Would like to know if A.M.E. church believe once-saved, always-saved?

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2002

Answers

Elizabeth,

Eternal security is one of the greatest gifts each believer in Christ Jesus has.  Regardless of our denomination, the peace and joy found in His Word on this doctrine gives us that 'Blessed Assurance' no act our flesh can produce.  I like this excerpt from an article written by Hank Hanegraaff, enjoy!

Most Christians have probably had moments of doubt about their salvation. After all, we've all entertained thoughts and have committed acts that we knew were displeasing to God. We've all experienced that sense of remorse and sometimes questioned the reality of our salvation afterwards. Backsliding can no doubt cause such feelings to arise, and should hopefully move us to repentance (1 John 1:9).

However, when it comes to the issue of eternal security, the Bible makes it absolutely clear that those who have been saved will never be lost. Jesus emphatically pointed this out in the Gospel of John when, in reference to believers, He said, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand..." (John 10:28). In this passage, Christ explicitly declared that no one who has received eternal life will ever lose it.

Furthermore, in such passages as 2 Corinthians 1:22, and Ephesians 1:13, the apostle Paul indicated that the Holy Spirit acts as the very seal of God's ownership of the believer; He serves as the guarantee of our inheritance to come - namely, eternal life (John 5:24; 1 John 5:13). In describing our inheritance the apostle Peter used some very powerful words - words like "imperishable," "undefiled," and "unfading" (1 Pet. 1:5). With these words He underscored the everlasting assurance believers have with respect to God's gift of salvation.

Now I know what you're asking: "What about the Christians who have completely abandoned their faith?" Well, judging by what we're told in Scripture we can only conclude that they were never saved from the start. You see, while "once saved, always saved" is true from God's perspective, man only looks at the outward appearance and thus cannot always accurately assess who is really saved in the first place. The question therefore is not whether someone lost their salvation, but whether they had ever had it at all. As Romans chapter eight says, "there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (v. 38-29). He is the very source of our salvation.

And remember, eternal life that comes to the believer through faith in Christ is not life for two weeks, two months, or even two years; eternal life is everlasting life. It begins at the moment of conversion and stretches on through the eons of time.

   In Excellence,

-- Anonymous, July 07, 2002

Interesting how nearly a year has passed since this question was proferred for discusssion yet with the exception of our very "colorful" contributor, Chuck, no one else has responded, including myself. Am I to believe that silence or non-response to this key theological question implies that the AMEC does not teach the doctrine concerning eternal security? Perhaps eternal security as a doctrinal statement is addressed in the Articles of Religion. I'll check. QED

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2003

I believe in eternal security for all who are truly born again. I won't try to point thme out but there are many places where Jesus stated those that are his are never lost again. If we believe the Word as stated, I see it as being very clear. Problems occur when "classism" (my word) appears in the church. A freind of mine from a denomination that shall remain nameless told me this, "I believe in eternal security, but I can never teach my people that. If I did they would all be out sinning and sinning." He felt Clergy were mature enough to know the truth and not sin whereas the poor lay folk had to be ruled by eternal fear to be saved. I suspect this is the root cause of so much discussion on this issue. If you believe the Gospel record of Jesus's teaching, you have to believe that one who is saved can never be lost. BE Blessed

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2003

Bill,

Based on what I have been taught in my A.M.E. church forall these years, I think the answer is that we do not so believe. The reason being is the question of choice and our own free will and ability to make that choice.

Salvation is conditional on our relinquishing of our free will, with constant prayer and vigilance to make Jesus always fully and truly Lord.

Some of the greatest theological statements of which I am aware appear in the spirituals our people wrote and sang. So let me quote a few to illustrate my point.

"Better mind, my brother, how you walk on the cross, Your foot might slip and your soul get lost, Ole Satan wears a club foot shoe, If you don't mind he'll slip it on your.

"Everybody talking 'bout hebben ain't goin' dere.

Judas was chosen an ordained as an apostle of Christ. Mark 3:14 (KJV. He was also Bishop in the Chruch of God (Acts 1:20) Judas walked with Christ is His ministry almost to the end. But, oh what a difference Judas' last twelve hours made when he exercised his free will and ability to choose.

Today's Lectionary Readings in Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 and John 17:6-19 speaks to the fate of the choices Judas made, despite the calling, blessings and salvation which Jesus freely gave.

We are all familiar with the story of the lad who brought a bird in his hand to a wise old man. He asked if the bird was dead or alive. The sage answered him; "It's in your hands"

Jesus died on the cross that all might be saved. He has saved, saves and will continue to save. But, "Till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more, " your response to His salvation remains in your hands.

So as for the choice which I chose to make with the bird in my hand, as my people so long ago quite fittingly wrote and sang.

I b'lieve I'll run on, see what the end will be, Something at he end is waiting for me!

-- Anonymous, June 01, 2003