Historical Interpretation of Eternal Security in the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Nigeria

Abstract

ONE OF THE MAJOR doctrines in Christianity is the doctrine of salvation, which finds its deepest meaning in the spiritual aspect of life. Its fulfillment is held vigorously in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ which brought about salvation which is the highest goal of Christianity. In the 'Articles of faith and practice' of different churches, teachings on salvation vary in content but not in goal. This variation became unavoidable from the point of view of God's sovereignty and omnipotency. This variation was further compounded by the unanimity in the doctrines of churches that God is holy and has zero tolerance for sin in His sovereignty. Within this context, these schools of thought emerged namely: Calvinism and Armenianism. In Calvinism, God offered irresistible grace to those whom He elected to save in the exercise of His sovereign power, while in Armenianism God's grace was the source of redemption but could be resisted by people through free choice. The doctrine of ECWA as their articles of faith and practice (8) confirmed Calvinism. The objectives of the paper were to determine the import of sin and how the doctrine of eternal security could remain intact where sin did not abound; to determine the significance of dependence on God and how the conditions can be fulfilled as requirement for ' eternal security. The research methods used were historical and interpretative. Some major findings were as follows; though some Christian denominations do not profess the doctrine of eternal security, but there is a reflection of the doctrine in some, and once God's exercise of sovereignty was not denied this attribute would as well blend with God's grace not to sin; sin and the practice of it could be said to be voluntary and those who chose God would not see the beauty of sin over belief in God; the imminence of eternal salvation was a design of God and He remained its guarantor and; the Calvinism and Arminians need God's grace as strong bottom-line for the achievement of eternity. The Calvinist argument dovetails into the acceptance of the view that God remained the author of Christian conversion. (Acts 11;18). The element of faith accompanied with repentance is the acknowledgment of the truth of the gospel. Apparently, the stable life in Christ is taken to be vulnerable to regeneration and transformation; thereby guaranteeing eternal security. It is recommended that Christians should be diligent, hopeful and upright for the attainment of eternal security.