If we understand that the things physically created reflect invisible axioms, we can comprehend spiritual things through the things we understand that are made. Thus, Jesus spoke in parables, using self-evident truths about worldly things we know to convey spiritual truths of things unseen.

The material world reflects the essence of the invisible things after which they have been patterned. With this in mind, along with supporting scriptures, it is expedient to address the prevalent false teachings of doctrine often referred to as “once saved, always saved” or, as it is referred to here, the doctrine of “once full, always full”—a doctrine that assures believers of maintenance-free eternal life once they accept Jesus Christ, regardless of anything they do or don’t do after they are saved—some going so far as to say that all future sins are all forgiven before they are even committed or repented of, even when done presumptuously.

The scriptures warn us that many false teachers and prophets will arise in the last days and deceive many. Despite the large number of those preaching the Bible, many do not preach the full gospel of both mercy and judgment. They only venture to preach smooth things.

The great falling away that was prophesied is not merely the rejection of the concept of God but also an embrace of doctrinal perversions taught as the gospel. Many Christians became apostates without even realizing it by adopting false doctrines passed down for generations.

One of the most harmful doctrines widely embraced is “once saved, always saved.” This doctrine is akin to the original message that led Eve to fall into temptation when the serpent told her, “Ye shall not surely die.” Notwithstanding, death followed the transgression from Adam until now.

The “once saved, always saved” message of some Christians means that even if they continue in habitual practices of sin, they may do so without fear of losing their salvation. Thus, the temptation to sin is greater when embracing the idea that even sin cannot separate them from God. Even if they prioritize sin over God when tempted, they carry the notion that because Christ died, they are guaranteed an eternal inheritance in heaven regardless of their continued disobedience.

It is written that nothing can separate us from the love of God. This is an assertion of dedication rather than a promise to those who return to abide in the sins of their past. Be not deceived; the wage of sin is death. Sin kills the souls of all who serve it, whether previously saved or never saved.

It is a false doctrine that those who forsake Christ were never really saved to begin with; some were at one time. Peter spoke of those who were cleansed but who later turned back to wallow in the mire of their old sins after they were washed clean—”But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:22).

On the other hand, those who believe in eternal security and fall into temptation may feel so hopeless that they drown in self-condemnation. Questioning if they ever were saved to begin with, they imagine themselves beyond any hope of redemption because they cannot seem to overcome sinful habits, no matter how many times they repent.

They may even try to receive Jesus into their heart repeatedly; eventually losing hope, they may wonder if perhaps they are predestined to hell. For those in such a case, the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” becomes a doctrine of “once damned, always damned.” Coming to believe that obedience to the Lord is impossible in their case, the temptation is to give up hope rather than to seek deliverance, sanctification, and perfection. Never surrender to this fatalist temptation of defeat. We are more than conquerors if we never surrender hope.

First preached by the serpent in the garden, the concept of eternal security while living in willful disobedience is a snare. It has led many from the truth into the deception of sin.

Adam and Eve had life until they doubted that they would die if they disobeyed God; that is the essence of the eternal security doctrine. Being emboldened by the serpent’s words, Eve took the fruit and gave it to her husband; they began aging, even unto death.

God’s Creation is a physical expression given to us to see and understand things that cannot be seen. We know that if we cease eating, we die. You can embrace a concept of eating once and always being full, but if you stop eating, you die.

You cannot taste of Christ once and maintain salvation any more than you can eat once and live, never eating again. To maintain your soul’s life, you must continue eating the Bread of Life daily, or you will die. Thus, Jesus prayed, “Give us this day our daily bread.” If you stop eating the bread that Jesus provides and go back to eating the leavened bread of sin, you will die. There is no “once full, always full” salvation. It is a doctrine that defies Christ and the picture in God’s creation. Jesus taught that those who continue to the end shall be saved.

If you stop eating, your body will weaken; in time your flesh will wither and die, and regeneration will slow to a stop. Likewise, you must nourish your soul by seeking the heavenly manna. If you do not continue consuming the word of God, you will experience starvation and will cease to grow in Christ—you will revert to growing in your own ways until the old man of sin and death is revived. Jude spoke of those who are “twice dead,” plucked up by the roots. You can die, but you do not have to. We are to continually fill ourselves with the Word of God; otherwise, we will wither away and die from spiritual anorexia. Say not, I am always full; hunger and thirst after righteousness, and you shall be filled.