Rating: 
Summary: Awful
Review: If you read this book, any time you see "..." in one of his citations, watch out! Pick up your bible and see what he's leaving out. Consider, for example, his argument that our behavior doesn't determine where we go, just what it's going to be like when we get there. In support of this position, Stanley cites Gal 6:7-9 on page 129 thus:"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap ... And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." What did he leave out? The entirety of verse 8: "The one who sows to please his sinful nature from that nature will reap DESTRUCTION; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap ETERNAL LIFE." Stanley takes a passage that means the opposite of his point, then quotes it leaving out the parts that flatly disagree with him to make it seem Paul is on his page. This kind of egregious proof texting is rampant throughout the book. He makes his positive case on three grounds: (1) From the vantage point of the cross, all your sins were future, therefore all your sins both past and future are forgiven when you accept Christ (2 Pt 1:9 and 1 Jn 1:9 are a BIG problem for that hypothesis, but he never addresses it); (2) Once you're adopted as a son, you cannot be unadopted, but this is what losing your salvation would amount to (wrong - he uses the parable of the prodigal son to show that once a son, always a son, but he ignores the fact that the prodigal HAD TO COME BACK and the older brother NEVER ENTERED THE FEAST - adoption doesn't equal salvation); (3) Once you accept Christ, you're sealed with the Holy Spirit "unto the day of redemption", so you have the seal's protection to make sure you are redeemed (Wrong. The seal isn't salvation. The seal is the Holy Spirit that is the means of our salvation, but only if we submit to it in obedience, c.f., Rom 6:16, 8:12-13,17, Eph 5:5, etc.) The only positive I have to say is that at least when he addressed the passages in Hebrews he didn't use the cop out "they didn't REALLY believe", like so many of his counterparts do. Even so, he makes outrageous statements like "The law had nothing to do with one's eternal salvation. Breaking the law in no way jeopardized one's eternal security." Despite a multitude of passages that directly and flatly contradict this (Mt 19:17, Rom 2:13, Lev 18:5, etc.)And Heb 6 isn't talking about restoring to salvation, but restoring to repentance, as if repentance didn't have anything to do with salvation (2 Cor 7:9-10 flatly disagrees). Surely, there must be a better case made for such a popular doctrine than this presents. What a disappointment.
Rating: 
Summary: Those who support Eternal Security, Stay Away.....
Review: Ok, I was raised a Baptist And I am just a much as a believer in the doctrine of eternal security than anyone else. But take it from me, folks, for what its worth. This book is shallow, ill-written, and spends 30 percent of its pages on heavenly rewards, not the longevity of salvation. Mr. Stanley's book only weakens the reality behind the true nature of the gospel. Read at your own risk.
Rating: 
Summary: Helpful Intro to One Side of the Eternal Security Debate
Review: The subject of whether or not a person is capable of losing their salvation has long been a hot topic among Christians. Charles Stanley's "Eternal Security" was my first attempt at trying to understand some of the arguments involved, and as such, was a good start. Stanley argues the "once saved, always saved" side of the debate, and has strong conviction about his theological conclusions. That being the case, any person interested in fairly learning about both sides of the debate must seek to find authors who also argue the other side. Stanley's approach is very pastoral in that he seems to be writing to the common Christian as opposed to the scholar. His goal is explicitly to comfort Christians with the knowledge that they cannot lose their salvation. Accordingly, the breadth of his arguments is impressive while the depth of his arguments is somewhat lacking. Regarding the great breadth of this short book, the reader will find that Stanley discusses all the major verses that both sides of the debate use to support their conclusions. Of course, given the fact that Stanley believes in the eternal security of Christians, his interpretation of the scriptural texts all support his theological conclusions. This finding should come as no surprise to the audience, however, to be fair to the other side of the debate, other authors should also be consulted. Regarding the poor depth of each of Stanley's arguments, the reader will note that he only devotes, on average, between three and six pages per chapter. Furthermore, the print is large and the pages are