by Mark Mayberry
Synopsis: By rightly dividing the word of God, we can distinguish between the Calvinistic concept of security and genuine confidence that results from our faithful embrace of Christ’s redemptive work.
Many of our denominational friends emphasize the need for faithfulness, but say that one cannot fall from grace. The Calvinistic concept of “the perseverance of the saints,” popularly known as “Once saved, always saved,” finds formal expression in The Westminster Confession of Faith:
They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace: but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved (chap. 17, sec. 1).
What is wrong with this approach? By distorting Sacred Scripture, this doctrine provides a false sense of security. In contrast, the New Testament sets forth the basis on which believers may have a true sense of security.
The phrase, “fall away,” occurs 11x in ten Bible verses in the New American Standard Bible (NASB). In a physical sense, it described an event that occurred aboard the ship during Paul’s journey to Rome, when the soldiers cut away the ropes connected to the lifeboat, letting it fall away (Acts 27:30-32, esp. v. 32).
Note David’s pronouncement: “I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not fasten its grip on me” (Ps. 101:1-3, esp. v. 3). Consider Jesus’ teaching in the Parable of the Sower: “Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13; cf. Matt. 13:20-21; Mark 4:16-17).
Several predictions about “falling away” occur in the New Testament. Jesus foreshadowed the scattering of the disciples at His betrayal: “ You will all fall away because of Me this night” (Matt. 26:31, 33; Mark 14:27, 29). Foretelling the mass apostasy that would occur during the Jewish revolt preceding the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, Christ said, “At that time many will fall away. . .” (Matt. 24:9-13, esp. v. 10). In like manner, the inspired apostle Paul prophesied of a great apostasy (falling away) that would occur in the indefinite future (1 Tim. 4:1-5, esp. v. 1).
The Greek word skandalizō means “to put a snare (in the way), hence to cause to stumble” or “to give offense” (Thomas 4624). BDAG says it means “(1) to cause to be brought to a downfall, cause to sin (the sin may consist in a breach of the moral law, in unbelief, or in the acceptance of false teachings)” (Matt. 5:29-30); or “(2) to shock through word or action” (Matt. 13:57; 15:12). As previously noted, Jesus employed this term in discussing the scattering of the disciples (Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27) and unproductive shallow soil (Matt. 13:21). Other occurrences describe real spiritual danger where one’s soul, or that of another person, hangs in the balance (Matt. 5:29-30; Luke 17:1-2; Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 8:13; 2 Cor. 11:29; etc.).
The Greek word aphistēmi means “to lead away” or “to depart from” (Thomas 868). BDAG says it means “(1) to cause someone to move from a reference point, in our literature in reference to altering allegiance cause to revolt, mislead; (2) to distance oneself from some person or thing, go away, withdraw.” This word is thrice rendered “fall(s) away” (Luke 8:13; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:12). Additionally, it communicates the concept of departure (Luke 4:13), desertion (Acts 15:38), or rejection. At the final judgment, Jesus will say to the disobedient, “I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers” (Luke 13:27).
The Greek word ekpiptō means “to drop away, figuratively, to lose, become inefficient” (Thomas 1601b). BDAG says it means “(1) to fall from some point, fall; (2) to drift or be blown off course and run aground, nautical term; (3) to change for the worse from a favorable condition, lose figuratively; (4) become inadequate for some function, fail, weaken figuratively.” In addition to its physical usage, of chains falling away from one’s hands (Acts 12:7), of a ship running aground (Acts 27:17, 26, 29), or a lifeboat falling away from a ship (Acts 27:32), consider the more consequential spiritual application of falling from grace (Gal. 5:4) or falling from one’s own steadfastness (2 Pet. 3:17-18).
From the garden of Eden onward, human history has been repeatedly marred by apostasy and rebellion. The physical nation of Israel fell away time and time again. Their failure (and the resulting consequences) serves as a warning to Christians (1 Cor. 10:1-11; Heb. 3:14-19; etc.).
We can achieve a true sense of security by avoiding overconfidence. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). In Luke’s account of the last supper, Jesus warned the disciples, saying, “Behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table” (Luke 22:21-34). Peter did not realize that Satan was about to shake him like a rag-doll. His overconfidence would be his undoing. Remember what Solo said to Skywalker: “Don’t get cocky, Kid!”
We can achieve a true sense of security by believing in the Lord: hear His voice, follow His lead, and trust in His precepts, promises, and power (John 10:22-30). Avoiding an evil, unbelieving heart, let us encourage one another day after day (Heb. 3:12-13; 10:23-25).
We can achieve a true sense of security by remaining alert to danger. Jesus said, “Be on the alert” (Matt. 24:42-44; 25:13; Mark 13:35, 37). Paul offered a similar warning (Acts 20:31-32; 1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:18). So also did Peter: “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
As physical security (of a nation, a business, or a home) involves a balance of defensive and offensive measures, spiritual security requires the same. Using the Roman soldier as an illustration, Paul emphasized the importance of the Christian soldier being fully arrayed with supportive equipment (belt, footwear), defensive equipment (breastplate, shield, helmet) and offensive equipment—the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:10-17; cf. Heb. 4:12).
As soldiers of Christ, we must guard against distractions (2 Tim. 2:4), and avoid sin’s ensnarement (2 Pet. 2:20). The Greek word emplekō, occurring in both these passages, means “to weave” or “ entwine” together (Thomas 1707). BDAG says it means “to be involuntarily interlaced to the point of immobility, be entangled.” It could describe a sheep whose wool was caught in thorns. In Gulliver’s Travels, Jonathan Swift tells how the Lilliputians (a little people) capture Gulliver (a big man) by binding him with a multitude of ropes. Sin has the same effect in the spiritual realm.
Recognizing that God is faithful, determine to be faithful yourself—look for the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). God is in control; He knows how to rescue the godly from temptation; yet, we must take responsibility for our own lives. Be accountable. Own your decisions. Do not put yourself (or your family) in a situation where Satan has the upper hand (2 Pet. 2:4-11). In contrast with Lot, who rushed headlong into danger (Gen. 13:5-13), Joseph found the way of escape through flight (Gen. 39:7-12). In the dynamic of fight versus flight, do not be afraid to run—if so doing puts you on a more defensible battlefield position. Flee immorality (1 Cor. 6:18-20) and youthful lusts (2 Tim. 2:22). However, when the battle is upon you, stand and fight (Eph. 6:10-17).
How does a metalworker/bladesmith make a strong sword that will not break in combat? Assuming that the blade is made of steel, you can increase the tensile strength by heating it to around 727 Celsius (or around 1340 Fahrenheit) and then rapidly quenching it in water.
God is the Master Craftsman. With a mallet in hand, He places us on the anvil, and hammers away, testing our mettle (i.e., our courage to carry on) by fire (1 Pet. 1:6-7; 4:12-13). The Blade Maker shapes and sharpens and strengthens. Although God subjects us to intense stress, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). He knows what we can take (Rev. 2:10; 3:10).
“How Do You Increase the Tensile Strength of a Sword and/or Blade?” Quora.com. https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-increase-the-tensile-strength-of-a-sword-and-or-blade.
BDAG = Bauer, Walter, Frederick W. Danker, William Arndt, and F. Wilbur Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2000).
Thomas, Robert L. New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition. Anaheim, CA: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998.
Author Bio: Mark and Sherelyn have labored with the Adoue Street church of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His Bible study website is markmayberry.net. He can be reached at mark@truthpublications.com.
