. My doubts led to my believing in Jesus for the gift of everlasting life.
No. It isn’t bad if the message of God’s grace causes people to doubt their salvation. That’s a good thing.
Keep grace in focus.
