The bottom line is, whom will you believe--God's writers of the Holy Scriptures or those who reason out of emotion, anger and contempt? This book is exceptional in showing Scriptural security in Christ.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif)
Summary: The Truth sometimes hurts!
Review: As a person who was once caught in the snare of OSAS doctrine I can really appreciate the truth put forward in this book. I can understand anyone wanting to believe that one can sin like the devil and still call oneself a Christian but that is not what the bible teaches. Unfortunately many preachers that hold to that lie of UNconditional security claim verses in The Bible that are taken out of context to support their view. The doctrine of OSAS is simply man's opinion whereas CONditional security is Biblical truth. Accepting this truth for some is like kicking against the goads as Jesus said to Saul and the truth sometimes hurts. Rev. Dan Corner does a great job in showing where this pernicious lie came from and in the process allows the reader to have at his fingertips an abundance of scriptural truth that is given IN context to easily allow understanding. Thanks so much for this wealth of information you have worked so hard at to provide for Christians who want the truth. God Bless You and your ministry. Sincerely Michael Almon
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif)
Summary: Christ the Savior
Review: As a refutation of the "once saved, always saved" doctrine, this book is quite good, although its at times heavily emotional approach can be slightly off-putting (the Lord's oft repeated words, "Peace be with you," spring to mind). However, as I already pointed out, the message is an important one: namely, that faith without works is dead. We must not be hearers only, but doers...That being said, I was saddened by some of its content, especially its numerous attacks on Roman Catholicism. As an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I am opposed to quite a few Roman Catholic teachings (especially its Augustinian errors -Dan Corner is indeed right when he links Calvinism to Augustine's theology, or at least, certain key aspects of it); but I would not declare that Roman Catholics aren't even Christians, which is what the author seems to believe. Also as an Orthodox Christian, I would be most hesitant to say that either Calvin or Augustine is "unsaved," which the author categorically affirms. The Scriptures teach that only God knows the heart of a man. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." There is no doubt that the author is passionate in his defense of the Lord and Scriptural accuracy, and I don't believe that he wrote anything out of malice, but only out of a genuine concern for salvation. Still, I feel it is vital to remember that "mercy triumphs over judgement," that the Lord desires "mercy, and not sacrifice." "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you -who are you to judge your neighbour?" Therefore I don't feel it is up to me to say who is saved, and who is unsaved: because "love hopes all things." One cannot condemn Augustine for teaching that those who aren't Roman Catholic will go to hell, then turn around and say that those who ARE Roman Catholic will go to hell.
But what I found most distressing about the book was its small chapter about the "so-called Ante-Nicene 'fathers.'" Isn't it somewhat ironic that the author states "we should never consult the Ante-Nicene 'fathers' for our teachings!" and then goes right ahead and cites the Ante-Nicene fathers to further prove his point (re: the early Christians did not believe in the doctrine of "once saved always saved" either)? He tells us that the fathers "contradicted each other" and "blatantly contradicted Scripture as well;" anyone who is reasonably well-versed in patristic teachings knows that such statements are totally unfounded. As Father Rose notes in "Genesis, Creation and Early Man," the fathers only appear to contradict each other at times. Though they may have different personal opinions about minor details, overall, the fathers are in agreement (as the author went on to demonstrate when he quoted them concerning OSAS). Daniel Corner then holds up Origen as an example of false patristic teachings, when in fact Origen was repudiated by the Church because of his erroneous views. The author's statements on patristic matters were quite unfortunate, and displayed a considerable ignorance on his part.
I do recommend this book because of the way it demolishes OSAS beliefs, also for its wonderful chapter on "Safeguards" ("Be humble and stay humble," "Avoid godless chatter" etc), and for exposing the nature of Calvinistic teachings. I can only hope, however, that most readers will have a more charitable opinion of Roman Catholicism despite its flaws, and will educate themselves as to what Roman Catholics truly believe (consult "Catholic and Christian: an explanation of commonly misunderstood Catholic beliefs" by Alan Schreck). For anyone interested in learning more about some of the things I discussed in this review, I'd also recommend "Learning theology with the Church Fathers" and "Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers." And why not "The Imitation of Christ?"
I truly hope that if I have offended anyone, they will forgive me. I felt compelled to share my impressions because it is my sincerest wish that Christians should come to a greater understanding, without compromising our most fundamental belief in Christ the Savior. Soon, a time will come when anyone who professes belief in Christ AS Savior (not as "teacher," or "great man," or "philosopher," or "harmless hippy type guy who heard voices") will face ridicule and persecution. Is that time not indeed upon us now, when we read what the liberal media, not to mention liberal Christians of every variety, spout regarding "The Passion of the Christ?"