small. These facts lend to an extraordinarily quick read. Though I am new to this debate, I assume that a subject such as this one is probably not as simple, or as "black and white", as Stanley would like his readers to believe. Despite the above-mentioned weaknesses of this book, Stanley does contribute a couple of fantastic explanations and arguments to this subject. For example, he very capably discusses the issue of what happens to the Christian believer whose behavior consciously does not conform to Christianity's moral standards. He explains that the believer's "fellowship" with God can be severed, while their "relationship" with God cannot be broken (p.52). His use of the "Prodigal Son" parable is great support for his above argument. In chapters thirteen and fourteen, he tries to resolve the "justice issue". In other words, he deals with the problem of fairness that faithful and unfaithful Christians alike will all spend eternity enjoying the same "fruits" of Heaven. He claims that they will not share the same "fruits". In this debate, Stanley distinguishes between the "book of life" and the "book of remembrance". In so doing, he notes that the "book of life" as described in the Bible, notes who will spend eternity with God-those who make a faith commitment to Christ at some point in their lives. However, all people--Christians and non-Christians alike--will be judged by the "book of remembrance". For Christians, this second judgment will be a state where some are rewarded in Heavenly status as a result of their earthly works. This section also describes a state of "outer darkness" or temporary purification for all believes before they enter God's presence for eternity (pp.126-128). I find it interesting that while Stanley does a great job of explaining how faithful and unfaithful Christians experience eternity in a way that is "just", his explanation may also support a modified version of the Roman Catholic concept of purgatory. How interesting would that be, if Protestants who argue for "eternal security" must also argue for a time of temporary purification, which is supported by the Bible, and thus be more in agreement with their Catholic counterparts than they would like to admit on the issue of purgatory. Again, for anyone interested in receiving a good introduction to the "once saved, always saved" position of the Christian "eternal security" debate, Stanley's book is helpful start. However, I will again caution that a debate such as this one is certainly not as simple as Stanley argues, and any serious study of this topic will need to include more authors with differing opinions.
Rating:
Summary: Extreme and Shallow
Review: There are many views concerning the salvation of the believer than the classic dispensational view as presented here and the Arminian view which is not fairly presented. A reformed view on salvation as presented by RC Sproul, Michael Horton, James Boice, JI Packer, etc. is not even discussed. Yet this book may lead the reader to believe Dr. Stanley represents their view as well, which he clearly does not. At the conclusion of this book, I am convinced this view is well outside of the established historical view and would undermine evangelical orthodoxy if fully accepted.
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT BOOK!
Review: This book is a must-read for anyone hung up on religious rules & regulations! The book is easy to read and understand, and Mr. Stanley's practical approach is sure to touch anyone that has any doubts on their eternal salvation!
Rating:
Summary: I have read it over and over again.
Review: This book is one everybody needs. It describes the unconditional love that the Lord has for us in a very simple language. I have given it as gifts and it is so easy to read.
Rating:
Summary: gets you to think about each individual verse
Review: This is a wonderful book if you are either struggling with assurance or have doubts about your salvation. It explains in easy to understand terms just what the gift of salvation actually is, and provides solid answers to many "problem" verses that can leave you bewildered. It is also an excellent study tool for students on both sides of the question who would like to learn more about the doctrine of eternal security. The thing I like best about this book is that it gets you to think about the implications of each individual verse that you study. The author even has "Think About It" sections throughout the book and closes each chapter with pertinent review questions to help the reader internalize the information. The author does a great job in breaking down a difficult subject into verse by verse commentary that is accessible to readers of all levels.
Rating:
Summary: Straight From the Pit of Hell!
