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Eternal Security: Can I Be Sure That I'm Going to Heaven?
Do you ever find yourself wondering . . . With the wisdom and skill of a man who has personally wrestled with these questions, internationally-known pastor and bestselling author Charles Stanley addresses the age-old issue of grace vs. works in this compassionate, straight-forward book. With questions at the end of each chapter, Eternally Secure is an excellent choice for individual or group study. "I know from experience that until you settle once and for all the question of whether or not you are eternally secure, joy will elude you. Therefore, it is my prayer that God will use this book in your life and that in the very near future you will be able to face life with the confidence that comes through knowing you are eternally secure. ?Charles Stanley Previously published in hardcover (0840790953).
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1990
102 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Charles F. Stanley
555 books679 followersDr. Charles F. Stanley is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta, founder of In Touch Ministries, and a New York Times best-selling author who has written more than fifty books, and has sold more than nine million copies. He demonstrates a keen awareness of people's needs and provides Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
Charles Frazier Stanley was born September 25, 1932, in the small town of Dry Fork, Virginia. The only child of Charley and Rebecca Stanley, Charles came into the world during a time when the entire nation felt the grip of the Great Depression. To make matters worse, just nine months later, his father Charley died at the young age of 29.
However, Charles refused to let the Great Depression or the difficulties of his life define him. Instead, like his father and grandfather before him, he clung to God’s Word and took up the mantle to preach the gospel to whoever would listen.
Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” This is because, as he says, “It is the Word of God and the work of God that changes people’s lives.”
Dr. Stanley’s teachings can be heard weekly at First Baptist Church Atlanta, daily on “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley” radio and television broadcasts on more than 2,800 stations around the world, on the Internet at intouch.org, through the In Touch Messenger, and in the monthly, award-winning In Touch magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 1, 2020
Inspiring, motivating, spiritually empowering and a powerful connection to Word of God. Excellent read.
January 14, 2020
Read this ten minutes every day with the Bible. Starting over tomorrow. It's a Free-Grace perspective of eternal security, my personal belief as well. Free-Grace teaches salvation in Christ alone through faith and by grace, without works of any kind, including what many refer to as the "perseverance of the saints." Once-saved-always-saved.
August 10, 2021
So good I bought a paper copy
This is a book worth reading not once or twice but over and over again. I’d recommend this book for everyone to take their time reading and read thoughtfully
This is a book worth reading not once or twice but over and over again. I’d recommend this book for everyone to take their time reading and read thoughtfully
May 8, 2024
What can I say about this book that will do it justice? And yet, it is not the book itself but the topic and truth of Scripture found within that makes it so amazing.
I have struggled with doubts of salvation for years. But, reading this book and closely scrutinizing the Bible passages therein has given me such a deeper and fuller understanding of salvation and why one can be sure of it.
This book has been the salvation Bible study that I have always needed but never had. It has helped me and given me joy beyond what I thought possible. Though, it was not this book, it was the Scripture and study contained therein.
Enough with personal testimony . . .
The book had a ton of Scripture which was excellent. It did not skirt by the hard passages but rather showcased them and dealt with them without fear. I appreciated that for much apprehension surrounding the area of eternal security is brought on by some, I believe, misunderstood passages.
This book was about Eternal Security for sure, and yet it was also just so much about the Gospel. It clearly takes the reader through God’s plan of salvation.
If you ever struggle with doubts, or certain hard to understand passages, I would recommend you read this book. But don’t just read the book; take the Scriptures found in it and study them for yourself along side this book. I suggest you use this as a study guide. After all, it is the Scriptures which gives light and tells us how it really is. So let us find out what the Scriptures have to say about this topic.
This is the first non-fiction book that I have read twice, and almost right after I completed it. It was that much of a help and blessing to me that I wanted to cement it in my heart and memory.
I have struggled with doubts of salvation for years. But, reading this book and closely scrutinizing the Bible passages therein has given me such a deeper and fuller understanding of salvation and why one can be sure of it.
This book has been the salvation Bible study that I have always needed but never had. It has helped me and given me joy beyond what I thought possible. Though, it was not this book, it was the Scripture and study contained therein.
