“What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin, that grace may abound?” (Romans 6:1)

Paul’s second question of this text is answered with an emphatic, “God forbid...” Baptists have been accused by individuals, and by entire denominations of teaching a doctrine extremely dangerous to Christian living. The doctrine referred to and which they detest, is commonly entitled, “Eternal Security” or “Once in grace always in grace.” We make no apologies for teaching that every person born of the Spirit of grace, will in that grace persevere in spite of all counter forces, and ultimately awake in the likeness of his Lord. This is not a fragmented teaching of the word of God, but is prominent throughout the inspired record. We, with joy plead guilty to the charge of teaching the eternal security of the believer, but we take clear exception to the contention, that the doctrine is dangerous to Christian living. The doctrine of the preservation and perseverance of the saints magnifies the atonement of Christ, strengthens the faith of God’s elect, and creates in the heart of the believer unceasing praise for the watch care of God’s kind and tender providence. They which accuse Baptists of taking undue liberty with Christian stewardship, are in truth the people which teach a doctrine that not only diminishes the comfort and assurance of the saint, but also destroys Christian incentive. The despicable doctrine is theologically termed “Apostasy,” and is ludicrously described as, “Saved today and lost tomorrow.” Regretfully, they which preach this God dishonoring doctrine, usually get around to practicing what they preach.

True Baptists have been sticklers for Biblical morality and decency all through their long and bitter history. The antinomian spirit has never successfully infiltrated their ranks, and the great majority of twentieth century puritans are to be found in that company, called Baptists. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” We answer in the negative, and from every Baptist church that is blessed with the residence of the Spirit of truth, a resounding NO reaches God’s sin avenging throne in answer to Paul’s question. New Testament Baptists do not believe because they are saved by grace they can live as they please, but out of a heart filled with gratitude toward God for His unspeakable gift, they strive to live as pleases Him Who died to give them eternal life.

All that the Father gave to the Son in the covenant of redemption shall come to Him, and Christ says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). Paul says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). There is no power that can delay the work of God in His blood bought children, much less cause it to cease. At the day of Jesus Christ the elect shall realize perfect conformity to the image of Christ, and all powers running counter to this Divine determination will be seen in the end to be nothing more by comparison than the light of a candle to that of the sun. Yea, in truth God’s power is not subject to resistance (Job 23:13; Psalms 115:3). While we rejoice in God’s sure promises of eternal security and glorification, let us not forget the briefest moment that God has forbid us to sin. “What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under the grace? God forbid” (Romans 6:15).

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (I John 2:1). Shall we sin because we have an Almighty Advocate? God forbid. Shall we sin because God’s love for His children is unchangeable? God forbid. Let us remember, while our heavenly destiny is absolute, that we are in time objects of God’s loving chastisement, and that “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous...” (Hebrews 12:11).

God justifies His people through the grace that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24), and He keeps them for the end whereof they were justified, that is, “Whom He justified, them He also glorified” (Romans 8:30).

“What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid” (Romans 9:14)

(Sovereign Grace Advocate - August, 1981)