Eternal Security Scriptures
Below is a list of every scripture guaranteeing the eternal security of the believer. This list is a work-in-progress. Feel free to submit scriptures we’ve missed.
– Old Testament (n = 9)
– New Testament (n = 132)
Don’t forget to check out the “what about” scriptures.
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Escape to Reality 
It was awesome to Romans 11: 19-23. I have been studying Romans for the past couple weeks taking a chapter a day and the other day it was chapter 11. I read verse 22 and was a little unnerved about it. I asked the Holy Spirit to please explain what this verse means. Not long after I got the Escape to Reality e-mail about Once Shaved, Always Shaved and the Eternal Security List. Prayer was answered. Cannot wait to read it. – Thanks Paul for all that you do.
I’ve been looking for something like this for about a year now. I know about the love of God, I know about grace and the new covenant. However, my desire to simply abide in these truth’s is often jolted by passages that on the surface seem to contradict my rock of security. Eventually, when I gain greater understanding about the issue/verse that confused me – it ends up as though things were not as they seemed – instead they are wonderful and make me leap for joy.
what do you believe 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 means in light of eternal security
There are two ways to read 2 Cor 13:5-6: (1) You have to examine yourself periodically to ensure you’re still saved. (2) Examine yourself to see Jesus inside you – prove it to yourself. The Corinthians were testing Paul. He said they should test themselves. “Are you saved? Hopefully you are. Don’t you know Jesus is in you – unless you’re not saved.” This self-examination is about sowing security. It’s about reinforcing information they should already know. It’s a pattern Paul uses elsewhere: “Don’t you know” (Rom 6:3, 16, 7:1, 1 Cor 6:15,16,19).
dear Paul, thank you for your inspirational messages, can you please throw more light on James 5 vs 20 – 19 because to me as a reader it suggests that salvation can be lost, thank you.
typo I mean. sowing security i think is what you might be meaning to say. No biggie. 🙂
Thanks for that. I fixed it.
Thank you for your insight!!
Hi Paul,
I am much blessed by your site.
Just had a doubt though..In the book of Jude, sandwiched between assurances of being sanctified, preserved and being presented faultless; there seem to be warnings in between. (The Israelites saved out of Egypt didn’t make it to the promised land.)
How do I understand this in the light of eternal security?
Really appreciate all your help. May God continue to bless you richly!
Hi Sophia, I am literally minutes away from going on vacation with my family. If I remember, I’ll respond to this when we return. But if you can’t wait, you’ll find I talk about these harsh words of Jude on p.64 of my book The Gospel in Twenty Questions. Happy Christmas!
Thanks Paul. A happy & blessed Christmas to you too! Enjoy your vacation!
Eternal security which is based on that premise “Once saved, always saved” is something that has been well established in the Baptist circle, but I always retain a level of suspicion concerning it. I do believe that it can potentially give someone a powerful excuse to continue to live in sin, although the proponent of it always reject that outright. But, when meticulously analyzing the word of God it’s quite obvious that a person can lose his salvation if that person backslide and does not come to the source of life which is Jesus.
Thank GOD for you sir, but what about Romans 11:21-22 and 1 Cor. 10:6-12 don’t they clearly contradict the ‘eternal security’ doctrine?
Not at all. In Romans 11 Paul is not talking about individuals but two groups – Jews and Gentiles. As a group the nation of Israel was “broken off because of unbelief” (v20). They are not believers but unbelievers and God hasn’t rejected them totally (see v.2), they are still loved (v.28), and they will be grafted right back in “if they do not persist in unbelief” (v.23). What about his warning? It’s directed to the other group – Gentiles as a whole. Paul is not threatening the secure believer. He is saying, “don’t boast over the Jews – you Gentiles have a window of opportunity, like they did, and it won’t last forever.” So put your faith in Jesus.
Regarding 1 Cor 10, those who preach insecurity must go the whole way and those who grumble will be killed by a destroying angel (v.10). Paul is not saying that at all. He’s the apostle of grace, not works. He is describing the symptoms of obstinate unbelief (eg: grumbling, testing the Lord). What relevance does this have for the Corinthians (and us) who were not unbelievers. Paul is basically saying, “You’re not an unbeliever/sinner, so don’t act like one. Having nothing to do with the old life that you came out of, lest you fall back into the old ways.”
BTW, eternal security is not a doctrine, it’s a promise made again and again by Jesus.
