Timothy
October 23rd, 2003, 03:23 PM
The subject line is bold, and is somewhat "controversial." According to the word of God, rightly divided, it is also TRUE - due to the eternal security that we have in Christ, anyone who is saved DOES have a "license to sin."
STOP! Now, before any of you have a knee-jerk reaction and GROSSLY misunderstand me, I am making a SHARP DISTINCTION between HAVING the license and acting on or abusing the license. Please read on.
THE SOURCE OF CONFUSION
I've seen and participated in several threads related to eternal security. In every one of them, the source of confusion basically comes down to a failure to rightly divide the word of God. If it can be rightly divided, it follows that it can be wrongly divided. When the word of God is wrongly divided, it results in confusion.
II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The general failure in understanding eternal security is to recognize the dispensational distinctiveness of Paul's gospel and his Apostleship. This failure results in the mixing of prophecy and the mystery, the mixing of law and grace, the mixing of Israel and the body of Christ, and even the mixing of the second coming and the rapture. The general failure is to recognize that the gospel of grace and eternal security were (first) revealed to Paul.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel
II Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel
Ephesians 3:2-3 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery...
Those are just a few examples where Paul makes a shart distinction of his gospel, and of the mystery which was revealed first to him, and of the dispensation of grace which was given to us, through Paul. Don't confuse generic grace, and attribute of God, with the gospel of grace, and salvation by grace through faith.
SALVATION THROUGH THE AGES
As we now have the benefit of the completed word of God, we know the "full story" about salvation through the ages:
BASIS: The basis of salvation in every age has been the blood of Christ
MEANS: The means of salvation is always faith
OBJECT: The object of faith is always God
CONTENT: The content of faith and salvation is dependent on the particular revleation the God gave at that time
The last item is key - what was the content at the given time. What were they told or required to do, what did they know. For example, it is quite a common error to take Paul's epistles and "read" them "back into" earlier books.
UNDERSTANDING TRUE GRACE
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
Paul's gospel was about grace, and grace alone, period. It is by grace we are justifed through Christ (not anything of ourselves or our works). Grace is done freely and is a gift from God.
Romans 5:15-20 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound
The focus of grace is entirely on Him, not us. It is what He did for us. We are "His workmanship."
GRACE VS. WORKS
One of the hardest things to get in our head's is that grace and works are diametrically opposed.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Paul makes it so clear that there can be no argument - the minute you introduce an ounce of works with grace, it ceases to be grace, period. There are three ways that works are often falsely mixed with grace, by saying that:
1 - Works are involved with getting saved
2 - Works are involved proving you are saved
3 - Works are involved with staying saved
In each of these, if works are involved with grace, it is no longer of grace. One of the reasons that works are often mixed with grace is our flesh and its pride. Our flesh is corrupted by sin. our flesh wants you to think that you are "really not that bad of a person," or that you "could never do something like that." It is important to remember that there are not just two types of works (i.e. bad and good). Someone who is saved can have three types of works - bad, good produced from the flesh, and good produced from the spirit. There's really no difference between bad works and good works produced from the flesh, both are an abonimation to God. Paul's gospel of grace is clear as to how we are to think of our flesh under grace:
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are to view ourselves as God sees us, through Christ. We are to view (reckon = know) ourselves as being dead to sin. The sin issue is done, it's taken care of by Christ. Grace is about resting in Christ, because we are eternally secure in what's He's done for us.
OBJECTIONS IN PAUL'S OWN DAY
Paul's gospel of grace was new, kept secret, and people didn't understand it then, as some today still don't today. The same objections to grace and eternal security that are used today, were used in Paul's own day.
Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?....
Paul's response to the objections was clear:
Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Paul is saying Just because you do have a license to sin (because we are already dead to sin), that doesn't mean you should continue like you were before or abuse it, so grace will abound.
STANDING IN GRACE VS. FALLING FROM GRACE
Romans 5:1 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Paul continually talks about "standing" in his epistles. It is always about standing (mentally recognizing and applying) a doctrine what what Christ has done for us. In the verse above, it talks about "standing in grace," which is what He has done for us, freely. If you can "stand in grace" it follows that you can fall from grace. Neither standing in grace or falling from grace, though, is in regards to your salvation. It is about what one does with their Christian life after they are saved. When you fall from grace, you are not acting as who you really are, in Christ.
