What is the meaning of Once Saved Always Saved in the Bible?

Updated on May 27 20252 min read
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The doctrine of ‘once saved, always saved’ has generated heated debate over the centuries among theologians and believers. The question arises: where did once saved, always saved come from? This popular formulation is associated with the perseverance of the saints, a concept from Calvinist theology, which asserts that those who are chosen and saved by God cannot lose their salvation. According to this view, God's grace is sufficient and irresistible, and the believer, once saved, will remain in divine grace until the end of their life, regardless of their sins or weaknesses.

However, many theologians from other traditions, such as Arminianism, Orthodoxy, and Catholicism, reject this idea, arguing that salvation, although offered by God's grace, can be lost through apostasy or serious sins. They emphasize the importance of human responsibility in maintaining faith and constantly cooperating with divine grace. In their view, salvation is not a fixed event but a continuous process of transformation and sanctification, and individuals can choose to turn away from God.

In this article, we will explore the origin and evolution of this doctrine, examine the biblical grounds that support or challenge it, and consider its theological implications. We will also explore how various Christian traditions have understood and developed this crucial issue in the doctrine of salvation.

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