Review: When I first started asking questions about eternal security, my pastor, rather than giving me scripture, gave me this book to read. He told me that if it helped me to accept the doctrine I could keep the book, and if it didn't, I was to return it. I would be a liar if I said I was not EXTREMELY tempted to throw this in the fireplace when Charles Stanley wrote that "outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth" is NOT hell, but rather a place in Heaven. So in other words, there is a place in Heaven that evokes the same emotional response from believers as "the fiery furnace" does from unbelievers!!! If that isn't blasphemous and heretical, I don't know what is. Then again, you need to remember that Charles Stanley has said: "No matter what you do as a CHILD OF GOD, you are forgiven. You say, 'Murder?' Forgiven. 'Stealing?' Forgiven. 'Adultery?' Forgiven. 'Worshipping idols?' Forgiven.'" So according to HIS gospel - which is in STARK contrast to what the Bible declares, namely, that the unrighteous will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God - you can become EVEN MORE VILE AND WICKED after salvation than before. There's a name for this "gospel", which really isn't "good news" at all: "Greasy Grace." But I prefer to call it what the Bible calls it: a "doctrine of demons" and a "damnable heresy."
Rating:
Summary: wishful thinking
Review: When something seems too good to be true; it probably is. For those who believe in eternal salvation, read the Bible. Mr Stanley (among many) starts by assuming his premise is true. He then pulls out any verses which seem to suport it. The problem with this method is that you then have to ignore the other 1,355 pages of the Bible. Or you have to twist their meaning every which way till they stop saying what they seem to say. Why not just accept the straight, unambiguous meaning of the Bible? There is no salvation in making the Bible say what we want it to say. The only salvation is accepting and obeying God's Word as it stands. The author does some amazing mental gymnastics to make "problem" passages fit his theory, but he should ask himself 'are these mental gymnastics really the right way to approach the Bible?'. There are more "problem" passages that seem to refute his premise then there are passages that seem to support it. Perhaps Mr Stanley should scrap his theory of eternal salvation and take the Bible at face value.
Rating:
Summary: WILL THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL GO TO HELL?
Review: Will The Sexually Immoral Go To Hell? There are three resources from which we all pull doctrinal beliefs: 1) our imagination; 2) what someone told us; or 3) the Word of God (the Bible). Since God never lies and is never in error, we must all rely on the Word of God over and above what our imagination tells us or what someone else tells us. Even if the Word of God contradicts everything we have ever been taught by our minister or churches we must put God's Word before everything. As it says in Romans 3:4, "Let God be true, and every man a liar." As uncomfortable as it is to some, we all need to give heartfelt warnings to those who profess to be Christians about the eternal danger of sexual immorality. Before getting into this, let me explain a couple of terms which Jesus and the apostle Paul taught about salvation and about who would and would not go to heaven. The Term WICKED : The first term we will look at is the term WICKED. To understand what the term WICKED means let us look at 5 scriptures (there are hundreds more but these should suffice): "Now the men of Sodom were WICKED and were sinning greatly against the LORD." - Genesis 13:13 "The WICKED will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous." - Psalm 1:5 "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the WICKED cannot dwell." - Psalm 5:4 "Salvation is far from the WICKED" - Psalm 119:155 "This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the WICKED from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - Matthew 13:49-50 As you can see, in the Bible, the term WICKED always refers to those who are enemies of God, those who are separated from God -- that is those who are not saved and who go to Hell if they die without repenting. The Term INHERIT : The next term we will look at is the term INHERIT. According to Jesus, salvation or eternal life is INHERITed : "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will INHERIT eternal life. - Matthew 19:29 (NIV) In Hebrews 1:14, salvation is also referred to as being INHERITed: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will INHERIT salvation?" - Hebrews 1:14 (NIV) Jesus also refers to INHERITing eternal life in John 4:14 and Revelation 21:6-7. In John 4:14, Jesus refers to eternal life as a "spring of water welling up to eternal life" : "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." - John 4:14 (NIV) In Revelation 21:6-7, Jesus also uses the term "spring of the water of life" to refer to eternal life or salvation: "6 It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life." 7 "He who overcomes will INHERIT all this, and I will be his God and he will be My son." - Rev 21:6-7 (NIV) That Jesus is referring to salvation