Election is demonstrable only by its effects on human behaviour. The so-called "free grace theology" maintains that good works are not a necessary proof of faith in Christ. In fact, this viewpoint goes on to say that those who insist on visible works do not truly believe in justification by faith. With regard to perseverance, one popular preacher writes thus:
"God's love for His people is of such magnitude that even those who walk away from the faith have not the slightest chance of slipping from His hand...(he goes on to say).. We are not saved because we have an enduring faith. We are saved because at a moment in time we expressed faith in our enduring Lord."
Charles Stanley, from the chapter "For Those Who Stop Believing," in Eternal Security: Can You Be Sure? (Nashville: Nelson, 1991) pages 74,80. These are not isolated statements: Dr Stanley says "Even if a believer for all practical purposes becomes an unbeliever, his salvation is not in jeopardy" (p 93); "believers who lose or abandon their faith will retain their salvation, for God remains faithful".
What are we to make of this absurd nonsense? What would the apostle Paul say about this teaching? He told the Thessalonians "Therefore brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." 2 Thessalonians 2.15. Paul followed the teaching of our Lord as expressed by His words in Matthew 7.16-20. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Hebrews 12.14.
What do we believe, the Gospel of grace as taught by Paul, or Dr Stanley's 'free grace'?
But...then Dr Stanley is a Dispensationalist, that is we are not under law, but under grace! Their theology teaches that OT Israel were saved by the blood of bulls and goats up to the cross of Christ, and that the NT Church alone will be saved by the Atonement! Yet this IS the Redeemer the OT saints were looking for! the seed of the woman in Genesis 3.15!
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1.17, but, Who gave the law to Moses? According to Dr Stanley, God would have in His Kingdom a bunch of rebels! "...nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6.10-11. My emphasis (note the past tense?)
"Wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things ye shall never fall." 2 Peter 1.10.
What, but "evil fruit" (Matthew 7.17) can come from Dr Stanley's teaching?
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