Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
The doctrine of security of the believer contradicts Paul’s statement that he “kept the faith.” The idea of “once saved always saved” does not require one to keep the faith. It says that to start the race is to finish it; a moment of faith is all one needs to have a guaranteed place in heaven. Paul and all other inspired writers deny this false doctrine.
Paul said Christians need to run the race to win the prize (1 Cor. 9:24-25). He said, “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:26-27). If the doctrine of the security of the believer is true, then why did Paul say he could be disqualified? Do we, or do we not, need to keep the faith? You know what God says, now ask your preacher.
Steven F. Deaton
