The Church of God and the Belief in Once Saved Always Saved

Introduction:

The concept of “Once Saved Always Saved” is a theological doctrine that has been widely debated among various Christian denominations. It suggests that once a person is genuinely saved and born again, their salvation is secure and cannot be lost, regardless of subsequent actions or decisions. In this article, we will explore the perspective of the Church of God regarding this doctrine and its significance in their beliefs.

Understanding the Church of God:

The Church of God is a denomination within the broader Christian faith. It traces its roots back to the late 19th century and has a significant presence in various parts of the world. The Church of God places a strong emphasis on personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and upholds the authority of the Bible as the Word of God.

Key Doctrines of the Church of God:

1. Salvation by Grace through Faith: The Church of God believes that salvation is entirely a free gift of God’s grace and cannot be earned through good works or human efforts. It is through faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection that individuals can be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life.

2. Repentance and Baptism: The Church of God teaches that repentance, which involves a genuine turning away from sin, is a necessary step towards salvation. Additionally, baptism by immersion is viewed as an outward expression of one’s inward faith and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

3. Assurance of Salvation: Central to the Church of God’s beliefs is the assurance of salvation. Once a person has genuinely accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the Church teaches that their salvation is secure. This belief is commonly referred to as “Once Saved Always Saved” or “Eternal Security.”

The Church of God and “Once Saved Always Saved”:

The Church of God, like many other Christian denominations, embraces the doctrine of “Once Saved Always Saved.” This belief is grounded in the understanding that God’s grace is sufficient to save and keep believers until the day of redemption. The Church teaches that salvation is not dependent on human effort or the ability to maintain a certain level of righteousness but is solely dependent on God’s faithfulness.

Supporting Scriptures:

The Church of God supports its belief in “Once Saved Always Saved” with various biblical passages. One such verse is John 10:28-29, where Jesus states, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” This verse is seen as an assurance of the eternal security of believers.

Another passage often cited is Romans 8:38-39, which says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse reinforces the Church’s conviction that nothing can separate believers from the love and salvation of God.

Living a Transformed Life:

While believing in “Once Saved Always Saved,” the Church of God also emphasizes the importance of living a transformed life as evidence of genuine faith. This transformation is understood to be the work of the Holy Spirit within the believer, producing a love for God and others, a desire for righteousness, and a willingness to follow Christ’s teachings.

It is crucial to note that the Church of God does not promote a license to sin or disregard the commandments of God. Rather, they view the transformed life as a natural outflow of one’s salvation and a response to God’s grace.

Conclusion:

The Church of God, as a denomination rooted in the Christian faith, embraces the belief of “Once Saved Always Saved.” This doctrine provides assurance to believers that their salvation is secure in Jesus Christ and cannot be lost. It is built upon the understanding of God’s grace and faithfulness, as well as the teachings and promises found in the Bible. Nevertheless, the Church also emphasizes the necessity of living a transformed life, reflecting the love of God and obedience to His Word.