Someone can "fall from grace" in two ways.
1 - SIN: The first example of falling from grace is also the most common objection used to eternal security. It is a Christian, who for whatever reason, willfully chooses a life of sin after they are saved. Paul discusses a Christian that has chosen a life of fornication.
I Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
What does Paul instruct regarding this fornicating Christian? Put them out, let them go destruct their fleshly existence. He clearly indicates that they are still saved. They are still saved, because grace is about grace, not their works, good or bad. They are still saved.
2 - WORKS: The second example of "falling from grace" is by adding works.
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
This second way of falling from grace, the Galtians example, is harder to understand, because is is not so "obvious" as something like fornication. The error of the Galatians was a failure to rightly divide the word of truth. It is imperative to note that what the Galatians were practicing was scriptural, but it was not dispensational. The things they did were in scripture, but it was not not dispensational - they were not for today. They mixed law and grace, two different programs from God.
I realize this is quite hard to swallow, but it is humbling to note that you can "fall from grace" by willfully living a life of sin, AS WELL AS wrongly dividing the Bible - by mixing works with grace. You can be scriptural about something, but not dispensational, and "fall from grace" JUST THE SAME.
When works are mixed with grace, grace is being frustrated. It is taking away from what grace really is, and reducing or limiting it.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Paul is quite clear in telling the "foolish Galatians" on how to stand. They don't stand on their own merits or works but Christ, and the liberty he's given us, by being dead to sin.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
GOD'S JUSTICE
Many ask "where is God's justice for the person that lives a life of sin after being saved?" Paul is quite clear where God's justice is:
I Corinthians 13:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
At the judgement seat of Christ, the life of the believer after they were saved will be made manifest. Everything will be tried by fire, but everyone is still saved, and some will suffer loss of rewards.
The "typical" example of the person that lived the life of sin will suffer loss, but is still are saved. What about someone like the Galatians? I realize it is hard to swallow, but the same is also true. It is humbling to note that the works of anyone like the Galatians will also burn at the judgement seat of Christ. Paul clearly says the Galatians "did not obey the truth," etc. So without question, works not based on truth will burn.
GRACE ATTITUDE = GRATITUDE
Some ask "so what about good works under grace?"
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them
Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Under grace, good works are the END result, the OUTPUT. Good works are not an INPUT (to salvation). Good works are the natural reaction to being given the greatest gift that you could possibly be given. Remember, we are dead to sin, the sin issue is taken care of. Notice that good works are an OUTPUT of being thankful and of being his workmanship.
Under grace our attitude should be thankfulness. Our attitude should "abound with thanksgiving." You could say that our grace attitude = gratitude.
SUMMARY
Under grace, the issue of sin is taken care of by Christ. We do, by definition of grace, have a "license to sin." Now, the natural reaction to such a gift as grace is to be thankful, not abuseful. Yes, there are some who do choose to abuse grace, and they WILL answer for it, and suffer loss, at the judgement seat of Christ.
Now why would some people abuse grace, consciously? I sincerely believe that when the message of grace is polluted with works, like the Galatians did, that this directly leads some people to go back into a life of sin or turning their back to God. Why? Their actions are the direct output of the law. As Paul says, the "law works wrath." Putting yourself back under the law makes one feel bitter, disappointed, and defeated, because you can NEVER keep it, you always FAIL. When works are combined with grace, it also scripturally begs the question of salvation. When I came to understood what true grace is, for a few fleeting moments, I actually questioned when I was truly saved.
When you fall, you are not standing in your Godly created position in Christ. Christian's actually do "exercise" God's grace and the "license to sin" daily. We all fall down and sin. The issue is what are you going to do when you fall? The choice is two fold. We could either continue to lay on the ground, or you could stand back up in Christ. Unfortunately, that is the "self esteem" problem of some Christians, including me (in the past). We fail to see ourselves as God sees us, in Christ.
Philippians 3:13-16 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me...
I would encourage you to read Romans chapters 1 through 8, TWICE. Preferably, with a KJV, as some of the wording is "stronger." Read it first, while mentally assuming while you read that eternal security is a fact. Go back and read it a second time, this time mentally assuming while you read that eternal security is not true. You will struggle the second time. About 15 years ago, someone gave me that same challenge.
Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Now I'm tired!! :dizzy
STOP! Now, before any of you have a knee-jerk reaction and GROSSLY misunderstand me, I am making a SHARP DISTINCTION between HAVING the license and acting on or abusing the license. Please read on.
THE SOURCE OF CONFUSION
I've seen and participated in several threads related to eternal security. In every one of them, the source of confusion basically comes down to a failure to rightly divide the word of God. If it can be rightly divided, it follows that it can be wrongly divided. When the word of God is wrongly divided, it results in confusion.
II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The general failure in understanding eternal security is to recognize the dispensational distinctiveness of Paul's gospel and his Apostleship. This failure results in the mixing of prophecy and the mystery, the mixing of law and grace, the mixing of Israel and the body of Christ, and even the mixing of the second coming and the rapture. The general failure is to recognize that the gospel of grace and eternal security were (first) revealed to Paul.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of
Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel
II Timothy 2:8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel
Ephesians 3:2-3 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery...
Those are just a few examples where Paul makes a shart distinction of his gospel, and of the mystery which was revealed first to him, and of the dispensation of grace which was given to us, through Paul. Don't confuse generic grace, and attribute of God, with the gospel of grace, and salvation by grace through faith.
SALVATION THROUGH THE AGES
As we now have the benefit of the completed word of God, we know the "full story" about salvation through the ages:
BASIS: The basis of salvation in every age has been the blood of Christ
MEANS: The means of salvation is always faith
OBJECT: The object of faith is always God
CONTENT: The content of faith and salvation is dependent on the particular revleation the God gave at that time
The last item is key - what was the content at the given time. What were they told or required to do, what did they know. For example, it is quite a common error to take Paul's epistles and "read" them "back into" earlier books.
UNDERSTANDING TRUE GRACE
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
Paul's gospel was about grace, and grace alone, period. It is by grace we are justifed through Christ (not anything of ourselves or our works). Grace is done freely and is a gift from God.
Romans 5:15-20 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound
The focus of grace is entirely on Him, not us. It is what He did for us. We are "His workmanship."
GRACE VS. WORKS
One of the hardest things to get in our head's is that grace and works are diametrically opposed.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Paul makes it so clear that there can be no argument - the minute you introduce an ounce of works with grace, it ceases to be grace, period. There are three ways that works are often falsely mixed with grace, by saying that:
1 - Works are involved with getting saved
2 - Works are involved proving you are saved
3 - Works are involved with staying saved
In each of these, if works are involved with grace, it is no longer of grace. One of the reasons that works are often mixed with grace is our flesh and its pride. Our flesh is corrupted by sin. our flesh wants you to think that you are "really not that bad of a person," or that you "could never do something like that." It is important to remember that there are not just two types of works (i.e. bad and good). Someone who is saved can have three types of works - bad, good produced from the flesh, and good produced from the spirit. There's really no difference between bad works and good works produced from the flesh, both are an abonimation to God. Paul's gospel of grace is clear as to how we are to think of our flesh under grace:
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are to view ourselves as God sees us, through Christ. We are to view (reckon = know) ourselves as being dead to sin. The sin issue is done, it's taken care of by Christ. Grace is about resting in Christ, because we are eternally secure in what's He's done for us.
OBJECTIONS IN PAUL'S OWN DAY
Paul's gospel of grace was new, kept secret, and people didn't understand it then, as some today still don't today. The same objections to grace and eternal security that are used today, were used in Paul's own day.
Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?....
Paul's response to the objections was clear:
Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Paul is saying Just because you do have a license to sin (because we are already dead to sin), that doesn't mean you should continue like you were before or abuse it, so grace will abound.
STANDING IN GRACE VS. FALLING FROM GRACE
Romans 5:1 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Paul continually talks about "standing" in his epistles. It is always about standing (mentally recognizing and applying) a doctrine what what Christ has done for us. In the verse above, it talks about "standing in grace," which is what He has done for us, freely. If you can "stand in grace" it follows that you can fall from grace. Neither standing in grace or falling from grace, though, is in regards to your salvation. It is about what one does with their Christian life after they are saved. When you fall from grace, you are not acting as who you really are, in Christ.
Someone can "fall from grace" in two ways.
