Christ, the Savior of the World
John 3:16-18 states: “16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe is judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
God’s love is evident, that He sent His only begotten Son into the world, so that we might live by Him. It is not that we first loved God, but that God first loved us and sent His only begotten Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10 states: “9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He (God) loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (an atoning sacrifice) for our sins.”
Salvation In No Other Name
There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven, by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12 states: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”
Eternal Life, a Free Gift of God
Eternal life is a free gift of God, through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 states: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in (through) Christ Jesus our Lord.”
John 17:3 states: “This is eternal (everlasting) life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent (forth).”
The Chief Author of Our Salvation
Christ is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, as He always lives to make intercession for them. He is the chief agent and author of our salvation.
Hebrews 7:25 states: “Therefore He (Christ) is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 2:10 states: “For it is fitting for Him (Christ), for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author (leader, pioneer, chief agent) of their salvation through sufferings.”
Salvation By Faith
Salvation is possible only through faith in Jesus Christ. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.
Romans 10:8-9 states: “8 But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching. 9 that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall (will) be saved.”
John 3:36 states: “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath (displeasure, indignation) of God abides (rests) on him.”
It is only by grace that we are saved through faith; it is a gift of God and cannot be earned by personal merit or works.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states: “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of your own doing, it is the gift of God–9 not because of works, lest any man should boast.”
Salvation & Truth
It is God’s will that all sorts of men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 states: “3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Jesus tells us at John 4:24 that: “God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth.”
Repentance & Faith
Repentance from dead works accompanied every early believer’s confession of faith and was an integral part of their salvation.
Mark 1:14-15 states: “14. . . Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'”
Luke 24:47 states: “And that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
The Apostle Peter admonished non believers at Acts 2:38: “Repent and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit.”
The Apostle Paul admonished non believers at Acts 17:30: “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent.”
The Apostle Paul stated at Acts 20:21: “I thoroughly bore witness both to Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.”
The scriptures tell us, why all sinners need to repent.
Romans 3:23 states: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Early believers repented of their sins and turned around from their former dead works. In this way, repentance worked alongside or in conjunction with their faith. By repenting, believing the gospel, and putting faith in Jesus as Lord, they were saved.
Baptism & Salvation
Baptism always accompanied the early believer’s confession of faith and was an integral part of their conversion and salvation.
At Mark 16:16, Jesus said: “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”
The following are some examples of early Christian conversions, found in the book of Acts. Water baptism immediately followed the candidates putting faith in Christ, and was a pivotal part of their salvation and entry into the first century church.
Acts 8:35-38 tells us: “35 And Phillip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture (Isaiah 53:7) he preached Jesus to him. 36 and as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, ‘Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ 37 And Phillip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Phillip as well as the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
Acts 16:31 &33 states: “And after he (the jailer) brought them (Paul & Silas) out, he said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.’ 33 . . . And they took them (Paul & Silas) that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he (the jailer) was baptized, he and all his household.”
Acts 19:4-6 states: “4 Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ 5 When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.”
Baptism in Water & Spirit (Born Again)
Baptism in water and Spirit was a significant part of every early believer’s conversion and salvation. Baptism in water and Spirit accompanied the early believer’s confession of faith and repentance. Early Christians were saved by the washing of regeneration (being born again by water) and the renewing of the Holy Spirit (being born again by Holy Spirit).
The Apostle Paul at Titus 3:5-6 wrote: “5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration (cleansing bath of the new birth, washing away our sins) and renewing by the Holy Spirit (the renewing power of the Holy Spirit), 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
Acts 2:37-38 states: “37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’ 38 And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
At Acts 1:5 Jesus said: “. . . John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
The Apostle Peter at 1 Peter 3:21 wrote: “And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you–not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience. . .” (See also Hebrews 10:22)
Baptism in water and Spirit was a fulfillment of Jesus’ words found at John 3:5:
“__Truly, truly I say to you, unless anyone is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Baptism in water and Holy Spirit represented a spiritual rebirth or regeneration for every believer, and also signified ones being saved and admitted into the early church.
