Once Saved, Always Saved

“…Once again, it is crucial that people realize that I am not hanging any emphasis on our works. Just as Isaiah 64:6 states, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags..." For it is not our works at all which we are doing after we are reborn, but Christ's work within and through us.

Also important to realize is that I am not implying that sin directly is the reason for one falling from grace. I believe that sin only contributes to the fall as Jesus won the victory over sin by the cross. It is the heart of a man that God looks upon; the soul of a man which He desires. We all sin. It is possible for a man to sin and his heart to remain with God and arrive in heaven afterwards. But if a man abides in sin for so long that his heart becomes hardened towards God and His conviction, then he no longer serves nor loves God and has become one of Satan's children of disobedience.

The original Greek word of "purgeth" in verse 2 is kathairo (kath-ah'-ee-ro) meaning "to cleanse." So God cleanses the saints in which show a willingness to do His will (bear fruit) in order so that He may work more fully through them and, thereby, more of His work may be accomplished. Remember He says in this same chapter, "...for without me ye can do nothing."

Jesus works through us upon the new birth. It is therefore His works that are being done, not ours. For we are crucified to the world, and the world to us (Galatians 6:14). It is no longer us that live, but Christ living within us and working through us (Philippians 1:21).

What happens to the branches (those whom are in the Body of Christ) that do not bear fruit (do His will)? They are thrown out, wither, men gather them up, cast them into the fire and they are burned (verse 6). In referring to verses 7-10: How do we become His disciples? By bearing fruit. What is He demanding? For us to continue in His love. How do we continue (or abide) in His love? By keeping His commandments.

The importance of fruit bearing is also illustrated in the parable of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21. Jesus states in verse 43, “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” He says this referencing the kingdom being taken from the Jews and given unto the Gentiles, this due to their disobedience to God, not for their lack of profession and/or ritual keeping, but disobedience, as they were quick to profess God and attempt to live for Him, but only in the sight of men so that they could be elevated and praised. For it is written, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” The fruit is proof of the heart.

My good friend and Pastor once told me that Jesus Christ is like our boss or employer. If we are under the lordship of someone on this earth, we obey them. The penalty for not obeying the boss is termination of employment. Why should it be any different for our relationship with God? If He gives us a job to do, like a normal boss would do, why do we think it alright to disobey the Lord of lords and King of kings and remain within His good graces? The answer is obvious and pointed out in Luke 6:46 by Jesus Himself.”