Enough with personal testimony . . .
The book had a ton of Scripture which was excellent. It did not skirt by the hard passages but rather showcased them and dealt with them without fear. I appreciated that for much apprehension surrounding the area of eternal security is brought on by some, I believe, misunderstood passages.
This book was about Eternal Security for sure, and yet it was also just so much about the Gospel. It clearly takes the reader through God’s plan of salvation.
If you ever struggle with doubts, or certain hard to understand passages, I would recommend you read this book. But don’t just read the book; take the Scriptures found in it and study them for yourself along side this book. I suggest you use this as a study guide. After all, it is the Scriptures which gives light and tells us how it really is. So let us find out what the Scriptures have to say about this topic.
This is the first non-fiction book that I have read twice, and almost right after I completed it. It was that much of a help and blessing to me that I wanted to cement it in my heart and memory.
January 20, 2020
This is an interesting read regarding the concept of "once saved, always saved." The author provides support for his views as he analyzes scripture; he also explains why he thinks some scripture is misinterpreted leading people to fear the loss of salvation. The concept of some people being saved but not part of the "special rank" was new and a bit disturbing, thus requiring more research by this reader.
March 31, 2024
First off, I should probably start with saying that I've always struggled with the concept of Once Saved Always Saved, or Eternal Security. I've read the Bible several times and I just don't see it. I think it's a comfortable doctrine for people to lean on that isn't actually scriptural. I'm probably the most Arminian leaning person in attendance at my Southern Baptist Church.(It's my husband's family church). With all that being said, I did find it interesting that in Charles Stanley's book he said that when he read the Bible, growing up, he didn't believe in Eternal Security either; even after he moved from a Penecostal church to a Baptist church. He didn't change his salvation views until after he started attending Seminary School. I find that interesting. Anyway, I have tried to meet people in the middle who believe in ES. They always assure me it's not a license to sin, and that truly saved Christians will strive for obedience, etc..; however, Charles Stanley's book didn't say any of that. He used a lot of flowery rhetoric to make his assertions more palatable; but the bottom line is that his views are some of the most extreme I've ever heard of. He also used a lot of anecdotes, figurative language, and so forth to give credit to his claims; as well as taking many scriptures out of context. It was a hot mess. I am appalled. I really am. I can't believe what I read. He said that you don't have to keep the faith to be saved. One act of faith is enough to guarantee your salvation. You just have to pray the prayer acknowledging that Jesus died to pay for your sins and that's it. He did say that if you are a bad Christian you will lose rewards in heaven, but you won't go to hell. Even if you rebel against God, turn away from the faith, continually sin on purpose; none of that effects your salvation at all. God is a God of unconditional love who is obligated to save you after your prayer no matter what you do. That's the message of the book. It is a beautifully decorated, license to sin heresy. I can't even believe it was allowed to be printed. Another thing I found strange was that on pages 9 and 10 Charles Stanley claimed Jacobus Arminius's ideas about God's foreknowledge that we would choose him to be false. Then on page 184 he seemed to contradict himself and agree with Arminius. Also, in one chapter, he said that if you turn away from God it effects your fellowship with God, not your salvation; but then in the conclusion chapter of the book he said that if you put your faith in Christ the fellowship is maintained forever. The definition of fellowship is allowed to change throughout the book, I guess. One minute it means closeness in a relationship, and the next it means the same thing as relationship. You can, maybe, see why I found this book a heretical, chaotic, contradicting, hot mess. I understand that some of the bible is hard to swallow. I get that, but we can't change it to suit our own ideas or comfort levels. It just is what it is because IT IS WRITTEN. We have to let the Bible say what it says and stop trying to make it a more comfortable read.
December 28, 2020
Do you ever find yourself wondering . . .
Is it actually possible to know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am going to heaven? If you say that my salvation is "eternally secure" and that I can never lose it, does that mean that I can commit any sin and still go to heaven? How can an understanding of "eternal security" make a difference in my Christian life?