Acts 2:40-41 & 47 states: “40 And with many other words he (Peter) solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. . . 47 And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Jesus said at Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:25-27 states: “25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself up for her; 26 that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her with the washing of the water with the word (washed by baptism and God’s word, with the baptismal water by the word), 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless.”
Acts 19:5-6 states: “5 When they heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.” (Previously cited)
Acts 10:44-48: “44 While Peter was still speaking speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 ‘Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?’ 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. . .”
Saul of Tarsus, who became the Apostle Paul upon his conversion, was born again in water and Spirit.
Acts 9:17-18 states: “17 And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized.”
Acts 22:12-16 also recounts the conversion of Saul, with the water baptism that washed away his sins, and his calling on the name of the Lord.
At Acts 22:16, Ananias said to Saul: “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”
All early Christians were born again by being baptized in water and Holy Spirit. Early converts became part of the body of Christ, by being baptized into Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13 states: “For by one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
Galatians 3:26-27: “26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with (put on) Christ.”
Romans 6:3 states: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?”
All early Christians repented of dead works, put faith in Jesus Christ, were baptized in water, and received the Holy Spirit through miraculous gifting or the laying on of hands. The writer of Hebrews refers to these steps as elementary doctrine, something that every early believer would have experienced and been familiar with. Repentance, faith, water baptism, and baptism in Holy Spirit served as a spiritual foundation in the life of every believer. These steps (during conversion) occurred spontaneously and in immediate succession, although not always in the same order or sequence.
The writer of Hebrews confirms this at Hebrews 6:1-2:
“1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings (water baptism), and laying on of hands (baptism of Holy Spirit). . .” (See Baptism/Born Again Topic)
Salvation & Endurance
Upon receiving salvation, the believer was expected to endure. Failure to endure could result in the loss of one’s salvation.
At Mathew 24:13, Jesus said: “But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.”
James 1:12 states: “Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.”
Hebrews 10:36 states: “For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.” (Refer also to Matthew 7:21)
2 Timothy 2:10-13 states: “10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory. 11 The saying is sure: If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; 13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful–for He cannot deny Himself.”
At Revelation 2:10, Jesus said: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the Devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Salvation & God’s Commandments
Upon receiving salvation, the early believer showed his love for God and Christ, by keeping the commandments. Failure to keep the commandments could result in the loss of one’s salvation.
At John 14:15, Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep My commandments.”
Jesus said at John 15:10: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
1 John 5:3 states: “For this is the love of God, that we keep (obey) His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
At Mathew 7:24-27, Jesus said: “24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them (does them), may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock (Jesus Christ). 25 And the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. 26 and everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them (does not do them), will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house, and it fell, and great was its fall.”
Salvation & Good Works
Upon receiving salvation, the early believer was expected to bear fruit by doing good works. The works bore testimony to their faith. A person’s failure in doing good works and bearing much fruit, could result in the loss of their salvation.
At John 15:5-6 & 8, Jesus said: “5 I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If a man does not abide in Me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.”
At Mathew 7:16 & 19-20, Jesus said: “16 You will know them by their fruits. . . 19 Every tree that does not produce good fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.”
James 2:17 states: “So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”
James 2:26 states: “For just as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.”
James 2:18 states: “But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.'”
James 2:22 states: “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works.”
Philippians 2:12 states: “Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Ephesians 2:10 states: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Once Saved, Not Always Saved
Upon receiving salvation, early Christians were expected to endure, bear good fruit, and show their love for God by obeying His commandments. Although a new convert may have entered into a saved standing with God at the time of their conversion, salvation was not a status that was to be viewed as permanently secured or with over confidence. The fact that early Christians could lose their salvation, and in some cases did lose their salvation, is documented in Holy Scripture. The common teaching of, “once saved, always saved,” is not found in the New Testament or in the history of the early church.
The Apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 10:12 states: “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
The Apostle Paul had to pummel his body and lead it as a slave, lest after preaching to others, he might become disapproved somehow or disqualified.
The Apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 9:27 stated: “I buffet (browbeat, pummel, bruise) my body and make it my slave (subdue it, lead it as a slave), lest possibly, after I have preached to others (summoned others to the race, called others to the contest), I myself should be disqualified (disapproved somehow).”
