Internationally known among Bible scholars for his significant books in the field of biblical theology, Dr. Robert Shank here offers a penetrating study of all the pertinent New Testament Scriptures on the doctrine of perseverance. In doing so, he calls into question the popular doctrine of "eternal [unconditional] security."
Are the proof passages used to support eternal security possibly misconstrued? Dr. Shank convincingly argues that the question confronting us is not, Is the believer secure? but rather, What does it mean to be a believer? If apostasy is an actual peril for every Christian, the Scriptural warning passages must be frankly accepted rather than interpreted into irrelevance or circumvented by theological hypothesis.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
7 of 7 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dr. Dan L Martineau (Battle Creek, MI), March 18, 2008
I have read and re-read this book several times (and also Shank's companion book, Elect in the Son). The book is a comprehensive exegesis of a controversial subject. I didn't believe in the doctrine of unconditional eternal security before reading the book, and more so after reading it. I encourage every open-minded person to buy this book and study it.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Bob McCollough (Lebanon. IL), October 26, 2003
This book lovingly breaks the weakest link in the TULIP system--the "P". Shank is irenic in spirit, but brutally honest. If you believe in "once saved always saved" and only like to read books that confirm you in your theology--this book is not for you. I came to reject the doctrine due to this book--I then offered it to my Southern Baptist Pastor to read and he refused to read it. Gee, I wonder why?
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Gary Osborne (Spring Hill, FL), May 04, 2002
This is the DEFINITIVE book on the subject of "Once Saved, Always Saved." The beauty of this book is that it takes you past all the trivial arguments for and against this important doctrine and lays out the argument from the entire Bible (as opposed to a few proof texts). Especially valuable is Mr. Shank's exegesis of John 15, and his explanation of "Eternal Life" as defined by the Bible. He makes it clear, as the title to the book declares, that we as humans have Eternal Life ONLY as long as we are abiding "in Him", the source of life! A classic that is a must for every serious student of the Bible.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Roy Ingle (Thomson, GA), March 25, 2002
This is by far the best book written on the doctrine of perseverance of the saints. The book is written by a Baptist professor of theology.
The book deals with nearly every text in the Bible concerning "once saved, always saved." The author's intent is to show, through careful exegesis, what the passages say in light of other passages that warn Christians not to fall away.
If you are a Calvinist and hold fast to the doctrine of eternal security, I would encourage you to study this book. It does not bash the Calvinistic side but simply presents another view that I believe falls in line with the balance of Scripture.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Eug (Edgerton, WI), July 25, 2001
Possibly the single best treatment of the Biblical doctrine of the conditional security of the true believer. This book demolishes the unscriptural dogma of Calvinisms unconditional security (once saved, always saved). Shank gives exceedingly fair treatment of the doctrine of security and illustrates that the Christian who would be faithful must follow Scripture rather than man-made systems (ie. Calvinism). Calvinists would call Shank's findings Arminianism, but it is simply Biblical truth that was conveyed by Paul and the other writers of inspired Scripture. Arminius discovered the same truths when he set out to prove Calvinism and discovered it was incorrect. Highly recommended.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Michael Day (NJ), December 27, 2000
This is probably the best book I have read in defending the Biblical teaching of a believer's conditional security. It clearly defends the doctrine without teaching a "works salvation". I highly recommend it.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeff Paton (Kuna, Idaho), November 25, 2000
A book that approaches the issue of eternal security and the perseverence of the saints from a calm and rational way that avoids the hype and emotion that usually accompanies the debate on these issues. This book shows the personal struggle that Mr. Shank endured as he investigated the Scriptures and arguments made for this doctrine. As one reads this study, it is evident that Shank is reluctant but faithful to the Biblical truth he found.
This is certainly a challenging study that those on either side of the issue cannot help but benefit from.
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