Uma vez salvo sempre salvo: irrefutável | Pastor Rodrigo Mocellin

Salvation Cannot Be Lost

Introduction to the Topic

• The sermon titled "Salvação Não se perde" is part of a series addressing the question, "Why am I not Arminian?" and references Jeremiah 32:40.

Understanding Salvation Perspectives

• The speaker argues that Arminians believe salvation can be lost because it ultimately depends on human will, which they view as arrogant. In contrast, Calvinists believe their salvation is secure because it relies on God's faithfulness.

• The speaker emphasizes that God initiates and completes the work of salvation in believers, citing Philippians 1:6 to support this claim. They assert that God does not abandon believers midway through their spiritual journey.

Critique of Arminianism

• According to the speaker, Arminianism posits that humans can fall from grace since their salvation hinges on personal choice, which may falter over time. This perspective leads to insecurity regarding one's salvation status.

• The notion of "final perseverance of the saints" is introduced as a key tenet of Calvinism, asserting that true believers will endure in faith due to divine intervention and support throughout their lives.

Justification by Faith vs Works

• The speaker critiques Arminianism for contradicting justification by faith, suggesting it leans towards justification by works as outlined in Romans 10:5. They argue that complete adherence to the law is necessary for salvation but impossible for humans due to inherent sinfulness.

• A significant point made is that no one can be justified before God through works of the law; rather, the law serves to reveal sinfulness and humanity's need for grace (Romans 3:20).

Role of Law in Salvation

• The function of the law is described as diagnostic—exposing spiritual illness rather than providing a cure—illustrating how individuals may mistakenly perceive themselves as righteous until confronted with God's standards.

• An example provided highlights how even seemingly good people are ultimately flawed according to biblical standards; thus, reliance on personal righteousness fails to achieve true justification before God.

Biblical Example Supporting Salvation by Faith

Salvation and Grace in Christian Faith

The Concept of Salvation

• The speaker questions whether a person who has committed wrongdoings, like the thief on the cross, can be forgiven without good deeds. This highlights the unique aspect of salvation through faith in Christ alone.

• The example of King David is presented, illustrating that despite his sins (adultery and murder), he is believed to be in heaven due to God's grace and justification by faith.

• The speaker emphasizes that salvation is not based on works but solely on faith, arguing that anyone claiming otherwise is heretical.

Central Tenets of Faith

• A consensus among evangelicals exists regarding salvation by faith as a central tenet of Christianity; denying this point constitutes heresy.

• The speaker critiques Arminianism for promoting justification by works, contrasting it with Catholic doctrine which claims salvation by grace while simultaneously adding conditions.

Misconceptions about Salvation

• An analogy is drawn comparing receiving a large sum of money after paying fees to how some perceive grace—suggesting that true grace requires no additional payment or action from individuals.

• The argument continues with the idea that if salvation does not depend on actions, then neither should its maintenance; however, some believe one can lose their salvation through sin.

Nature of True Conversion

• If someone loses their salvation due to sinning, it implies they were only saved because they were good at one point—a contradiction to the concept of grace.

• The speaker argues against Arminianism's view that believers can fall away from grace after being saved; true conversion results in a changed nature.

Divine Empowerment for Obedience

• Citing 1 John 3:9, the speaker asserts that those born of God do not continue in sin because they have been transformed by divine intervention.

• Reference to Ezekiel 11 illustrates God's promise to empower His people to follow His commandments and live righteously.

Critique of Arminian Beliefs

• The speaker criticizes Arminians for lacking belief in God's ability to enable obedience among believers.

• Misrepresentations are addressed where critics claim Calvinists advocate for sinful living without consequence; this mischaracterization is labeled as dishonest.

Assurance and Perseverance

• Paul’s writings emphasize God’s role in confirming believers until judgment day, reinforcing the idea that perseverance comes from divine strength rather than human effort.

Understanding Divine Choice and Human Will

The Nature of Choices

• The speaker presents a metaphor comparing the choice between "2 billion dollars" and a worthless team jersey, emphasizing that rational beings would choose wisely.

• It is argued that humans do not willingly choose harm for themselves; even in extreme cases like suicide, individuals believe they are alleviating suffering.

God's Influence on Understanding

• When God illuminates the understanding of the elect, it leads them to freely choose what is good—specifically, Jesus Christ—as their ultimate desire.

• Reference to Jeremiah 32:39 highlights God's promise of unity and guidance for His people, ensuring they will be led towards righteousness.

Assurance of God's Promises

• The speaker asserts that if God fails to guide someone back from a wrong path, He would contradict His own nature as a faithful deity who does not lie or repent.

