There are many doctrines that have been invented by men and have so permeated “Christian doctrine,” that it is just assumed by many that they are naturally true and are never questioned. Many of John Calvin’s teachings fall into that category—having been accepted so fully that the truth of Scripture is ignored and thought, in reality, to be secondary.
Some Bible readers approach Scripture with these biases clouding their understanding. One such doctrine that has destroyed many a faith is the idea that once a man is saved he is always saved—that he cannot ever fall away from God or His grace. If that is true, then consider these Scripture-based questions.
Why would Christians need forgiveness? A Christian was told in Acts 8:22, “Pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”
Why would Christians need to repent? That same Christian in Acts 8:22 was told, “Repent of this your wickedness.” Entire congregations were commanded to repent in Revelation 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19.
Why would Christians need to confess their sins? Christians are told, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).
Why would Christians be warned of sin and its consequences? Christians are warned, “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it…” (Rom. 6:12), “lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13).
Why would Christians be warned of turning from God? Paul said to Christians, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him” (Gal. 1:6). To Christians again, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12).
Why would Christians be warned of the possibility of apostasy? “You have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4; cf. Heb. 6:4-6). “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world…they are again entangled in them…the latter end is worse for them than the beginning…” (2 Pet. 2:20-22; cf. Jas. 5:19-20).
Why would Christians be commanded to live faithfully? “Be faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10).
The Bible teaches that Christians can fall away from God. Therefore, brethren, “take heed” (1 Cor. 10:12)!