NOTES ON BEING “SAVED:” TWO VITAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FULL REDEMPTION IN THE DAYS OF ANTICHRIST (WITH VIDEO)

1. THEOLOGY

SCRIPTURE. “Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] BY FAITH, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].

And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces PATIENT ENDURANCE; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – ROMANS 5:1-5, AMP

KEY TERMS:

• “BY FAITH.” ‘Pistis’ [πίστεως]: “The moral CONVICTION of the truthfulness of God in Christ as the only means of eternal life, and the demonstration of CONSTANCY in that persuasion.” NOTE: Belief and faith are not exactly equivalent terms. When Jesus told the people, ‘Your faith has made you well,’ Faith was still ‘His gift’ (Ephesians 2:8,9). ‘Any gift’ however, once received, becomes the ‘possession’ of the Recipient. Faith however is always from God and is ‘purely HIS work’ (2 Thessalonians 1:11).”

• “PATIENT ENDURANCE. “‘Hupomoné’ [ὑπομονὴ]: “Cheerful, hopeful constancy, REMAINING UNDER [Christ’s Yoke] in suffering and duty.” NOTE: “Strong’s Greek 5281 (‘hypomonē’) conveys Steadfast Endurance that clings to God in the face of pressure. More than passive waiting, it is ‘Active, Faith-filled Perseverance’ that refuses to abandon obedience or hope. While English versions alternately render the term ‘endurance,’ ‘perseverance,’ or ‘patience,’ its essence is a ‘Spirit-empowered Tenacity’ that remains under trial until God’s purpose is fulfilled.”

QUOTATION. “‘Since the Minister’s Job is to tell people how great God is and how wonderful the Christian life can be, his life needs to reflect it.’ So, you either have to be close to God as you minister, or you have to act close to God. Either you truly learn how to commune with God, or you learn how to fake it: You talk as if you’re a lot closer to God than you actually are. And not only do people start to think that, but you start to think it too. This can be devastating for your heart. ‘That’s what is so horribly dangerous about ministry.’” ― COLLIN HANSEN, Faithful Endurance: The Joy of Shepherding People for a Lifetime, 2019; edited

COMMENTARY. “‘For First Century Christians, SUFFERING was the rule rather than the exception.’ Paul explains that in the Future we will ‘Become,’ but until then we must ‘OVERCOME.’ This means for now we will experience Difficulties that will help us grow. We rejoice in Suffering, not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life’s Difficulties and Satan’s Attacks to build our Character. The Problems that we encounter will develop our PESERVERANCE-which in turn, will strengthen our CHARACTER, deepen our TRUST in God, and give us greater CONFIDENCE about the Future. You probably find your Patience tested in some way every day. Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in His Strength (also see James 12:4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).” – RONALD A. BEERS, General Editor, Life Application Study Bible, 2022, pp. 2562-2563; edited

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only ONE receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!” – PAUL, 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24, AMP

1. TEACHING

You have all heard me speak against the Doctrine of “ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED: (OSAS) with sustained contempt, since in my view: ‘Its saturation in the White Evangelical Church community has directly led to the Donald Trump Presidencies.’

But I have never conducted a Deep Dive into its Doctrinal Origins. That time has come, beloved. So long as I am convinced that it very potently sends Professing Christians to Perdition, it must be fully aired out.

OSAS ORIGINS. I turn to a well-qualified authority to begin to make my case. SIMON PETER SUTHERLAND is a Christian theologian, musician, and independent documentary film-maker from Northern England. He holds degrees in Theology (B.Th., M.Th.) and specializes in New Testament history, archives, exploring Biblical sites and producing historical documentaries.

The somewhat startling title of his essay is, “Is ‘Once Saved Always Saved’ Gnostic?” (Blog, May 2018; edited). Here are his MAIN ARGUMENTS.

• OPEN. “In my previous article on the historic anomaly of the Doctrine of ‘Once Saved Always Saved’, I suggested the popular Teaching [or, ‘Dogma’], as it stands today, might have its ‘ORIGINS IN GNOSTICISM [“Direct spiritual knowledge over institutional authority as in secret wisdom”] and not Scripture or Early Christianity.’ For many, any such claim is unthinkable and a plain denial of Scripture. But these types of beliefs are problematic, since there are between 60-80 verses in the New Testament which give distinct ‘Warnings to Believers’ [about the dangers of Apostasy].”

