WHY DOES THE GBC TEACH ETERNAL SECURITY?

…and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish—ever. John 10:28

Eternal Security (or the Perseverance/Preservation of the saints) is a central component of our Grace Brethren Faith. Responsible decision-makers within the local assembly (teachers, officers, leaders, voting members) need to stand upon this precious truth. Historically, the GBC—known for its scholarly systematic analysis of the Scriptures—is unique amongst the Schwarzenau Brethren in formally and consistently professing this viewpoint.

It is Scriptural! The Church of Rome claims that Eternal Security constitutes the “sin of presumption,” and that no one can presently “know” if they will ultimately be saved in the end. Cultists and Arminian evangelicals would concur. But the BIBLE says that we CAN KNOW (1 John 5:11-13)! We have an embarrassment of riches regarding clear Biblical evidence for this position (cf., John 6:39-40; 10:27-28; Romans 5:1; 8:1, 31-39; Philippians 1:6).

Salvation is by GRACE through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:27)—not upon the basis of works (Romans 3:20, 28; Galatians 2:16)! To reject Eternal Security constitutes a lapse into LEGALISM—an affront unto God that boastfully claims that our salvation is maintained by human effort, and which ultimately renders the sacrifice of Christ pointless (Galatians 2:21).

We have ETERNAL life in Christ (John 3:15-16; 6:40, 47)! If we could lose it, then it never was ETERNAL in the first place—it was only provisional.

Basis for our security is found in all Three Persons of the Holy Trinity—the Father predestined us (Isaiah 53; Ephesians 1:3-6; Romans 8:28-30) and sent His Son, whose sacrifice was all-sufficient (John 19:30; 1 John 2:2; 4:10), and who presently intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25). The Spirit has sealed us unto the Day of Redemption, and His Presence is the guarantee of our future inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30)!

Terry L. Reese