The writer of Hebrews warned early believers to pay more than the usual attention to what they had heard, that they might never drift away from the faith and neglect their salvation.
Hebrews 2:1-3 states: “1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect (disregard, ignore) so great a salvation?. . . ”
The writer of Hebrews also warns the brethren to take care, lest there be in any of you an unbelieving heart; leading one to fall away from the living God, that none of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:12-13 states: “12 Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Some of the pitfalls that the Apostle Paul warned the early church about were idolatry, immorality, and grumbling. (See 1 Corinthians 10:6-10) These sins had caused many an Israelite to perish and served as a warning example for early Christians as well. Early believers were warned, “let him who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.” Falling into sin could result in the loss of one’s salvation. As believers, we have the assurance that God is faithful. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, but along with the temptation He will provide for us a way out, that we may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:11-13 states: “11 Now these things happened to them as a warning, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation (He) will also provide the way of escape (the way out), that you may be able to endure it.”
The Apostle Paul did not view his heavenly resurrection and being made perfect as something that he had already won or attained. He had to press on, forgetting the things behind, in order to obtain the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:10-14 states: “10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, 11 that if possible I may attain (in the hope that I may attain, that I may perhaps attain) the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already attained this (already laid hold of it, already won, already obtained this) or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own (that I may lay hold on that, to see if I can capture it), because Christ Jesus has made me His own. 13 Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own (that I have captured it yet); but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. 14 I press on toward the goal of the prize (I strain to reach the end of the race) of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
If we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there may no longer be any sacrifice for sins left, but a prospect of fiery judgment. The act of willfully sinning after receiving the truth, could result in the loss of one’s salvation. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God.
Hebrews 10:26-31 states: “26 For if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire which will consume the adversaries. 28 A man who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy at the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by the man who has spurned the Son of God, and profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace. 30 For we know Him who has said, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ 31 It is a fearful (terrifying) thing to fall into the hands of a living God.”
If, after escaping the defilements of this world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a believer is once again entangled and overpowered by the world, the latter state becomes worse for them than the first. It would have been better for them to have never known the way of righteousness, than to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. Going back to the world could jeopardize a believer’s salvation.
2 Peter 2:20-22 states: “20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, ‘The dog turns back (returns) to its own vomit, and the sow (that) is washed (returns) only to wallow in the mire.'”
It is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly calling, and have been partakers in the Holy Spirit, if they then commit apostasy and fall away from the faith. Those, who have been called and commit apostasy, forfeit their salvation.
Hebrews 6:4-8 states: “4 For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened (illuminated), who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they then commit apostasy (fall away, deviate from the faith), it is impossible to renew them again to repentance (to make them repent as they did at first, to bring them again to repentance), since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold Him up to contempt. 7 For the land which has drunk the rain which often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.”
The Narrow Gate & Few Saved
Adding to all of the above scriptural truth, the scriptures make it plain that to enter the kingdom of God, it would be extremely difficult; even for a righteous man, a born again, spirit begotten, baptized saint.
Jesus said at Matthew 22:14: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Jesus said at Matthew 7:13-14: “13 Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.”
Luke 13:22-24 states: “22 Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as He made His way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked Him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, 24 ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door (force yourselves through it, strain every nerve to get in, struggle to get in, do your utmost to get in, vie with each other to come in, exert yourselves vigorously); for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.'” (See also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
The Apostle Peter wrote, at 1 Peter 4:17-18: “17 For the time has come for the judgment to begin with the household of God (the church); and if it begins with us (we as Christians), what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel (good news) of God? 18 And if the righteous man is scarcely saved (the good man is saved only with difficulty, if it is hard for the upright man to be saved), where will the impious and sinner appear (what will become of the godless man and the sinner)?”
False Brethren, False Teachers, & Anti Christs
Antichrists had already appeared in the first-century church and had gone out from among the body of early believers.
1 John 2:18-19 states: “18 Children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come; therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 they went out from us, but they were not of us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they are not of us.”
There were early believers who were marked by other Christians as having become enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end was destruction. Faithful believers were to disassociate or turn away from such marked ones. These marked ones were creating divisions and obstacles for stumbling, that were contrary to the doctrine that they had originally received.
