THE "OSAS" DEBATE By Kristen Wisen

There are certain theological issues that have been under debate since the foundations of the church. To think that on a mere blog entry any debate can be settled, especially when great theologians such as John Wesley and John Calvin stood on opposing sides, is folly. But to believe that scripture is vague is also folly. So, within the blogging context, great debates continue on, stirring emotion and intellect equally with the purpose of spiritual growth and understanding. Unfortunately because we are fallen beings, we can hurt in the process when our pride enters the debate, yet at times it is our pride which indeed turns theological discussion into argument. May God grant us the grace to hold our emotions in tact and seek His Word in unity of mind, setting aside pride and desiring a closer bond with our Lord and Savior.

That is the intent of this post. Any discussion stirred is meant to push the mind into the Word and the heart toward the Lord.

The age-old debate of election versus free will in salvation has moved to a new domain. The discussion is now against the concept titled “OSAS” which means “Once Saved Always Saved.” The debate falls to two sides – those who believe God chooses specific people to be His children, draws them to Himself and secures their salvation for eternity and those who believe God offers salvation to all but man is responsible for the choice, therefore he is also capable of walking away from his original decision. Granted, each side can list scripture verses to support and each side will also exaggerate the opposing view to an extreme to make their point. One of my favorite exaggerations is the example of a young child who gives his life to the Lord at church camp and then grows up to become a serial killer. “If you believe in OSAS, you have to believe this man is in heaven!” This is an absurd example that in no way supports the theological stance of election.

I personally believe the foundation of both arguments is a perspective issue. One views the topic from God’s perspective and the other from man’s. Now don’t get me wrong – I am not saying one is godly and the other isn’t. Much scripture is devoted to the concept of “working out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil.2:12) and “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Even the passages warning against apostasy indicate the ability to walk away from the Lord and the consequences of such a decision (Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:7-19; 6:4-9). So, one would conclude that salvation is something that must be kept in good standing, worked on and not neglected so that the believer would be found faithful in the end. The one who believes this does not question the work of Christ in salvation, but puts the choice on man’s shoulders. A lack of works or spiritual growth or interest could indicate a falling away and we must not allow that to happen. To assure someone that their salvation is in tact without ongoing works would be dangerous. Thus, from man’s perspective, there are definite signs to look for that indicate what choices one has made and once that person is saved, he is not necessarily secure without his complete devotion to the Lord.

Now let’s look at the other side for a moment. Even more scripture is devoted to the character of God in regards to salvation. Shifting our minds to His perspective we see that He says, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit.” (John 15:16) “I chose you out of the world.” (John 15:19) “No one can come to Me unless it is granted him from the Father.” (John 6:65) “…these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” (Romans8:30) “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6) And the whole chapter of Romans 9 is dedicated to God’s sovereign choice of the nation Israel as well as individuals. From this perspective, the work of salvation is placed in the hands of God completely, from the sacrifice to the choosing to the securing. He has chosen you and will accomplish His will in you. So once a man is saved, he is truly always saved.

Two perspectives. Both supported in scripture. Where the argument really takes off is when the second view is attacked for believing that the evidence of good works and fruit in a believer’s life is not necessary to assure salvation. I am sure there are those out there who believe that, but most all of the people who I know who agree with election do not say works are not necessary to evidence salvation. We believe that works are not necessary TO OBTAIN salvation, but works are THE EVIDENCE of true salvation. A simple prayer is not enough. You must make Him Lord of your life. The ability to do so is God’s choice, but from a human stand point, works and fruit are evidence of true saving faith.

So, if one believes that works show true faith, why make the argument that God chooses and secures? Wouldn’t it be better to keep man on their toes regarding their relationship with God? Of course, I would never share the doctrine of election with someone who needed the gospel. They need to see their sin and their need for a Savior. But as we grow in maturity, we need to understand who God is. We need to know Him so that we can imitate Him. How He forgives, His mercy, what makes Him angry and what He rejoices in – we can enter greater depths of knowledge regarding His character as we grow spiritually. The doctrine of election does not make our response to God less, as if we have no responsibilities towards obedience, but it grows our dependence on Him, assuring us that He is in control of all things, including our security. The Christian walk is truly about living with an eternal perspective and pursuing the mind of God.

I will finish with a simple example to ponder. We will all agree that God chose for Himself a specific nation – Israel. When Israel rejected Him (over and over again) He chose to graft in Gentiles, but He did not choose for Himself a different nation. He made us children of Abraham by grafting us to Israel. There are still promises that are made to Israel as a chosen nation that God will fulfill, wouldn’t you agree? Therefore, is it safe to say that once Israel was chosen, they were always chosen? Granted, all Jews are not saved or in the book of Life, but the picture of God’s choosing Israel and keeping them even through disobedience shows us that once God chooses, He doesn’t allow the choice to change. Is it possible that individually, when God chooses someone, He will ultimately work His will in their lives? We can do it the hard way and endure the discipline of the Lord or we can make things easier for ourselves and live in obedience – there you will find our choice. But the outcome is the Lord’s.

I pray that this sheds some light on the OSAS debate – I don’t believe the two sides are as far from each other as most believe.