• REASONABILITY. “Scripture repeatedly tells believers to ‘ABIDE IN CHRIST’ (John 15:4,6,10; 1 John 2:28) which makes little sense if it were impossible for believers to do otherwise. Likewise, a person cannot ‘Abide’ somewhere they never were in the first place! Can a person ‘Abide in Christ’ if he or she was never in Christ in the first place? Why then should the believer be told to Abide in Christ’ if they cannot do anything else? The above verses and between 60-80 others including Romans 11:22 and Hebrews 10:26, raise serious doubts concerning the authenticity of the Doctrine.”

• CONTRADICTION. “Scripture is absolutely important and if a Doctrine is not taught in Scripture, it does not belong in Christianity and no believer in any part of the world is obligated to believe it. ‘But for all 5-Point Calvinists and Calvinistic Revisionists, the Doctrine of “Once Saved Always Saved” is absolutely iron-clad in Scripture itself.’ It is somewhat devilish, ignorant evidence of a lack of Faith for someone to deny or doubt it. Likewise, any attempt to cause people to re-think this is pointless, because they have already made their minds up. ‘This is also the case for many Evangelicals [and most in America] who inconsistently embrace the Doctrine, while affirming Free Will at the same time!’

• CHALLENGE. But THE QUESTION I am seeking to answer in this post is this:‘Did the Gnostics teach “Once Saved Always Saved”? If so, was it the same Doctrine as Calvinism or did their Doctrines contain similarities with the modern ‘wishy washy’ version of “Once Saved Always Saved.’” To answer this, I am going to use SIX REFERENCES from early Church father IRANAEUS and his book ‘Against Heresies’ as my historic source. I will be reviewing the ancient Gnostic beliefs from his perspective and leaving the reader to compare them to the modern versions of ‘Once Saved Always Saved.’ NOTE: Each of the Six Points is taken from his classic work, Book I Chapter 6. (Ante-Nicene Fathers. Volume 1), c. 180 AD; edited.

1. According to Irenaeus, “Gnostics claimed that Christians who did not follow their doctrines, believed in a salvation of works.” Quote: “We of the Church, they say, are these persons. Wherefore also they maintain that good works are necessary to us, for that otherwise it is impossible we should be saved.” (Book I, Chapter 6, Ante-Nicene Fathers. Volume 1)

• According to Irenaeus, “Gnostics taught that they would be entirely saved, not by works but because they were saved in the spirit.” Quote: “But as to themselves, (Gnostics) they hold that they shall be entirely and undoubtedly saved, not by means of conduct, (works) but because they are spiritual by nature.” (Book I, Chapter 6, Ante-Nicene Fathers. Volume 1)

• According to Irenaeus, “Gnostic’s claimed that they could not be corrupted or fall away from salvation, no matter what sins they did.” Quote “So again it is impossible that spiritual substance (by which they mean themselves) should ever come under the power of corruption, whatever the sort of actions in which they indulged.” (Book I, Chapter 6, Ante-Nicene Fathers. Volume 1)

• According to Irenaeus, “Gnostic’s addicted themselves to things forbidden in the Scriptures without any fear of judgement.” Quote: “That the ‘most perfect’ among them addict themselves without fear to all those kinds of forbidden deeds of which the Scriptures assure us that ‘they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God’ (Gal 5:21).” (Book I, Chapter 6, Ante-Nicene Fathers. Volume 1)

• According to Irenaeus, “Gnostic’s had no issues eating foods sacrificed to idols.” Quote: “For instance, they make no scruple about eating meats offered in sacrifice to idols.” (Book I, Chapter 6, Ante-Nicene Fathers. Volume 1)

• According to Irenaeus, “Gnostic’s committed sexual immorality with no fear of judgement or with any remorse.” Quote: “Others of them, too, openly and without a blush, having become passionately attached to certain women, seduce them away from their husbands, and contract marriages of their own with them.” (Book I, Chapter 6, Ante-Nicene Fathers. Volume 1)

• THESIS. ‘I think there are some disturbing similarities between those Gnostic Teachings and the modern versions of “Once Saved Always Saved.’” I don’t see any distinct exactness between the Gnostic Doctrine to Proper Calvinism, but some could go to that extreme. However, none of these references can be dismissed as ‘Gnostic Distortions’ of what was already taught in Scripture, because the warning passages in the New Testament, make little or no sense if ‘Once Saved Always Saved’ is true. It is ‘AN ASSUMPTION’ to [presume] that because someone is saved, that they will always remain that way. A document can be saved, but that does not mean it cannot be deleted? [see Revelation 3:5: “He who OVERCOMES [‘Nikaó’ (νικῶν), ‘PREVAILS over Satan’] shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels”].A royal document can be sealed, but it does not mean it cannot be broken off by The King.”