God is totally Holy, God is totally loving,God grants us free will…Jesus accomplished the work of salvation for us..100%…All Jesus,none of us..we appropriate what He did by faith…we choose to trust in that finished work….But a person can later choose, for whatever reason, to no longer trust in what He did…That person has exercised his free choice and is no longer saved…pf
Can that which has been born again be unborn? Can man undo what God has done? It’s true that you may let go of his hand, but he will never let go of yours. He promised.
Good morning Paul, Please help me understand “being saved”, I believe, accepted, received Jesus as my savior, with that in mind, I believe I am a saved Christian. I read the bible every day and especially like the NEW TESTAMENT. I come across 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, stating sinners (If a person actively, perpetually, and unrepentantly lives a homosexual lifestyle, the lifestyle of a thief, a greedy lifestyle, a drunken lifestyle, etc., it is not possible for such a person to be a Christian, and such a person will definitely not inherit the kingdom of God.) Additionally at judgment we will be separated (sheep from goats) then, though saved in this life we still face judgment and separation from God. Am to believe once saved not always saved? I fall into the homosexual category, no so much greedy or drunk, I am gay and of course not sinless, I don’t have a boyfriend, and have recently decided having relations is not working for me. I get asked a lot but don’t act on it anymore nor do I frequent bars for enjoyment, though I do perform at one as an entertainer. I wonders sometimes what its all about, being gay was not a choice for me and get confused as to why am I here, I feel my destiny is damnation because of being gay, confused. Thank you.
Glenn, nothing can separate us from the love of God, bless you heaps man, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. If we believe in Jesus then we are in Christ Jesus
Being saved is a life time process, at least that’s what some say. But question is, in a life of 80 years, how long does it take to see this “effect of being saved”? Paul said, “If any man be in Christ he is a new creature…” 2 Corinthians 5:17. So, if this be the case, then there must be some evidence of this new creature, and here in 1 Corinthians 6:11, that is just what Paul reveals, as he say’s; “And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” Notice the past tense, “were”. They once were “unrighteous” fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, but no longer. And John adds to the fray, when he said; “Do not be deceived, he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he (Jesus) is righteous” 1 John 3:7. This goes right along with the old 70’s song; “If you’re saved and you know it then your life will surly show it”. You mentioned; “I don’t have a boyfriend, and have recently decided having relations is not working for me. I get asked a lot but don’t act on it anymore nor do I frequent bars for enjoyment,…”. This is how a new creation starts out, and it is God working a washing and regeneration in you, by faith!
I agree with what you say but ..please…im stuck on 1 corinthians 3:15
Dear Paul, thank you for your inspirational messages, can you please throw more light on James 5 vs19 –20 because to me as a reader it suggests that salvation can be lost, thank you.
Depending on how you read it, this pair of verses has good news for brothers (if you wander, you can be brought back) and sinners (if you turn, you can be saved from death). But confuse brothers with sinners and you’ll end up with no good news for anyone. You’ll think God treats believers like unbelievers, and that those who have received grace must work to maintain it. Not only is this contrary to the many promises of God regarding the believer’s security (see above), but it’s a recipe for anxiety and performance-based religion.
Can a Christian stray? Sure. Are there bad consequences to straying? There are many. But having your Father unchild you and toss you into hell is not one of them.
Who needs to turn? Anyone who wanders from the truth. Who is in danger of death in this passage? The sinner, not the saint. James is very clear about this.
James is not preaching a perverted form of church discipline that involves threatening God’s children with death. He’s encouraging his brothers (and us) to preach the gospel. What covers sins? The love of God (1 Pet 4:8). This is the good news that everyone needs to hear. This is the good news that inspires people to turn to God.
Thank you Paul.
“Depending on how you read it,…” That’s for sure!
Thing is, James is speaking to one audience (believer turned sinner), not two different audiences (believer verse’s sinner). Otherwise then the believer part is left hanging in the air, so to speak, and there is confusion. Look; “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth (from believer to sinner) and one turns him back (from sinner to believer)
To make sense of “My brethren, if any among you”, in the “first part”, James must be speaking about believers turning to sinners and thus needing to be “turned back” from the error of his (believer turned sinner) way, in the “second part”. As James is not being vague, but very explicit. Our mission, if excepted (sounds like Mission Impossible), is to lead such a one back. James’s reference to “soul salvation” refers to deliverance of erring Christians from premature physical death.
We can not only be soul winners by leading unbelievers to Christ. We can also be soul winners, so to speak, if we lead fellow Christians back to the Lord.