• Emphasizes the clarity in scripture regarding perseverance and obedience to God's commandments as essential for salvation.

Regeneration and Discipline

• Salvation involves regeneration—a transformation into a new creation—and while sin may occur, it does not sever one's identity as a child of God; discipline follows disobedience.

• Unlike human parents, God possesses the power to soften hearts and draw His children back when they stray.

Eternal Commitment from God

• The speaker reassures listeners that God’s commitment includes being present during life's trials and maintaining faith in believers despite their doubts.

Perseverance in Faith

• Addresses concerns about biblical mandates for perseverance by affirming that true believers will endure through trials due to divine support.

• Cites Romans 8:13 to stress the necessity of living according to the Spirit rather than succumbing to sin.

Gifts from God: Faith and Perseverance

• Clarifies that both faith and perseverance are gifts from God; genuine faith inherently includes an enduring quality until the end.

• Highlights Ephesians 2:8's declaration about salvation through grace via faith, attributing this ability solely to divine intervention.

Encouragement Amidst Fear

Perseverance in Faith

The Strength of Faith

• The speaker emphasizes the perseverance of early Christians, likening them to ordinary people who faced challenges but did not succumb to their faith.

• They highlight that the same Holy Spirit empowering the apostles is present today, encouraging believers to have no fear as God guarantees a positive conclusion to their stories.

Assurance of Salvation

• Reference is made to Mark 9:25 and Psalm 73, illustrating that even strong believers can waver in faith but will ultimately be upheld by God.

• The speaker argues that true believers cannot remain fallen due to God's sustaining power, emphasizing divine support over human will.

Stages of Salvation

• Romans 8:30 is cited to explain the stages of salvation: predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.

• The speaker discusses how glorification is a future event for believers but already assured by God’s declaration.

Divine Protection Against Separation

• Romans 8:35 is referenced to assert that nothing can separate believers from Christ's love; this includes tribulations or personal struggles.

• The argument against Arminianism highlights God's sovereignty over human will, asserting that divine intention prevails over individual choices.

Evidence of True Belief

• The speaker addresses concerns about individuals who leave the faith, citing 1 John 2:19 which states they were never truly part of the community if they do not remain.

Judas Iscariot: A Case Study in Faith and Betrayal

The Nature of Judas's Experience

• Judas Iscariot did not experience the illumination or power of God like the other disciples; he was excluded from receiving authority over demons and healing diseases.

• Despite this, Judas was still used by God, as the Holy Spirit came upon him to perform miracles, indicating a complex relationship with divine power.

Scriptural References on False Believers

• Jesus warns that many will claim to have prophesied and performed miracles in His name but will be rejected because they were never truly known by Him.

• The existence of false prophets is acknowledged in scripture, highlighting that some can perform miracles without genuine faith.

Examples of Misguided Faith

• Saul is cited as an example; he prophesied under the influence of the Holy Spirit yet was ultimately tormented by evil spirits, illustrating that external signs do not equate to true belief.

• The Pharisees committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit by attributing Jesus's miracles to demonic powers, demonstrating a conscious rejection of God's work.

Assurance of Salvation

• True assurance comes from Christ’s ability to keep believers secure; references are made to biblical texts affirming God's power in preserving faith until the end.

• Arminianism lacks certainty regarding salvation, leading to fear rather than confidence among its adherents.

Historical Context and Doctrinal Disputes

• The Council of Trent condemned Protestant beliefs about assurance of salvation as heretical, emphasizing reliance on human effort rather than divine grace for salvation.

• Catholic doctrine insists on continual participation in sacraments for forgiveness, contrasting sharply with Protestant views on eternal security.

Fear vs. Assurance in Faith

• Protestants argue there should be no fear of condemnation for those in Christ due to their secure status before God; Romans 8:1 emphasizes this lack of condemnation.

Understanding Assurance of Salvation

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Assurance

• The speaker emphasizes that the presence of God's spirit within believers serves as a testimony confirming their identity as children of God, which is crucial for perseverance in faith.

Importance of Conviction in Faith

• The discussion raises a critical question about whether individuals can maintain conviction in their salvation if they believe it can be lost through apostasy. This belief creates doubt and undermines confidence.

Historical Context and Confidence

• Early Christians faced persecution, yet they had unwavering confidence in resurrection and glory after death, which fueled their strength to face trials like martyrdom.

Assurance Beyond Personal Strength

• The speaker reassures that personal faith does not solely depend on individual strength; rather, it is God who sustains believers through life's challenges, including grief and poverty.

God's Unfailing Commitment