The Apostle Paul stated at Philippians 3:17-19: “17 Brethren, join in imitating me, and mark those who so live as you have an example in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears (weeping), live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is their destruction, and their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”
Romans 16:17-18 states: “17 Now I beseech you brethren, mark them (take note of those) which cause (create) divisions (dissensions) and offences (difficulties, obstacles, occasions for stumbling) contrary to the doctrine (teaching) which you have learned; and avoid (disassociate, turn away from) them. 18 For they that are such, serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
The Apostle Paul wrote that false brethren had infiltrated the Galatian church, to spy on the Christian freedom that the faithful brethren had obtained through Paul’s gospel of grace. These false teachers had caused some believers to fall away, having been misled by another gospel that was based on the Law of Moses. Paul refers to those brethren who had fallen away as “foolish Galatians.” They were bewitched and had left the original gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul at Galatians 1:6-7 wrote: “6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel–7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.”
Paul at Galatians 2:4 stated: “But because of false brethren secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy out (on) our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.”
At Galatians 3:1-2, Paul stated: “1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of law, or by hearing with faith?”
Paul spoke to believers who had left the truth at Galatians 5:7: “You were running well, who hindered you from obeying the truth?”
Early Believers & the Apostasy
Toward the end of his life, the Apostle Paul stated that all of those in Asia Minor had forsaken him in his time of tribulation. This would have included those in Galatia and other churches, that had departed from the faith. This certainly underscores the reality of the first century church. Many early Christians fell away and drifted away from the faith, having been misled and deceived. The scriptures tell us that there were early believers who became deceivers, antichrists, false brothers, false teachers, apostates, and even enemies of the cross of Christ.
In his letters to Timothy, the Apostle Paul mentioned early believers by name, who had left the truth (the faith) and had influenced others.
2 Timothy 1:15 states: “You are aware of the fact that all of those in (the district, the province of) Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.”
1 Timothy 1:19-20 states: “19 . . . By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among them Hymenaeus and Alexander, that I have delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”
2 Timothy 2:16-17 states: “16 Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and 17 their talk will eat its way like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved (deviated) from the truth . . .”
2 Timothy 4:14 states: “Alexander the copper-smith did me much harm (many injuries); the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.”
Jesus prophesied that in the last days, false prophets, messiahs, and deceivers would appear, displaying signs and wonders and deceiving many, even the chosen or elect.
Matthew 24:23-24 states: “23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘There He is!’-do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs (Christs) and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens (wonders, portents), to lead astray, if possible, even the elect (the chosen, God’s chosen).”
Early Believers, Who Jeopardized Their Salvation
The early Christians mentioned above were at one time spirit begotten, baptized, born again believers! They were once disciples of Jesus Christ, who had left the truth and deviated from the faith. They had jeopardized their salvation as a result of their ungodly speech and actions.
Consider Ananias and Sapphira, who were among the first converts of the fledgling church. They had just put faith in Christ, repented of their sins, been baptized in water, and received the free gift of the Holy Spirit. By lying to the Holy Spirit and God, they were struck dead. That these two believers could lose their salvation, and be slain by the Holy Spirit, caused great fear among all in the early church. (Read Acts 5:1-11)
Note the reaction of all those in the early church, after Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 5:11 states: “And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things.”
Consider the Apostle Judas, who betrayed Christ. Judas was an apostle, who was called and chosen of God. He and the other apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles. These miracles consisted of the casting out of demons and the healing of the sick, yet Judas lost his salvation!
Luke 6:13 states: “And when day came, He (Christ) called His disciples to Him; and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles.”
John 6:70-71 states: “70 Jesus answered them, ‘Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?’ 71 Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.”
Luke 9:1 states: ” And He (Christ) called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.”
In reference to Judas Iscariot, Matthew 26:24 states:
“. . .but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not (had never) been born.”
Christ’s Warning to the Churches
Nowhere in scripture is it more apparent that early Christians could lose their salvation, than in Jesus’ own words, addressed by letter to the seven churches of Asia Minor. While initially commending believers for their faith, obedience, love, and endurance; Christ also had many things to say against these churches, that put their salvation in jeopardy.
Jesus commended faithful believers in the church of Ephesus, for exposing those who were false apostles in their midst.
