Pastor (Anonymous)
I am a 35 year old Christian who was (past tense) a proponent of eternal security for almost 15 years. I made it through seminary and beyond as a believer in eternal security. Yes, I am a pastor. I used to think people who said eternal security was a license to sin were crazy. I never thought that, at least that is what I told myself.
But the truth is, I was involved in a problem sin I had since I was a teen. I had a problem with sexual self-gratification since I was 14. Problem stemmed from the fact that my dad actually used to show me Playboys and say, “Hey look at this girl.” Nice role model ... I know. Pray for him, please.
As ... an adult, I was not a user of pornography, but I still had the problem of the self gratification. It would not go away. I’d feel guilty about it but try as I might, I could not quit. The fact is, God made me realize, even though I “felt bad” there is a difference between “feeling bad” and repenting. I never felt bad enough to quit because there was no danger because I was saved! I say that as one who vehemently would have denied that eternal security was a license to sin but that is EXACTLY what it is!!!
You see I’d been taught that a Christian could fall into the grossest of sins and still have the benefit of salvation. ES [eternal security] believers have the mental “safety net” of believing that no matter what they do, they are safe. In reality, it is a dangerous trap. The scripture plain asserts-
Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again [Rom. 11:20-23].
When I realized that my soul could be in danger, it literally put the fear of God in me. I’m happy to say, I’ve stopped my sin ... though I still struggle with temptation and appreciate your prayers. But I’m able to resist the temptation by God’s grace and the knowledge of the fact that a Christian does NOT have a license to sin. . . .
ES is a dangerous doctrine and I don’t doubt there are many who’ve stepped out of their relationship with God and are oblivious to the fact that they are living under his wrath. I fully believe and assert that salvation is by grace through faith, apart from works of the law...just as scripture teaches.
Scripture also teaches in NUMEROUS places that we can drift away or walk away and become hardened against God. Christians tread carefully, lest you fall from that grace ... or to use GOD’s words ... Do not be haughty, but fear ... For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.
You may use the testimony but please withhold my name. Thanks.
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