With the wisdom and skill of a man who has personally wrestled with these questions, internationally-known pastor and bestselling author Charles Stanley addresses the age-old issue of grace vs. works in this compassionate, straight-forward book.
With questions at the end of each chapter, "Eternally Secure" is an excellent choice for individual or group study.
"I know from experience that until you settle once and for all the question of whether or not you are eternally secure, joy will elude you. Therefore, it is my prayer that God will use this book in your life and that in the very near future you will be able to face life with the confidence that comes through knowing you are eternally secure. ―Charles Stanley
Is it actually possible to know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am going to heaven? If you say that my salvation is "eternally secure" and that I can never lose it, does that mean that I can commit any sin and still go to heaven? How can an understanding of "eternal security" make a difference in my Christian life?
With the wisdom and skill of a man who has personally wrestled with these questions, internationally-known pastor and bestselling author Charles Stanley addresses the age-old issue of grace vs. works in this compassionate, straight-forward book.
With questions at the end of each chapter, "Eternally Secure" is an excellent choice for individual or group study.
"I know from experience that until you settle once and for all the question of whether or not you are eternally secure, joy will elude you. Therefore, it is my prayer that God will use this book in your life and that in the very near future you will be able to face life with the confidence that comes through knowing you are eternally secure. ―Charles Stanley
July 3, 2024
Very Reassuring!
I have always enjoyed reading every book by Charles Stanley, this book is no exception! It’s clears up a lot of questions regarding our salvation and if we can lose it. I miss Charles Stanley, over the years his books have taught me so much and have been a source of comfort and encouragement. They very much are God inspired. I highly recommend this book and all the books by Charles Stanley.
I have always enjoyed reading every book by Charles Stanley, this book is no exception! It’s clears up a lot of questions regarding our salvation and if we can lose it. I miss Charles Stanley, over the years his books have taught me so much and have been a source of comfort and encouragement. They very much are God inspired. I highly recommend this book and all the books by Charles Stanley.
March 18, 2018
Dr. Charles Stanley uses Biblical TRUTH to explain that salvation is forever. He shoots down other theories claiming otherwise.
Dr. Stanley's writing style is such that it is like being in the same room as he, listening to him speak.
If you personally, or know of anyone who has, doubted eternal salvation, read this book and doubt no more. Salvation is forever!
Dr. Stanley's writing style is such that it is like being in the same room as he, listening to him speak.
If you personally, or know of anyone who has, doubted eternal salvation, read this book and doubt no more. Salvation is forever!
July 26, 2017
A good read
While I don't agree with everything written, Stanley makes a good case for his view. This book will inform the reader of a particular view regarding eternal security and is worth the time to read.
While I don't agree with everything written, Stanley makes a good case for his view. This book will inform the reader of a particular view regarding eternal security and is worth the time to read.
November 8, 2020
It's a very inciteful book on the permanence of salvation. It's a book I will read again and study the many references that are abundantly sprinkled through each chapter. So, this once my first of many reads. Eternal Security is what it explains it's what I believe.
May 21, 2021
Charles spells it out simply & plainly that our eternal salvation is irrevocable and that we have God's assurance and security forever with the here & now. This is a great cause for happiness and rejoicing. Thank you again and again Charles.
August 24, 2021
SoIid biblical teaching an encouragement for believers to have a strong faith that makes them effective in the world
A must read if having doubts. Easy to understand and effective for equipping believers to go into the world !
A must read if having doubts. Easy to understand and effective for equipping believers to go into the world !
February 26, 2019
For any Christian struggling with doubts about their salvation this is a must-read.
June 24, 2019
Would recommend to any believer in Jesus Christ.
December 3, 2019
Inspirational
September 26, 2023
Reassures you of God's faithfulness and power and love. Explains a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
Neede to be read deliberately and slowly with note taking.
January 7, 2025
I think I’m still deciding whether or not this book convinced me. But it nudged me in the right direction I think.
March 24, 2025
4.5 stars
March 22, 2016
The subject of eternal security is of extreme importance. No less than an eternity in hell is at stake. For absolute truth and certainty in this matter, search the scriptures with an open mind, a yielded will to the Spirit of God, humbly seated at the feet of Jesus Christ.
