The Assembly of God and the Doctrine of 'Once Saved, Always Saved'

The Assembly of God is a globally recognized Christian denomination known for its evangelical and charismatic practices. A central belief within the Assembly of God is the doctrine of 'once saved, always saved,' also known as eternal security. This belief is crucial for understanding the theological framework of this denomination.

Understanding the Doctrine of 'Once Saved, Always Saved'

The doctrine of 'once saved, always saved' is rooted in the belief that a Christian who has been converted and saved by faith in Jesus Christ remains in a state of eternal security. This belief emphasizes that a true believer is eternally secure in their salvation, regardless of their future behavior or personal struggles.

The Assembly of God subscribes to a modified view of eternal security, which is influenced by both Calvinistic and Arminian perspectives. This doctrine is based on the understanding that once a person's faith in Jesus Christ leads to salvation, they are deemed eternally secure.

Calvinistic Perspective vs. Eternal Security of the Assembly of God

Traditional Presbyterianism, aligned with Calvinistic Reformed theology, believes that once God elects you to be saved, you will be saved no matter what. This is in direct contrast to the Assembly of God, which holds a more Arminian view of salvation, emphasizing that God does take into account a person's freedom to accept or reject Him.

Calvinists believe in the concept of predestination, where a person's fate is predetermined before they are even born. In this view, those who are elected by God to eternal life are never in danger of perishing. They are always saved.

Biblical Verses Supporting Eternal Security

There are several Bible verses that support the concept of eternal security within the Assembly of God:

John 1:3-9: Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin because he is begotten of God. John 10:27-28: My sheep know my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 1 Peter 2:20-22: For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ they are again entangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than after they have known it to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb The dog is turned to his own vomit again and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. Hebrews 6:4-6: For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come if they shall fall away to renew them again unto repentance seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh and put him to an open shame. If they shall fall away, if they never recommit to their faith. Hebrews 10:26: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

These verses reinforce the concept that once a believer has put their faith in Jesus Christ, they are secure in their salvation, even if they face hardships or backslide at some point. The Assembly of God teaches that Christians can live a life of faith and have assurance of eternal security, as long as they maintain their commitment to Christ.

Critical View Within the Context of the Assembly of God

While the Assembly of God upholds the belief of 'once saved, always saved,' some members and theologians within the denomination may express confusion and concern regarding the application of eternal security. There are verses such as 1 Peter 2:20-22 and Hebrews 6:4-6 that could be viewed as cautionary, suggesting that a true believer can still face consequences for backsliding or apostasy. These passages highlight the importance of continuing faith and daily devotion to God.

Thus, the Assembly of God's view of 'once saved, always saved' is nuanced and multifaceted, combining aspects of Calvinistic and Arminian theology to create a framework that emphasizes both divine foreknowledge and human freedom in faith.

Conclusion

The Assembly of God's belief in 'once saved, always saved' is a cornerstone of its theological foundation. This doctrine provides believers with assurance and a sense of eternal security, rooted in the unmistakable truths of the Bible. Understanding and applying this doctrine in daily life requires a balanced approach that considers both the divine and human aspects of redemption.