Is ‘Once Saved, Always Saved’ Leading TO SIN ?
Living Our Salvation: Why It’s Not ‘Once Saved, Always Saved’
Let’s talk about something that’s often taken for granted in modern Christianity—this idea of “Once Saved, Always Saved” (OSAS). At first glance, it sounds comforting, right? You say the prayer, accept Jesus into your heart, and boom—you’re good forever. But here’s the thing: that perspective can lead to a dangerous kind of spiritual complacency. If salvation is just a one-time deal, what’s stopping someone from thinking they can live however they want? It can turn God’s grace into a free pass for apathy or even indulgence, making it easy to drift away from Him.
But salvation isn’t a “one and done” thing—it’s a journey. It’s about a relationship, a lifelong calling, and something that shapes how we live every single day. For centuries, Christians understood this. They believed salvation took perseverance, accountability, and a daily commitment to follow Christ. So why does it matter if we challenge OSAS? Let’s dig into it and see how the early church’s teachings on salvation can help us live out our faith today.
The Problem with OSAS: Complacency and Drifting Away
One big issue with OSAS is how it can make people spiritually lazy. If you think the deal is already sealed, why work on your relationship with God? Why strive to live a holy life if your eternal future is a done deal? The early Christians didn’t see it that way. They believed salvation was dynamic—something you grow into through faith and action.
Even St. Paul wrote, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12, NKJV). That’s not about being terrified; it’s about respecting the process and understanding that salvation is a partnership. God gives us grace, but we’re called to respond actively. Faith isn’t passive—it’s alive and constantly growing.
How the Early Church Kept Growing in Faith
The early church knew that staying close to God took effort. They had practices that helped them stay rooted in their faith and connected to Christ. Let’s look at a few:
- Repentance and Confession
- For early Christians, repentance wasn’t just saying “sorry” and moving on. It was a way of life—a constant effort to turn back to God. Confession wasn’t a ritual to check off a list; it was a way to heal the soul and restore your relationship with God. They saw repentance as something we keep doing, a daily act of re-centering ourselves on Christ.
- The Eucharist: A Lifeline to Christ
- Taking part in the Eucharist wasn’t just a tradition—it was transformational. It reminded believers that salvation wasn’t just about “me and Jesus.” It was about being part of the body of Christ, a community of faith. The Eucharist grounded them in a deeper connection to God and to each other.
- A Life of Prayer and Fasting
- Prayer and fasting weren’t just chores—they were ways to stay close to God. These practices helped believers humble themselves, tune out distractions, and focus on what truly matters. St. Paul’s words to “pray constantly” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, CSB) show how prayer was more than a daily habit—it was a lifestyle. Combined with fasting, these practices created space for spiritual growth and transformation.
Living Salvation: A Relationship, Not a Status
Here’s the heart of it: salvation is about relationship. It’s not like getting a membership card that guarantees you a spot in heaven. It’s about walking with Christ daily, growing in faith, and letting God transform you from the inside out.
This perspective changes the focus from “Am I saved?” to “Am I living in Christ today?” And that shift has real implications:
- Accountability: Our actions matter. How we love God and others reflects what’s happening in our hearts.
- Growth: Salvation is a process—it’s about becoming more like Christ. That takes effort, perseverance, and grace.
- Hope: Knowing that salvation is ongoing means there’s always a chance to turn back to God, no matter how far we’ve fallen.
Why It Matters Today
Rejecting OSAS isn’t about fear or guilt—it’s about fully embracing what it means to live as a follower of Christ. It’s a call to take responsibility for our faith, to be intentional about how we live, and to trust in God’s grace every step of the way.
So here’s the real question: How are you living out your salvation? Are you treating it as a one-time event, or are you stepping into it every day as a journey with God? Let’s take inspiration from the early church and make salvation not just a belief, but a way of life.
Further Reading
- “On the Incarnation” by St. Athanasius: This classic theological text explores the mystery of the Word made flesh and its implications for human salvation. You can access the full text here: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
- “The Ladder of Divine Ascent” by St. John Climacus: A profound guide to spiritual ascent, this work outlines thirty steps toward spiritual maturity and union with God. The text is available here: Internet Archive
- “For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy” by Alexander Schmemann: This book offers insights into how the sacraments serve as a means of experiencing and living out salvation in the Orthodox tradition. You can read it here: Internet Archive
These works provide rich perspectives on the continuous and communal nature of salvation, encouraging believers to actively participate in their spiritual journey.
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- #DailyFaith #ChristianLiving #EarlyChurch