The very Grace of God by which we are saved eternally opens the door for the possibility that we might abuse the wonderful gift given to us, thus the wandering saint will be disciplined by the Lord (1 Corinthians 5:5). That is why it is vital that if any of us spots a fellow believer who is AWOL we should endeavor to turn them back to the Lord. A life is at stake.
James’ letter is addressed to the Jews generally (see James 1:1). Not all Jews are saved; some are believers, some are not. Like his half-brother Jesus, James had the knack of speaking to crowds and meeting everyone at their point of need. Believers hear what they need to hear, and so do unbelievers. Good news only becomes bad news when you take on board someone else’s medicine.
JUST saw this. Great and good news. Thanks Jesus.
What about Hebrews 3 : 12-14
Please see the Archives > Scripture Index.
Paul this is good news but we are threatened with death many a time. Usually they say soemthing afterward that diffuses it, but it seems like while we receive benefits from your ministry other ministries fight against many of the core principles or promises you put forth. But i believe you are calling them to the truth. And they are calling us to the stark realities as well. Thank you all.
Does this mean that because reading other OT scriptures and the gospels where we feel condemned we shouldn’t read them? They have no bearing in light of the new covenant? I still feel insecure without them.
Thank you for making the promises avaiable. I have been asking God to give me a revelation of how i am just as righteous as jesus by God’s grace as shared in a testimony and all my familiar urges are being controlled. Anx so no more self destructive guilt and shame.
James was not at anytime speaking to Jews with his message as a matter of fact in James 2:1 he says, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” are we then to really believe he’s speaking to non-believing Jews or members of the Church? The only Eternal Security I believe in is stated in Hebrews 5:8-9 which reads, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” – Anything else is just man’s opinion. We must obey him for this eternal security, the Holy Spirit didn’t inspire the writer to write “believe” but “obey” …
Actually, James was speaking “only” to Jews, as no mention of Gentile Christians at all, making an early date for this writing, and maybe the first New Testament book written. But, remember, “To the Jews first”, as they took preeminence, and was what James was doing, speaking to the whole nation, saved or not. It’s a Jewish church at that time, as the Jerusalem Council, recorded in Acts 15, affirming the decision to take the gospel message to the Gentiles, had not yet convened. I used to think as you, but now appreciate Paul E. helping me to see, and now understand. As the term “brethren” for the Jew, runs deep in the soul of Israel, as Paul said; “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:” Romans 9:3. Heavy stuff!
But James say’s faith must measure up, have evidence, otherwise it’s just a faith that never lived. Why bother to believe, if your not going to obey, as repent and believe is obedience, otherwise only deception, James 1:22. Paul made it clear: “In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you ‘believed’, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13. Holy Spirit didn’t inspire Paul to write “obey” but “believe”. No, a “true repented believer” will walk in obedience of good works prepared (ordained) for them, Ephesians 2:10.
I believe James had Daniel 12:3 in mind when he wrote the last words of his letter and very much words to the wise!
I wonder if the Mark 16 verse should be extended to include, ” …and he that doesn’t believe is condemned”…so as to not make “baptism” a necessary prerequisite FOR salvation and give a works oriented air to the isolated portion of that verse…certainly one who believes should be baptized, as symbolic of ones new faith and in accordance with the 2 ordinances which should follow a believers confession of faith, but salvation comes from believing Alone, hence to Not believe and to just Not believe would bring condemnation.
forperezident, you say; “to just Not believe would bring condemnation”, yet actually it does not bring it, as it already was there! For the scripture reveals, ”… he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18.
One does not have to do anything to be condemned, as it is there through/by default. That is why Paul said; “…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2,
Can’t believe you never included Galatians 2:20, or maybe I missed it.
Wow wow wow!!! This is it!!!!!!!!
God’s blessings on you brother Paul and your ministry.
Doesn’t 1 Corinthians 5:5 teach loss of salvation? It said, “so that his spirit may be saved” wouldn’t this mean that some kind of action had to be taken in order for this church member to not lose salvation?
It must be understood, that this man was a carnal Christian, who obviously did not care for the sanctification process, as he continued feeding his flesh, and it had to be destroyed. As, he allowed the devil in, disregarding Gods repeated chastening. For the lord loves those he relieves, and will bring them into glory, no matter how much they resist, as they enter squirming.. “For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not?” Hebrews 12:6,7. So, thus shows the degrees of it, the degree the Lord will go. For scripture say’s that we are the temple that the Spirit of God dwells in, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are”, 1 Corinthians 3:16,17.
