Weren’t the Angels eternally secure?
It’s a great question. An Excellent study below on Eternal security in the link showing both sides. Usually when you have 2 “sides” or two sets of scripture that appear to contradict each other, it simply means they are both true, not one over the other.
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always believed one could lose their salvation not based on what anyone said, but only what the Bible said. Then when I got older I heard the term “once saved always saved” and I found it intriguing, so much so that I began a journey away from what I always believed and it led me on a path I wished I had never followed.
Sin always has negative consequences no matter what anyone calls themself. Christian or not, sin can destroy anyone, but especially unrepentant sin. Also there are still consequences to sin even when it is repented of. Yes we will make it to heaven when we repent of any sin, no matter how egregious, but to think we can do as we please and forget who else that it may hurt, besides ourselves, is a huge mistake. Because no one knows really how far that sin will take you away from the life that God originally intended for you.
Jesus told everyone to go and sin no more, in one form or another. Why would he tell us to try and do something that’s impossible? Because all things are possible with God and especially with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Sin is always a choice, our choice. We choose everyday whether we will partake in it, or choose the way of escape. To think we can partake of it and it won’t affect our Christian walk and testimony is only fooling ourselves and playing into the enemy's hand.
We all know the reality is, eternal security is conditional and always has been. Yes, If we remain Christ we can’t be snatched from his hand. But let’s not ignore the other facts that are written that warn us to not partake in unrepentant sin.
⅓ of the angels gave up their eternal security by their choice and sin of rebellion. To think we can’t do the same is to ignore reality. Free will is and always has been something we all deal with every moment of every day.
Don’t think you can neglect your salvation and take it for granted and there will not be negative consequences for you when you meet God face to face. Remember the last parable of the Bible that speaks of the sheep and the goats. God says to the sheep, enter my rest because of what you did for me, not for what you believed. Then He says to the goats be cast into Hell, because of what they didnt do.
Of course common sense should tell us there, that faith is implied and what they believed, or didn’t believe, led to what they did or didn't do for the cause of the gospel.
Bottom line: Prove your faith by what you do as James said, not what you say you believe. Coupled very closely with the doctrine of eternal security is how we are saved. It is by faith alone, as some claim? Or has scripture been doctored? James 2:24 says the exact opposite.