• CONCLUSION. “‘It is my opinion that too many Christians today are guilty of making far too many ASSUMPTIONS.’ We put ourselves before the Biblical Texts and read ourselves into them. It has become a rare thing to enquire into the minds of the Original Apostles and seek to discover what the Biblical Authors were intending to communicate. What is clear is that too many people and Preachers are busy feeding particular views into the Scriptures, things which Preachers have already suggested prior to their guiding the thoughts of their listeners before quoting passages from the Bible. This, I’m afraid, could well be the power of suggestion, thought control, and rhetorical persuasion. [Therefore], Christians: ‘Keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude 1: 21). ABIDE IN HIM; that when He shall Appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed of Him at His Coming’ (1 John 2: 28).”

1. OSAS CONSEQUENCES

Using nothing more than nearly Pure Logic accompanied by the Biblical Canon, there are FIVE MAJOR FAILURES of living by the OSAS Doctrine. These are almost surgically summarized by REV. DR. MATTHEW MURPHY in his analysis, “Practical Problems With OSAS” (Evangelical Arminians, Aug. 29, 2013; edited).

1. MINIMALISM. “OSAS puts too much emphasis on a SINGLE ACT of Faith in the past. On the OSAS View, assurance of salvation is generally promised on the basis of looking to a ‘One-Off Act in the Past,’ namely the placing of one’s faith in Christ, when it should be coming from an Examining of ourselves in the Present. In other words, advocates of OSAS generally view Eternal Life (and the assurance thereof) as an ‘irrevocable consequence of a Moment’s act of faith sometime in the past.’ As Charles Stanley says, ‘Saving Faith … is a Singular Moment in time wherein we take what God has offered.’ OSAS advocate Norman Geisler, citing Ephesians 2:4-6, writes that after someone is saved, the way that that person acts is in no way able to negate their security.Furthermore, Geisler writes that after we are saved, ‘There is no sin that can keep us out of heaven.’”

• CARNALITY. “OSAS can be used as a LICENSE FOR SIN, without any problem of inconsistency between belief and practice. OSAS advocate R. T. Kendall, also quoted above, writes: ‘What do we mean, “once saved, always saved”? … Before we introduce various terms let me give a Definition of the Teaching we are affirming. Whoever ONCE truly believes that Jesus was raised from the dead, and confesses that Jesus is Lord, will go to Heaven when he dies. But I will not stop there. Such a person will go to Heaven when he dies no matter what work (or lack of work) may accompany such faith.’ [emphasis in original]. Anderson and Park write that after we are saved, we are free to walk according to the flesh, if we so choose, without our status as God’s children being put at risk.”

• NON-REPENTANCE. “Related to the previous point, OSAS eliminates the need for the CONFESSION OF SIN. As the above quote from R. T. Kendall makes clear: If there is absolutely nothing that can prevent us from entering Heaven, as long as we have at least ‘ONCE’ believed in Christ, then it only makes sense that the confessing of our sins is non-essential to our forgiveness. Indeed, OSAS advocate Charles Stanley writes: ‘God forgave us long before we ever asked for it. He pardons us for sins we will never confess’ (1 John 1:9).Dave Hunt, another OSAS advocate, writes: ‘Salvation is the full pardon by grace from the penalty of ALL sin, past, present or future; eternal life is the bonus thrown in.’ A popular Bible Answers site tells us that, ‘When we place our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, all of our sins are forgiven. That includes past, present, and future, big or small.’ Believers do not have to keep asking for forgiveness or repenting in order to have their sins forgiven. Jesus died to pay the penalty for all of our sins, and when they are forgiven, they are all forgiven’ (Colossians 1:14; Acts 10:43).”

• LUKEWARMNESS. OSAS, if held consistently, would seem to eliminate any FEAR OF GOD from its proponent’s hearts. Given that OSAS can so easily lead to moral license and the non-confession of sin, any true fear of God would seem to have been eliminated. After all, if OSAS were true, we would not need to remember the example of the Israelites, for once we are delivered, that’s it; we’re set for life, because according to OSAS, we cannot possibly fail to reach Heaven. In other words, if OSAS were true, and we were indeed free to walk according to the flesh without putting our eternal inheritance on the line, there would be no rational reason for Fearing God; no reason to behold the Severity of God even if we were to stop standing by faith and draw back unto Perdition; no reason to hate Evil (which is the fear of the Lord – Prov. 8:13).”

