The scriptures teach that a child of God can't fall (eternal security or "once saved always saved")

The scriptures- the 66 books of the old and new testamentTeach- to conveyDoctrine of Eternal security- impossinility of apostasy; once saved, always saved.Rule: Whoever wants to accept this debate should be a christian!A large number of denominationalists subscribe to the position that a child of God could never apostatize and finally be lost. “Once saved always saved” as called by a number of people can also be called the “eternal security” doctrine, meaning whatever sin he may do from idolatry to murder will not make his soul in danger. Unfortunately my opponent is an advocate of this doctrine. Does the Bible teach that a Christian can never live in such a way as to endanger his soul? In other words once an individual is saved, will he always be saved, no matter what he does? It is unfortunate that many in the religious world have embraced this notion, especially my opponent which defends this, which is not taught in the Bible. This is evident because of the following” (1) Jesus taught that some would fall away. (2) Paul warned Christians of apostasy. (3) Some actually fell away. (4) Provision is made for the fallen. If these four points are true, and they are, then a child of God be lost. Let’s examine each point. Jesus Taught that some would Fall Jesus commenced the parable of the sower in this manner: “A sower went out to sow seed.” (Luke 8:5). The seed was the Word of God, which was sown in the hearts of people (Lk. 8:11). Jesus described some would “receive the word with joy” and “for a while believe” (v.13). In spite receiving and believing, they would fall away “in the time of temptation” (v.13). Can one fall away from something he does not have? No. Jesus taught some would fall away in tome of temptation. In the Lord’s discourse on the vine and the branches, he taught that disciples who do not “abide in him,” thus becoming fruitless,” would be cast forth and burned (John 15:1-6). Coffman’s remarks are most appropriate: Here is the answer to the old question of whether or not a Christian can so sin as to be lost. Both the precept and the example are here. Judas, at first a true apostle, did not abide in Christ and was cast forth as a branch. Salvation for every man ever born turns upon just two questions: (1) is he “in Christ” and (2) does he remain “in Christ”? Paul Warned Christians of Apostasy In I Cor. 10, Paul gives several examples of apostasy on the part of God’s covenant in the Old Testament and the consequent punishment. Then he makes this present day application: “wherefore let him thinketh he standeth lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12). Paul’s warning is based upon actual historical examples. He did not want those in the Corinth to follow the same course. The text reveals that some were “over thrown” (v. 5), some “fell” (v. 8), and some “perished” (vv. 9, 10). Remember they died in that condition. There is danger in falling. Why warn of falling if the possibility does not exist? Why speak of a way to escape if there is no danger of being taken by temptation and remaining in that condition? (v.13). Why did Paul instruct the Corinthian Christians to flee idolatry (v. 14), if idolatry has no bearing on one's salvation? A warning implies a danger, an actual example demonstrates the possibility of it, and a way of escape implies the need of escape! Examples of Apostasy Addressed to Jewish Christians, the book of Hebrews demonstrates the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. The inspired author was concerned that some Christians, due to Jewish Christians, would revert to Judaism. The author argues his case by showing Christianity’s superiority in many particulars (i.e., better messenger, better priesthood, better sacrifice, etc.) However there were some went back, and because of this, the record states that they “fell away” (Heb. 6:6, ASV). In an attempt to escape the irresistible conclusion (i.e., apostasy), some maintain that Christians are not in view. That Christians are not in view is clearly seem by the fact that the fallen ones had been enlightened, were partakers of the Holy Spirit, had tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come (vv. 4-6). Certainly they could never fall away from salvation if they never possessed it. No hermeneutical gymnastic can avoid this conclusion. Provision for the Fallen Sin separates us from God. The prophet declared: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear” (Isa. 59:2). No scriptural guided person denies that sin must be removed for one to ente)r the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21). Yet no one can truthfully say he does not sin (I John 1:8). Therefore, what must the Christian do when he sins? So that Simon would not perish, Peter told him to repent and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8: 20-22). John declares: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. (John 1:19). If a child of God could never perish, why provision for the one perishing t0o be restored! (James 5:19, 20). This makes all such teaching in the New Testament meaningless! Sin results in death (Jas. 1:15). Consequently, John wrote so that brethren might not sin (I John 2:1), If sin does not put Christians in danger, then why did John write to prevent such?Think about these points. Certain disciples, who followed Paul and Barnabas, and who obviously had accepted the Gospel, were admonished to "continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43). Steadfastness was required. Paul challenged the Corinthian saints to "receive not the grace of God "in vain" (II Cor. 6:1). If a child of God can never be lost, how could he receive God's grace "in vain"? The brethren at Philippi were instructed to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil.2:12). If a Christian cannot be lost finally, regardless of what he does or does not do, why would he ever entertain any "fear and trembling" Sources: James Burton Coffman, Commentary on John (Austin: Firm Foundation, 1974), p.346The Spiritual Sword (Denominational Doctrines, April 1997 p.8-11)