Charles Stanley masterfully presents convincing arguments throughout his book. But what matters for all eternity is what God says in His Word. You won't stand before Dr. Stanley in future judgment. Jesus said, "fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Mat. 10:28). Those who are wise fear Him and heed His Word!
For this review, the Word of God will be "front and center". Human arguments will be minimal. What matters ultimately is the standard of God's Word.
This review will use the ESV; words inside brackets [] will be my own. If you find I've misrepresented the author's book, please respond with details so corrections can be made. Finally, I do not question Dr. Stanley's motives, nor do I believe he is insincere.
Review for chapter one
Stanley writes, "If our salvation hinges on anything but the finished work of Christ on the cross, we are in trouble." [end of quote; loc. 169].
When it comes to salvation of our souls, what only matters is what God says in His Word. You can stake your eternity destiny on Stanley's polished arguments, or on the Word of God. He goes on to quotes this verse:
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 Jon. 5:13).
This verse overthrows Stanley's assertion. In fact, it teaches conditional eternal security. Let's examine this verse together. Before we begin our examination, please consider an important principle of Biblical interpretation. A passage should first be read in neutral, intending to understand what the author wrote and how the original audience would have understood it.
In God's Word, verbs are important. The promise of eternal life (1 John 5:13) is conditional on what key verb? It is "believe". In the English language this verb is in the present tense. Dear believer in Christ, John did not say "used to believe", but "believe" —which means right now —this very moment. This verse has three present tense verbs. Here is the verse again:
"I write these things to you who believe [right now in the present] in the name of the Son of God that you may know ["know", right now] that you have [right now] eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
This verse grammatically says (in context) what it says —plus nothing —minus nothing. We only have liberty to extract what it says. Dear believer, this verse is conditional on ongoing belief in Christ. To say this verse promises someone eternal life forever even if they someday become an unbeliever is not to draw out what it says; it would ignore rules of grammar and a consideration of how the original audience would have understood it. God has strong words of warnings to those who add or remove from His Word.
If we say we believe the Bible —we believe 1 John 5:13 as written without twisting it to match a theology, no matter how sincere. The Bible should define our theology. Tragically, most "Christians" define the Bible under the lens of their theology.
Stanley writes, "If the sins you commit after becoming a Christian can annul your relationship with the Savior, clearly those sins were not covered at Calvary" [end of quote; loc. 169-181].
Again, man-made arguments can be your bible. Or, the Bible can be your sole authority for faith and practice. Not one verse grammatically and contextually teaches that all past, present, and future sins are forgiven the moment one enters the family of God. Our sins after we are saved can "annul" our relationship. Listen to what God says:
"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away." (Luke 8:13). This passage describes those who "believe for a while". Did sin annul this relationship? Yes, in time of testing this group stopped believing.
"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart [implies a possibility], leading you to fall away [same Greek word as prior verse] 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. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if [conditional] indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end" (Heb. 3:13-14).
The verses above undoubtedly teach that an "unbelieving heart" can separate us from God. Satan used the argument in the garden, "you will not surely die" (Gen. 3:4). He still uses the same argument today —promising Christians that they can commit any sins, including unbelief because Jesus died for all sins
The rest of this review and others are available on my website. Your feedback is welcomed. Keep the faith!
Charles Stanley masterfully presents convincing arguments throughout his book. But what matters for all eternity is what God says in His Word. You won't stand before Dr. Stanley in future judgment. Jesus said, "fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Mat. 10:28). Those who are wise fear Him and heed His Word!
For this review, the Word of God will be "front and center". Human arguments will be minimal. What matters ultimately is the standard of God's Word.
This review will use the ESV; words inside brackets [] will be my own. If you find I've misrepresented the author's book, please respond with details so corrections can be made. Finally, I do not question Dr. Stanley's motives, nor do I believe he is insincere.
Review for chapter one
Stanley writes, "If our salvation hinges on anything but the finished work of Christ on the cross, we are in trouble." [end of quote; loc. 169].
