Four Views on Eternal Security

By: J. Matthew Pinson

Book Overview

Does the Bible support the concept of "once saved, always saved," or can a person lose his or her salvation?

Among the most hotly debated topics in the history of Christian theology has been the perseverance of the saints. How do the Scriptures portray the complex interplay between grace and free will? These and related questions are explored from different angles in this thought-provoking Counterpoints volume.

The...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0310234395
• ISBN13: 9780310234395
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Zondervan Academic
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books on the issue of Eternal Security

The four views books compile arguments from different authors representing different theological viewpoints on a selected topic. From the title of the book anyone can probably guess that this particular book deals with the controversial and heavily debated issue of Eternal Security.The first author, Michael Horton, represents the traditional Calvinist view; In other words he defends the traditional five points of TULIP associated with Calvinistic theology. The TULIP acronym stands for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limted Atonement, Irresistable grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. For the purposes of this book, Horton attempts to concentrate on the last point, but his arguments often require digressions and tangents that deal with the other four points. I believe that Horton's arguments are strong, but there are several areas where his defense is lacking. First, Horton strongly advocates a system of covental theology, and then uses this system to explain problem passages such Hebrews 6: 4-6. Although his system has it's merits, it also has it's weaknesses. Arguing that the members of the church being discussed in Hebrews were only sacramental participants can be a hard sell since he is arguing from such a defined sacramental system that exists today, and then superimposing that system on the earliest church. Second, Horton doesn't do enough to support the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints. He needed to illustrate that a believer's security does not rest on one instance of faith, but on a lifetime of continually growing in knowledge and coming to Christ. Overall, Horton's section was strong, but could have been better.Second, Norman Geisler presents his system of Moderate Calvinism, or as some people have dubbed it, his Calminian theology. Geisler's arguments are very weak and his proofing is strained and repetitive. Geisler resorts to rapid fire proof-texting and attempts to deal with every verse that strengthens his position, and then discredit every verse that harms his position. The lack of any serious exegesis or sound Biblical reasoning make Geisler's arguments less valid. Furthermore, Geisler begins his section by claiming that he is a bonified 4-point Calvinist, saying he only eschews limited atonement. The problem with Geisler's claim is that he redefines all of the old terms from the TULIP acronym to meet his standards. Instead of having depravity be internally corruptive, it is only externally corruptive. Geisler doesn't even clarify what he means by this change and doesn't use scripture to bolster his claim. Salvation is still Unconditional from the standpoint of the giver, but conditional from the standpoint of the receiver because the receiver has to accept the offer of salvation. These alterations to traditional terminology in Reformed theology are unwarranted and practically untenable since Geisler doesn't support his claims. Finally, Geisler believes that the believer can rest assured tha

My View of Four Views on Eternal Security

In this conclusive collection of the four most accepted views on the perseverance of the saints, the contributing authors have not only approached their respective view, but have beautifully expounded upon such view. In this collection of writings, we gain insight into other views and interpretations. This work will encourage the reader to ponder and seriously contemplate what he believes by synergizing other schools of thought into one volume. God does not operate in a vaccuum, and thus a clear understanding of His salvific plan is, I feel, an impossibility if we only approach the subject from one slant. The compilation forces us to step outside of our own indoctrination and view salvation with an open mind. To predetermine that one view of salvation is proper, and all others are inaccurate is ludicrous. Why do we believe what we believe? This book, and more specifically, it's contributors, set out clearly why they adhere to one particular view of salvation, and I feel that each of us would benefit by following thier initiative. If one knows not why he or she adheres to a particular view on salvation, I submit that there belief is not a genuine contemplative belief, but a "monkey see monkey do" theology. The authors are to be commended for their work contained in this volume. The responses to each view are concise and poignant, and I feel that every reader will come away from this book with a greater respect for each view, and a renewed sense of devotion to their own.

Best explanation I have read on the subject

In this concise volume, the theological framework for the four prevailing views of the eternal security of the believer are given. Each writer delivers his opinion with clarity and humility illuminating one of the most difficult questions with which evangelicals grapple. The result should be an end to caricature and the beginning of real dialogue between those in different camps. At the very least this work should lead to a more realistic assessment of the various views. I highly recommend it for the serious student.

An Excellent Read

Matthew Pinson's treatment of this volatile subject was balanced and informative. I would recommend it to others who would like to study this issue or have questions concerning eternal security.

If you've grappled with eternal security, you need this book

This book is a "must read" for those who want to objectively study the doctrine of eternal security. You need this book if you aren't sure what you believe about eternal security and won't rest until you've arrived at your own informed conclusions based on scripture. It's also a great reference tool if you want a better understand of opposing viewpoints on this issue. Matthew Pinson's introduction alone is worth the price of the book (I'm not kidding). Four historical Protestant positions, two Calvinist and two Arminian, are defined and distilled in a manner that brings distinct clarity to this debate. I have to agree with Pinson when he states, "...seeing four views on perseverance compared and contrasted with each other will help clear up muddy thinking that too often characterizes popular evangelical teaching on this subject." In the following chapters, four scholars each state their case for one of the four prominent views on eternal security. Each view is presented by its proponent and then critiqued and defended. This book is a fair and unbiased treatment of a "hot button" issue in the church today. Every pastor needs a copy of this book in his library.