Eternal Security v. Free Will

 

The doctrine of eternal security is the belief that once a person is saved, they cannot lose their salvation. This is based on the belief that God is sovereign and that He has chosen those who will be saved. It is also based on the belief that salvation is a gift from God and that it cannot be lost.

Free will is the ability to make one's own choices without being constrained by external forces. This is a complex theological concept, and there is no single consensus on how it should be interpreted. However, in the context of the doctrine of eternal security, free will is often seen as the ability to choose to accept or reject God's gift of salvation.

At first glance, the doctrine of eternal security and free will may seem to be incompatible. If a person is secure in their salvation regardless of their choices, then what is the point of free will? However, proponents of eternal security argue that these two doctrines can be reconciled. They point out that God is sovereign and that He has the power to work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This means that even if a believer makes bad choices, God can still use those choices to bring about His good purposes.

Another way to reconcile eternal security and free will is to consider the nature of salvation. Salvation is not something that we can earn or deserve. It is a gift from God that is received by faith. Once we receive this gift, it is ours forever. This is because God is faithful and He will not abandon His people.

However, it is important to note that there are different views on the doctrine of eternal security. Some Christians believe that it is possible for a believer to lose their salvation if they turn away from God. Others believe that it is impossible for a believer to lose their salvation, no matter what they do.

Ultimately, the question of whether or not the doctrine of eternal security is compatible with free will is a matter of theological interpretation. There is no clear answer in the Bible, and there are different perspectives among Christians.