When it comes to salvation of our souls, what only matters is what God says in His Word. You can stake your eternity destiny on Stanley's polished arguments, or on the Word of God. He goes on to quotes this verse:
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 Jon. 5:13).
This verse overthrows Stanley's assertion. In fact, it teaches conditional eternal security. Let's examine this verse together. Before we begin our examination, please consider an important principle of Biblical interpretation. A passage should first be read in neutral, intending to understand what the author wrote and how the original audience would have understood it.
In God's Word, verbs are important. The promise of eternal life (1 John 5:13) is conditional on what key verb? It is "believe". In the English language this verb is in the present tense. Dear believer in Christ, John did not say "used to believe", but "believe" —which means right now —this very moment. This verse has three present tense verbs. Here is the verse again:
"I write these things to you who believe [right now in the present] in the name of the Son of God that you may know ["know", right now] that you have [right now] eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
This verse grammatically says (in context) what it says —plus nothing —minus nothing. We only have liberty to extract what it says. Dear believer, this verse is conditional on ongoing belief in Christ. To say this verse promises someone eternal life forever even if they someday become an unbeliever is not to draw out what it says; it would ignore rules of grammar and a consideration of how the original audience would have understood it. God has strong words of warnings to those who add or remove from His Word.
If we say we believe the Bible —we believe 1 John 5:13 as written without twisting it to match a theology, no matter how sincere. The Bible should define our theology. Tragically, most "Christians" define the Bible under the lens of their theology.
Stanley writes, "If the sins you commit after becoming a Christian can annul your relationship with the Savior, clearly those sins were not covered at Calvary" [end of quote; loc. 169-181].
Again, man-made arguments can be your bible. Or, the Bible can be your sole authority for faith and practice. Not one verse grammatically and contextually teaches that all past, present, and future sins are forgiven the moment one enters the family of God. Our sins after we are saved can "annul" our relationship. Listen to what God says:
"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away." (Luke 8:13). This passage describes those who "believe for a while". Did sin annul this relationship? Yes, in time of testing this group stopped believing.
"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart [implies a possibility], leading you to fall away [same Greek word as prior verse] 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. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if [conditional] indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end" (Heb. 3:13-14).
The verses above undoubtedly teach that an "unbelieving heart" can separate us from God. Satan used the argument in the garden, "you will not surely die" (Gen. 3:4). He still uses the same argument today —promising Christians that they can commit any sins, including unbelief because Jesus died for all sins
The rest of this review and others are available on my website. Your feedback is welcomed. Keep the faith!
December 20, 2024
Life changing book. Absolutely changed my whole perspective and outlook on life. Stanley has done his research as is evident in this book. He goes in depth on so much scripture and makes it all so clear in his words. God-breathed through this one!
January 12, 2016
This book is simply fantastic. Clear, concise, reasonable. It is full of Scriptures and great exegesis. I wish I'd had it at my disposal 20 years ago (and this perspective from my childhood). But God in His perfect timing led me to His truth in His time... For more on this subject I would also recommend RC Sproul's "Grace Unknown", anything by Steve Brown, and "Chosen for Life" by Sam Storms.
*********
Just a sample of some of the great content inside:
If salvation wasn’t permanent why introduce the concept of adoption? Wouldn’t it have been better just to describe salvation in terms of a conditional legal contract between man and God?
Luke 15 parables: the source of God’s joy derived not from the righteous deeds of the godly but the restoration of the sinner.
This parable (Prodigal Son) gave Jesus the perfect opportunity to explain how one could lose their place in the family of God – but He showed the opposite. ...What good works maintained the relationship between the father and the son in this parable? It is clear that he left as a son, otherwise he would have received no inheritance.
God is not looking for people He can throw out of His family. He is looking for people who are willing to be included. And once they are included by faith, He continually looks after them through all their ups and downs.
Faith is not the reason God saves us – love is the reason. We are not saved by our faith – we are saved by grace. Faith was the agent whereby God was able to apply His grace to the life of the sinner.
Faith and salvation are not one and the same thing any more than a gift and the hand that receives it are the same.