1 - SIN: The first example of falling from grace is also the most common objection used to eternal security. It is a Christian, who for whatever reason, willfully chooses a life of sin after they are saved. Paul discusses a Christian that has chosen a life of fornication.
I Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
What does Paul instruct regarding this fornicating Christian? Put them out, let them go destruct their fleshly existence. He clearly indicates that they are still saved. They are still saved, because grace is about grace, not their works, good or bad. They are still saved.
2 - WORKS: The second example of "falling from grace" is by adding works.
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
This second way of falling from grace, the Galtians example, is harder to understand, because is is not so "obvious" as something like fornication. The error of the Galatians was a failure to rightly divide the word of truth. It is imperative to note that what the Galatians were practicing was scriptural, but it was not dispensational. The things they did were in scripture, but it was not not dispensational - they were not for today. They mixed law and grace, two different programs from God.
I realize this is quite hard to swallow, but it is humbling to note that you can "fall from grace" by willfully living a life of sin, AS WELL AS wrongly dividing the Bible - by mixing works with grace. You can be scriptural about something, but not dispensational, and "fall from grace" JUST THE SAME.
When works are mixed with grace, grace is being frustrated. It is taking away from what grace really is, and reducing or limiting it.
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Paul is quite clear in telling the "foolish Galatians" on how to stand. They don't stand on their own merits or works but Christ, and the liberty he's given us, by being dead to sin.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
GOD'S JUSTICE
Many ask "where is God's justice for the person that lives a life of sin after being saved?" Paul is quite clear where God's justice is:
I Corinthians 13:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
At the judgement seat of Christ, the life of the believer after they were saved will be made manifest. Everything will be tried by fire, but everyone is still saved, and some will suffer loss of rewards.
The "typical" example of the person that lived the life of sin will suffer loss, but is still are saved. What about someone like the Galatians? I realize it is hard to swallow, but the same is also true. It is humbling to note that the works of anyone like the Galatians will also burn at the judgement seat of Christ. Paul clearly says the Galatians "did not obey the truth," etc. So without question, works not based on truth will burn.
GRACE ATTITUDE = GRATITUDE
Some ask "so what about good works under grace?"
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them
Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Under grace, good works are the END result, the OUTPUT. Good works are not an INPUT (to salvation). Good works are the natural reaction to being given the greatest gift that you could possibly be given. Remember, we are dead to sin, the sin issue is taken care of. Notice that good works are an OUTPUT of being thankful and of being his workmanship.
Under grace our attitude should be thankfulness. Our attitude should "abound with thanksgiving." You could say that our grace attitude = gratitude.
SUMMARY
Under grace, the issue of sin is taken care of by Christ. We do, by definition of grace, have a "license to sin." Now, the natural reaction to such a gift as grace is to be thankful, not abuseful. Yes, there are some who do choose to abuse grace, and they WILL answer for it, and suffer loss, at the judgement seat of Christ.
Now why would some people abuse grace, consciously? I sincerely believe that when the message of grace is polluted with works, like the Galatians did, that this directly leads some people to go back into a life of sin or turning their back to God. Why? Their actions are the direct output of the law. As Paul says, the "law works wrath." Putting yourself back under the law makes one feel bitter, disappointed, and defeated, because you can NEVER keep it, you always FAIL. When works are combined with grace, it also scripturally begs the question of salvation. When I came to understood what true grace is, for a few fleeting moments, I actually questioned when I was truly saved.
When you fall, you are not standing in your Godly created position in Christ. Christian's actually do "exercise" God's grace and the "license to sin" daily. We all fall down and sin. The issue is what are you going to do when you fall? The choice is two fold. We could either continue to lay on the ground, or you could stand back up in Christ. Unfortunately, that is the "self esteem" problem of some Christians, including me (in the past). We fail to see ourselves as God sees us, in Christ.
Philippians 3:13-16 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me...
I would encourage you to read Romans chapters 1 through 8, TWICE. Preferably, with a KJV, as some of the wording is "stronger." Read it first, while mentally assuming while you read that eternal security is a fact. Go back and read it a second time, this time mentally assuming while you read that eternal security is not true. You will struggle the second time. About 15 years ago, someone gave me that same challenge.
Galatians 2:16-21 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Now I'm tired!! :dizzy