There are two aspects of eternal security that must always be kept clear. It must first be observed that eternal security is rooted in the work of Jesus Christ. Salvation is by grace, and is not secured by the works of man nor is it preserved by the works of man. Peter says clearly that we are “…kept by the power of God…”.
The second aspect of eternal security is that true salvation is evidenced not by the profession or belief of man but by the behavior of man. James observed this truth by saying, “…faith without works is dead…”.
In our typical Baptist tradition we have promoted a belief and sense of eternal security that is rooted in a profession rather than in a behavior. It is common to hear a thing promoted such as, “write the date of your profession or acceptance of Christ in the flyleaf of your Bible and when you are tempted to doubt your salvation turn to that page and remember your profession and know that by that you are secure”. You cannot find any such silly advice as that in the Scriptures. Rather the behavior of the individual is cited as a proof of their salvation.
The point of this is not that the behavior has saved them but that they have entered into a faith relationship with Jesus Christ that has both saved them and transformed their lives. The proof is in the transformation. Be both assured and warned by the fact that if your life is transformed you are saved, if your life has not been transformed you have only an empty and impotent profession.