When a man or woman believes, he or she is given eternal life—right then and there. It is a gift. At that moment in time the transaction is completed. If one must continue to believe in order to retain possession of the gift, it is not a gift.
Although there is no unpardonable sin, there is an unpardonable state—the state of unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in unbelief.
Falling from grace has absolutely nothing to do with falling into sin. It has more to do with falling into error. ...You may fall from grace but you will never fall from salvation (see Romans 8:37-39).
A man does not drift into salvation. Does it really make sense that he can drift out of it?
Does it make any sense to say that salvation is offered as a salvation for our sin and then to turn around and teach that salvation can be taken away because of our sin as well?
Why would God take away something He offers unconditionally? It makes no sense at all.
*********
Just a sample of some of the great content inside:
If salvation wasn’t permanent why introduce the concept of adoption? Wouldn’t it have been better just to describe salvation in terms of a conditional legal contract between man and God?
Luke 15 parables: the source of God’s joy derived not from the righteous deeds of the godly but the restoration of the sinner.
This parable (Prodigal Son) gave Jesus the perfect opportunity to explain how one could lose their place in the family of God – but He showed the opposite. ...What good works maintained the relationship between the father and the son in this parable? It is clear that he left as a son, otherwise he would have received no inheritance.
God is not looking for people He can throw out of His family. He is looking for people who are willing to be included. And once they are included by faith, He continually looks after them through all their ups and downs.
Faith is not the reason God saves us – love is the reason. We are not saved by our faith – we are saved by grace. Faith was the agent whereby God was able to apply His grace to the life of the sinner.
Faith and salvation are not one and the same thing any more than a gift and the hand that receives it are the same.
When a man or woman believes, he or she is given eternal life—right then and there. It is a gift. At that moment in time the transaction is completed. If one must continue to believe in order to retain possession of the gift, it is not a gift.
Although there is no unpardonable sin, there is an unpardonable state—the state of unbelief. There is no pardon for a person who dies in unbelief.
Falling from grace has absolutely nothing to do with falling into sin. It has more to do with falling into error. ...You may fall from grace but you will never fall from salvation (see Romans 8:37-39).
A man does not drift into salvation. Does it really make sense that he can drift out of it?
Does it make any sense to say that salvation is offered as a salvation for our sin and then to turn around and teach that salvation can be taken away because of our sin as well?
Why would God take away something He offers unconditionally? It makes no sense at all.
February 28, 2020
A MUST READ BOOK,DR. CHARLES STANLEY IS RIGHT ON KEY.NO BEATING AROUND THE BUSH HES RIGHT TO THE POINT. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TOO ALL WHO WISH TO BE SAVED AND LIVE A LIFE OF FREEDOM FROM GUILT THAT OTHERS LIKE TO BRING UPON YOU AND KEEP YOU IN CHAINS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES. IF THE SON SETS YOU FREE YOUR FREE INDEED. JOHN 8:36
July 23, 2014
Eternal Security Can You Be Sure, Charles Stanley, Oliver Nelson Pub., Nashville, 1990.
Chuck C. talked about salvation here on earth. Charles Stanley talks, in this book, about spiritual salvation in Christ. They are not so different as one might think. both are connected together by The One.
Charles speaks convincingly, I think, that salvation—eternal security— can not be lost by future acts of sin. In brief it goes like this:
If one ever reaches a point of true conviction of his/her sins and sin nature, and contritely, humbly asks G-d to forgive their sin that person is eternally saved and will go to heaven after death.
I found and still find his arguments compelling for the position he asserts so very well.
Read the book and send me your thoughts on this one. I await your considered opinion. So read the book and be changed by seeing the problem of salvation from a different position in this battered caravanserai.
Of course my snippet insert does no justice to Mr. Stanley's one hundred ninety four page treatise.
Carlton R. Smith, Author, The Ignorant Grandfather
website http://www.theignorantgrandfather.org
Chuck C. talked about salvation here on earth. Charles Stanley talks, in this book, about spiritual salvation in Christ. They are not so different as one might think. both are connected together by The One.