or eternal life is also confirmed by the phrase "and he will be My son" in verse 7. Notice also in verse 7 the word INHERIT, and that eternal life (the spring of the water of life) is what is being INHERITed: "He who overcomes will INHERIT all this." In this passage of scripture Jesus is specifically referring to eternal life as what is being INHERITed. This is also consistent with what Jesus stated in Mat 19:29: "And everyone who has left houses or brothers [etc.].. for my sake will.. INHERIT eternal life." - Matthew 19:29 Eternal Life: Who INHERITs It And Who Does Not Let Us Now Read All Of Revelation 21:5-8 : 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will INHERIT all this, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts [witchcraft], the idolaters and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." -Rev 21:5-8 (NIV) In contrast to those who INHERIT eternal life, in verse 8, Jesus mentions those who will not INHERIT eternal life. Notice that THE UNBELIEVING ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES BEING CONDEMNED TO HELL. In addition to the unbelieving there is also, "the cowardly [those who deny Christ], the vile, the murderers, the SEXUALLY IMMORAL, etc... their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur." (I emphasize the grievous sin of sexual immorality because it is such a prevalent sin in our day and age -- even by many who profess to be Christians.) Jesus makes no distinction as to whether these sinful people were previously saved or not. In fact, He makes it a point to include the UNBELIEVING as only one class of people who are being condemned to Hell. Notice that when John was addressing believers he stated: "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him." (1 John 3:15) Notice the phrase "NO MURDERER HAS ETERNAL LIFE IN HIM." Since according to Jesus in Rev 21:8 the sexually immoral person will meet with the same fate as the murderer then we can also say that, NO SEXUALLY IMMORAL PERSON HAS ETERNAL LIFE IN HIM. There are not two kinds of murderers -- saved and unsaved. There are not two kinds of witches -- saved and unsaved. There are not two kinds of sexually immoral people -- saved and unsaved. According to Jesus in Rev 21:8, all the cowardly are unsaved, all the unbelieving are unsaved, all the vile are unsaved, all the murderers are unsaved, all the sexually immoral are unsaved, all those who practice magic arts are unsaved, all the idolaters are unsaved, and all liars are unsaved. And they will all end up in Hell, unless they genuinely repent in this life and come (or come back) to Jesus. Similarly, in 1 Cor 6:9-10 Paul states: "Do you not know that the WICKED will not INHERIT the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will INHERIT the kingdom of God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 The term WICKED has already been explained. The term INHERIT has also. This scripture is another confirmation of what Jesus said in Rev 21:5-8. As you can see the terms and meanings here are very clear, direct, and sound. If you choose to doubt -- you do so in clear contradiction to the word of God. Notice that the passages Rev 21:5-8 and 1 Cor 6:9-10 are parallel scriptures. Both are referring to salvation and both use the term INHERIT to refer to those who will or will not make it to the kingdom of God. I realize that very few preach on these passages of scriptures but God's word stands forever. God is faithful and His words cannot and it will not be altered: "I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered." - Psalm 89:34 Jesus began the Rev 21:5-8 passage by saying in verse 5: "Write this down, for these words are TRUSTWORTHY and TRUE." Jesus was emphasizing this passage of scripture so that we would all be forewarned of the ETERNAL danger of transgressing into these grievous sins. Jesus does not give idle warnings and He does not exaggerate. He gives us clear and specific words and phrases so that we will know what the truth is. Notice again in Rev 21:8 , "the SEXUALLY IMMORAL .. their place will be in the FIERY LAKE OF BURNING SULFUR." As hard as it is for some to believe, GOD WILL SEND THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL TO HELL -- even those who once came to Jesus in the past but now went back into the pollutions of the world. There are many popular even evangelical ministers telling people that their sinning -- even gross evil sins such as murder, and adultery, etc, will not send them to Hell. It is the same thing satan told Adam and Eve. " 'You will not surely die,' the serpent said to the woman." - Genesis 3:4 According to Jesus, not only will the UNBELIEVING end up in Hell, the SEXUALLY IMMORAL will also end up in Hell (as will the cowardly, the vile, the murderers, etc.) -- whether or not they were previously saved or not. According to the Bible the following people are classified as SEXUALLY IMMORAL: 1. Fornicator -- An unmarried person having sex with someone else who is not married. (Gal 5:19, KJV) 2. Adulterer -- A married person having sex with someone other than their lawfully wedded spouse. Also an unmarried person having sex with someone who is married.
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