Revelation 2:2 states: “. . . you cannot bear evil men but have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and found them to be false.”
Christ called for believers in the church of Ephesus to repent, because they had abandoned the love they had at first! They should return to the works that they had at first, so that their lamp-stand should not be removed.
Revelation 2:4-5 states: “4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love that you had at first. 5 Remember then from what you have fallen, repent and do the works you did at first. If not I will come to you and remove your lamp-stand from its place, unless you repent.”
For those in the church of Smyrna, endurance and faithfulness unto death was mandatory to receive the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10 states: “. . . Behold the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”
Christ reproved the believers in the church of Pergamum, who tolerated the teachings of the sect of Balaam (which promoted idolatry and immorality) and the sect of Nicolaus. (Refer to Revelation 2:14-15) Christ called for those believers to repent, or face dire consequences!
Revelation 2:16 states: “Repent therefore; or else (if not) I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war (I will fight, contend) against them (against such men) with the sword (or spirit) of My mouth.”
Christ reproved those in the church of Thyatira, who tolerated the woman Jezebel and her acts of immorality and idolatry. Christ called for believers to repent and hold fast until His coming, so that they should not receive part of her plagues and tribulation. He who would overcome and keep Christ’s commandments to the end, would receive authority over the nations.
Revelation 2:22-23 & 25-26 states: “21 I gave her (Jezebel) time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 22 Behold, I will cast her upon a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with pestilence (sickness); and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give (render to) each one of you according to your deeds. 25 Nevertheless what you have hold fast until I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.”
Christ reproved those in the church of Sardis for their deeds. Members of that church thought they were alive, but in reality they were dead. Christ called for them to wake up and remember what they had received and heard; and keep it, and repent.
Revelation 3:1-3 states: “1 . . . I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but that you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”
Christ commended those in the church of Philadelphia, who had kept His word and had not denied His name. Christ would expose those of the synagogue of Satan, who said that they were Jews (spiritual Jews), but were not, and found to be liars! (See Romans 2:28-29) Christ tells the believers in Philadelphia that He is coming soon, and that they should hold fast to what they have. The Philadelphians were admonished to endure and persevere, so that no one might take their crown. He that conquers, would be made a pillar in the temple of Jesus’ God.
Revelation 3:8-12 states: “8 . . . yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie (are liars) . . . 10 Because you have kept My word of patient endurance. . . 11 I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have so that no one may seize your crown. 12 He who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God.”
Christ reproved those believers in the church of Laodicea, who were neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm in their works. Christ threatened to vomit them out of His mouth! While asserting that they were rich and prospering, they were in reality wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. To those whom Christ loved, He reproved and chastened; so that they might be zealous and repent.
Revelation 3:15-17 & 19 states: “15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. . . 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew (vomit) you out of My mouth. 17 For you say I am rich. I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 19 To those I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent.”
Summary
Although early believers, once converted, may have been in a saved standing before God, it is a theological myth to teach that once a believer was saved, they were always saved. The vast weight of scriptural evidence presented, clearly shows the need for all believers to endure to the end and avoid falling away from the faith, by falling into sin. Believers were also admonished to obey God’s commandments and manifest good works or fruitage! Many early Christians lost their salvation, by not being faithful in this regard. As Jesus said, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” The Apostle Peter wrote, “If a righteous man is being saved with difficulty, who will make an accounting for the godless man and sinner?”
We are in a spiritual race for the upward calling and prize of Jesus Christ. Only those who finish the race will receive the prize, the crown of life. Therefore, we need to run in such a way that we do not give out and lose our salvation. By remaining faithful, we will receive the crown of life and be victorious in finishing the race.
Note the Apostle Paul’s words:
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
Prior to his martyrdom, the Apostle Paul could say: “7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing (coming).” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Prior to his martyrdom, the Apostle Peter admonished all believers: “11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, (holy and pious lives, devout and dedicated lives) 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God. . . 14 Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous (be diligent, do your utmost) to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the forbearance (patience, long suffering) of our Lord as salvation.” 2 Peter 3:11-12 & 14-15
The Apostle Paul also stated: “23 May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and He will do this.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Print in red intended for clarification and/or various renderings from other translations.