I must add, to be sure of clarity, that this is speaking only of the body, not the soul or spirit, as they are saved. Yet there are those who willfully neglect the walk in the Spirit, as Paul teaches Galatians 5:25 that we should, for if we do, we shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh, verse 16 of same chapter. For the gifts and callings of God are without change of mind, (Romans 11:29, Ephesians 2:8) thank the Lord for his steadfast love! (psalm 136: the whole chapter)
I know this isn’t the bit we are supposed to focus on, but for the past six years I have been obsessed with the way that Jesus says we are evil (Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:13). We’re not just imperfect or in need of salvation, but totally evil (the word used, ‘poneros’, is the same one that Jesus uses to describe the Devil). Jesus describes the world (Matthew 7:15-20) as being divided into good people who never do anything wrong, and evil people who never do anything except evil. If he had this worldview, I don’t see how he could be interested in saving anyone, since good people (Jesus himself) don’t need saving, and evil people (all the rest of us) have nothing non-evil in us that can be salvaged. In Genesis 8:21, God says that every inclination of our hearts from childhood onwards is evil – which proves that wanting to be saved must be evil, because it is an inclination that is in our hearts.
When I think about Jesus defining me as evil, I rage and want to hurt myself, and I feel like killing myself. I can’t sleep at night for worrying about it. I know I ought to love Jesus as my saviour, but he says that he is going to separate the righteous (himself) from the wicked (all the rest of us, since no-one is good except God) and send us wicked people to hell. So how can he be our saviour?
Elizabeth, Jesus loves you deeply, more than he loves his own life. The cross is the proof. He values you so highly that he turned his back on the comforts of heaven to come and rescue you. Even if you had been the only person in the world, he would’ve come for you – that’s how much he loves you. In his eyes, you are the pearl of great price.
Yes, Jesus is going to separate the righteous (himself) from the wicked , but it is not (all the rest of us) since he made us (those that believe) the same righteousness he has, ‘For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” as that is the amazing grace of God. As far as, (since no-one is good except God) true, The word say’s; “…there is none that does good, no, not one” Romans 3:12. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”,verse 23. But the amazing grace part is verse’s 24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation (idea of appeasement or satisfaction) through faith in his blood, ”. So how can he be our savior? He is our savior through faith believing. We come to him for mercy, for God has made a provision for us to be forgiven by faith in the blood of Jesus. So now, because we stand on the faithfulness of Jesus, God declares us righteous in his eyes!
Here is Romans 3:24 put in another way, I think just for; “Yet through his powerful declaration of acquittal, God freely gives away his righteousness. His gift of love and favor now cascades over us, all because Jesus, the Anointed One, has liberated us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin!” Bottom line, you can have this gift now, giving you a new out look on life, just believe and receive, “Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Elizabeth Belben, I hope this does not come off wrong, but have you been diagnosed with OCD?? I had/have a pretty severe case of it (it’s much better now, but still very very rough) and my obsessions are often religion-related. It’s not what media makes it seem. It’s called the guilt and doubt disorder. It’s basically a scary thought (usually a “what if?” question) comes into your mind and it triggers your adrenaline and you HAVE to do something about it. Mine is usually research… hence me being on this website right now. I feel like I can’t be in God’s good graces, can’t be saved, can’t be forgiven until I either… find an answer on the web, confess my sins a billion times (not a Catholic) or do whatever my OCD forces me to do. These thoughts can CONSUME me. But other times I obsess about a flaw I have and I feel so so worthless. It sends me on a self loathing spiral.
Also, I read Matthew 7:15-20. I believe that is talking about false teachers versus true believers of the true gospel. Yes, the Bible says that there is none righteous, no not one, but Jesus becomes our righteousness. Getting back to Matthew, we ONLY bare good fruit when we abide in Jesus. So, unless I am misunderstanding you (which is possible, I’m ditzy sometimes) then you have nothing to fear. Yes, you by nature ARE evil. So am I, so is everyone. But Christ so loved us that He died to be the ONCE FOR ALL sacrifice for sin. Covers every sin and guess what?? 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “ He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
If you want to talk, look up Jocelyn Yelvington on Facebook. You’ll see a girl in a green dress, shoulder-length hair with her husband on a giant chair at a pumpkin patch. Especially if you are concerned about OCD, it can be a lonely worried.
With love,
Jocelyn
There is nothing that man can do that can change what Jesus accomplished on the cross. God bless.