• VULNERABILITY. “OSAS, if held consistently, would seem to eliminate the necessity of being SOBER-MINDED and [thereby] watchful. 1 Peter 5:8-9 says, ‘Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.’ But if what OSAS teaches – that once a person is saved, they are unconditionally always and forever saved – is correct, why should we be sober-minded and watchful? After all, if OSAS was correct, the Devil prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour can’t affect our Eternal Destiny [‘and Satan would be out of a job!’]. Even if he does manage to devour us, we will still be saved, according to OSAS. Notable OSAS advocate Charles Stanley writes, ‘[T]he unfaithful believer will not lose his salvation … Even if a Believer for all practical purposes becomes an Unbeliever, his salvation is not in jeopardy … Christ will not deny an unbelieving Christian his or her salvation … believers who lose or abandon their faith will retain their salvation, for God remains faithful.’”

CONCLUSION. “‘The Gospel is about “THE WAY” of Salvation, along which we must TRAVEL, if we are to reach our Destination; the Christian life is about The “Race,” in which we must run, if we are to receive our prize’ (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1). May we never let anyone deceive us into thinking that such a thing exists as an ‘Unbelieving Christian’ (a contradiction in terms if ever there was one) or a ‘Saved Unbeliever.’May we never let anyone deceive us into thinking that we can abandon our faith and yet still retain our share in God’s household (see Heb. 3:6). May we never be deceived into thinking that we can have an evil heart of unbelief, while remaining partakers of Christ (see Heb. 3:12-19). May we never let anyone deceive us into thinking that we can become Unbelievers without our Salvation being put in jeopardy (cf. Ezek. 18:24-26; Rom. 1:18; 11:20-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 2 Cor. 6:14-15; Heb. 3:12-19; Rev. 21:8). RATHER: Let us continue on the ‘Way’; ‘Let us run with endurance the race set before us!’ Let us strive for Holiness, for without Holiness, no one will see the Lord; and let us be Sober-Minded, let us be Watchful, for our Adversary the Devil [indeed] prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. If we are not careful, that someone could be us. ‘Our Eternal Inheritance is a high price to pay for our SPIRITUAL NEGLECT. We cannot afford to be casual.’”

1. LAST THOUGHTS: OSAS & TRUMP

The INTERSECTION of the theological concept of “Once Saved, Always Saved” (Eternal Security) and ‘Support for Donald Trump,’ particularly among Evangelical Christians, involves complex arguments regarding Divine Providence, Salvation, and Political Leadership. – AI Overview, ret. May 7, 2026; edited

CONNECTING THE DOTS: ‘OSAS GOT TRUMP ELECTED PRESIDENT!’

• FRANKLIN GRAHAM: In early 2026, Evangelist Franklin Graham reaffirmed to Trump that his “soul is secure” following concerns about his salvation, emphasizing that salvation is a gift.

• DIVINE INTERVENTION: Many if not most supporters believe ‘God spared Donald Trump’ duringassassination attempts in 2024, 2025, 2026 seeing it as proof that he is “Saved for a Purpose” to lead or “Make America Great Again.”

• “CYRUS” FIGURE: Many religious leaders, such as Ralph Reed, have historically compared Trump to the Persian King Cyrus—a non-believer used by God to protect and support his people. NOTE: No matter that King Cyrus, though a fierce commander on the field of battle, was noted by virtually all historians as a “most gracious monarch.” Selah.

• POLICY & PROTECTION: Evangelical support is often anchored in his appointment of “Conservative” judges, opposition to abortion, and protection of religious freedoms.

IN SUMMARY. For MAGA Christian Nationalists, the idea of “BEING SAVED” applies both ‘Spiritually’ (“Baby Christian”) to Trump’s Personal Salvation and ‘Politically’to his role in “Saving the Nation.” Thus: America’s ‘Golden Calf,’ or “Messiah.” Thushas the White Evangelical Church community effectively done The Unthinkable:

American Christians have three times in a row REJECTED the True Christ in EXCHANGE for the Biblical Antichrist!

CODA. Without a massive, collective, passionate, and sustained REPENTANCE, the Nation can no longe survive. Because, beloved, we have Polluted the Church.

Therefore, the only Remedy for our Wayward Indifference is found in the Words of the TRUE SAVIOR to what is arguably the quintessential Last Days Church.

 “And to the angel of the CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and REPENT! Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’” – REVELATION 3:14-22, NKJV

The Word of the Lord to the Earth’s Final Church, thanks be to God.

Therefore, beloved: ‘TAKE UP THY CROSS! And DETERMINE to Finish this Race! For I tell you: “Something’s Coming,” even this very year. – 2026: ‘The Year of the Beast.’

Selah. Selah.

MEDIA

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/PVUiJev_Bj0