Charles speaks convincingly, I think, that salvation—eternal security— can not be lost by future acts of sin. In brief it goes like this:
If one ever reaches a point of true conviction of his/her sins and sin nature, and contritely, humbly asks G-d to forgive their sin that person is eternally saved and will go to heaven after death.
I found and still find his arguments compelling for the position he asserts so very well.
Read the book and send me your thoughts on this one. I await your considered opinion. So read the book and be changed by seeing the problem of salvation from a different position in this battered caravanserai.
Of course my snippet insert does no justice to Mr. Stanley's one hundred ninety four page treatise.
Carlton R. Smith, Author, The Ignorant Grandfather
website http://www.theignorantgrandfather.org
January 23, 2016
Book Only Cemented My Belief in Conditional Eternal Security
I was torn between giving the book 1 star or 5, depending on what you are looking for. If you want to confirm your belief in "unconditional" eternal security, then get it and mark it up. Trust me, you'll have plenty of marking to do. Most of Dr Stanley's comments are so jaw-dropping, you won't believe it. I knew Stanley was OSAS, but not to this extent. One example he gave: For all intents and purposes, even if someone prayed the prayer to accept Jesus and then IMMEDIATELY, that very moment, regretted his or her decision, it was too late. You are eternally secure. You could live a rebellious, unrepentant LIFESTYLE and still make it to Heaven. Granted you would not have any rewards, but you would get into Heaven. Folks, this is a very short step away from Universalism. This is just one of many statements that had my jaw hitting the floor. Dr Stanley is extreme in his beliefs on OSAS and his teaching is dangerous from an eternity standpoint.
I was torn between giving the book 1 star or 5, depending on what you are looking for. If you want to confirm your belief in "unconditional" eternal security, then get it and mark it up. Trust me, you'll have plenty of marking to do. Most of Dr Stanley's comments are so jaw-dropping, you won't believe it. I knew Stanley was OSAS, but not to this extent. One example he gave: For all intents and purposes, even if someone prayed the prayer to accept Jesus and then IMMEDIATELY, that very moment, regretted his or her decision, it was too late. You are eternally secure. You could live a rebellious, unrepentant LIFESTYLE and still make it to Heaven. Granted you would not have any rewards, but you would get into Heaven. Folks, this is a very short step away from Universalism. This is just one of many statements that had my jaw hitting the floor. Dr Stanley is extreme in his beliefs on OSAS and his teaching is dangerous from an eternity standpoint.
May 26, 2014
I have liked some of Charles Stanley, however this one was dire tbh. Now, the reason I have given it one star, is because he seems to be erring towards this new hyper grace idea that states that once you make a decision for Christ you are his forever, despite how you live. He also has some really strange ideas on the parables. Now, I agree by grace you are saved, however he fails to explain how if you are truly saved, then you will aspire to a holy life out of love for God. It is not legalism, but love, and the holy spirit in your life. Don't waste your time reading. John Mcarthur is spot on, on this issue, ''saved without a doubt.''
June 5, 2016
I would never have sought out this book except that there were free copies at a Sunday service, by courtesy of the pastor. (Benefit of a small church.) I’m pretty sure about the security of my salvation, but Charles makes a Scripture-based point about how the way we live impacts our eternal role in God’s Kingdom, giving, as it seems to me, eternal significance to Jeremiah 29:11, not just our time on Earth. It really changed the way I look at how I’m using my natural and spiritual giftings for His glory.
August 28, 2012
A good explanation of eternal security. It's framed against the view of loss of salvation, which is unfortunate, because I was more interested in hearing the arguments against the Calvinist view that sin proves you were never saved in the first place. It was still helpful, though, especially the explanation of eternal rewards.
March 1, 2015
Wonderful
Accepting Jesus as your savior is the most important thing you will ever do ! This book answers questions that every believer thinks about. Wonderful book !!! Praise Jesus for saving my soul !!!!!
Accepting Jesus as your savior is the most important thing you will ever do ! This book answers questions that every believer thinks about. Wonderful book !!! Praise Jesus for saving my soul !!!!!
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