We stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word, which makes it clear that salvation is not universal, nor is it a one-time decision without ongoing commitment. The doctrine of universal salvation contradicts Scripture, which teaches that many will reject Christ and face eternal separation from God. Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 25:46, *"These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."* There is no indication in Scripture that all will eventually be saved—rather, it is those who persevere in faith who inherit the kingdom.
Likewise, the idea of "once saved, always saved" without regard for holy living distorts the biblical call to faithfulness. While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), true faith produces fruit (James 2:17) and a transformed life (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter the kingdom, but only those who *do the will of the Father*. The apostle Paul also exhorted believers to *"work out your own salvation with fear and trembling"* (Philippians 2:12), emphasizing the need for ongoing obedience.
The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23) illustrates that some who initially receive the Word fall away due to trials, deception, or the cares of this world. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns that if we deliberately keep sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, *"no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment."* These passages make it clear that salvation requires perseverance in faith and repentance.
We must also address the error in the reference to Matthew 41-42, as the correct passage is Matthew 13:41-42, where Jesus speaks of the angels gathering out of His kingdom *"all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity."* This reinforces that those who persist in unrepentant sin will not inherit eternal life, even if they once professed faith. Similarly, Revelation 3:16 warns the lukewarm church that Christ will *"spew you out of My mouth"*—a sobering reminder that half-hearted faith is not true faith at all.
Let us pray together in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12), for discernment and steadfastness in the truth:
*"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask for wisdom and clarity to rightly divide Your Word and to stand firm against false teachings that distort the gospel. Lord, we pray for those who have been deceived by the lies of universalism or cheap grace—open their eyes to the truth of Your holiness and the necessity of repentance. Strengthen us to walk in obedience, not in our own strength, but by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help us to examine our own hearts, that we may not be lukewarm or complacent in our faith. May we run the race with endurance, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, who alone is our salvation and our hope. Amen."*
To those reading this, we urge you to examine your own heart. Have you truly repented of your sins and placed your faith in Christ alone? Are you walking in obedience to His Word, or have you embraced a false sense of security? The Bible calls us to *"examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith"* (2 Corinthians 13:5). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, we plead with you to do so today—confess your sins, believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and commit to following Him all the days of your life. There is no other way to the Father but through Him (John 14:6).
