There is the teaching that we are saved from the death penalty of our
sins by Christ plus our own effort. This error finds expression in many
ways. One mistake, more common in the past generation than to-day, is
to consider it presumptuous to be sure of salvation. Now if the work is
wholly Christ’s it cannot be presumptuous to be certain that that work
is complete and is satisfactory to the Father. Then there is the belief
that salvation from death and hell depends on our holding on to Christ,
and since we may fail and thus fall away, we are never entirely sure
of salvation until death comes or until the Lord comes to claim us.
These teachings present a subtle _mixture of works and grace_. If we
are saved by grace, if redemption is entirely the work of Christ, then
may we indeed have assurance of eternal salvation. In its extreme form
this error is pure paganism, salvation by our own efforts. In its more
refined and moderate form it keeps Christians from the glorious present
assurance of their eternal safety in the Lord Jesus. The safeguard
against all these errors is to remember that salvation from the penalty
of sin is all of grace. And grace means, Jesus Christ did it all for
me. If he did, the work is finished, the work is perfect, and we have a
sure guarantee that the purposes of God will be carried out. No one can
pluck the saved soul out of the Father’s hand.