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif)
Summary: Christ the Savior
Review: As a refutation of the "once saved, always saved" doctrine, this book is quite good, although its at times heavily emotional approach can be slightly off-putting (the Lord's oft repeated words, "Peace be with you," spring to mind). However, as I already pointed out, the message is an important one: namely, that faith without works is dead. We must not be hearers only, but doers...
That being said, I was saddened by some of its content, especially its numerous attacks on Roman Catholicism. As an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I am opposed to quite a few Roman Catholic teachings (especially its Augustinian errors -Dan Corner is indeed right when he links Calvinism to Augustine's theology, or at least, certain key aspects of it); but I would not declare that Roman Catholics aren't even Christians, which is what the author seems to believe. Also as an Orthodox Christian, I would be most hesitant to say that either Calvin or Augustine is "unsaved," which the author categorically affirms. The Scriptures teach that only God knows the heart of a man. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." There is no doubt that the author is passionate in his defense of the Lord and Scriptural accuracy, and I don't believe that he wrote anything out of malice, but only out of a genuine concern for salvation. Still, I feel it is vital to remember that "mercy triumphs over judgement," that the Lord desires "mercy, and not sacrifice." "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you -who are you to judge your neighbour?" Therefore I don't feel it is up to me to say who is saved, and who is unsaved: because "love hopes all things." One cannot condemn Augustine for teaching that those who aren't Roman Catholic will go to hell, then turn around and say that those who ARE Roman Catholic will go to hell.
But what I found most distressing about the book was its small chapter about the "so-called Ante-Nicene 'fathers.'" Isn't it somewhat ironic that the author states "we should never consult the Ante-Nicene 'fathers' for our teachings!" and then goes right ahead and cites the Ante-Nicene fathers to further prove his point (re: the early Christians did not believe in the doctrine of "once saved always saved" either)? He tells us that the fathers "contradicted each other" and "blatantly contradicted Scripture as well;" anyone who is reasonably well-versed in patristic teachings knows that such statements are totally unfounded. As Father Rose notes in "Genesis, Creation and Early Man," the fathers only appear to contradict each other at times. Though they may have different personal opinions about minor details, overall, the fathers are in agreement (as the author went on to demonstrate when he quoted them concerning OSAS). Daniel Corner then holds up Origen as an example of false patristic teachings, when in fact Origen was repudiated by the Church because of his erroneous views. The author's statements on patristic matters were quite unfortunate, and displayed a considerable ignorance on his part.
I do recommend this book because of the way it demolishes OSAS beliefs, also for its wonderful chapter on "Safeguards" ("Be humble and stay humble," "Avoid godless chatter" etc), and for exposing the nature of Calvinistic teachings. I can only hope, however, that most readers will have a more charitable opinion of Roman Catholicism despite its flaws, and will educate themselves as to what Roman Catholics truly believe (consult "Catholic and Christian: an explanation of commonly misunderstood Catholic beliefs" by Alan Schreck). For anyone interested in learning more about some of the things I discussed in this review, I'd also recommend "Learning theology with the Church Fathers" and "Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers." And why not "The Imitation of Christ?"
I truly hope that if I have offended anyone, they will forgive me. I felt compelled to share my impressions because it is my sincerest wish that Christians should come to a greater understanding, without compromising our most fundamental belief in Christ the Savior. Soon, a time will come when anyone who professes belief in Christ AS Savior (not as "teacher," or "great man," or "philosopher," or "harmless hippy type guy who heard voices") will face ridicule and persecution. Is that time not indeed upon us now, when we read what the liberal media, not to mention liberal Christians of every variety, spout regarding "The Passion of the Christ?"
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif)
Summary: What Glorious Truth!
Review: As I read Dan Corner's book, all I could think of, is the glorious truth that he presents in such an easy reading format that any normal reader can comprehend. His use of Scripture, logic, and historical facts, makes for an excellent tool in the use of combating the false doctrine of Eternal Security. I thoroughly examined the references and began on my own to study the History of Christianity, the early church, the dark ages, and the Reformation. I believe that Dan is very honest in his research, to the point, and holds to the clear truth represented in the Bible. I personally believe that anyone interested in the teachings of John Calvin, or the 'myth' of Eternal Security, should read this book.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif)
Summary: A for Effort, F for Quality
Review: Dan Corner has truly put a lot of effort into this book. I will give him that. Anyone who writes an 800+ page book should be congradulated for their efforts.
That being said, this book is greatly lacking. Firstly, the print quality of this book is not the greatest. The text is ridden with too much bold text, changes in font, and italics. The ink, in certain places, is also fading on the copy that I have.
The content of the book is quite whimsical. Even the advocate of Conditional Eternal Security should be ashamed of its whimsical approach. It is heavily rhetorical, plays on emotion, and in all the steam it puts forth amounts to very little in terms of solid, indepth exegesis.
It is hardly "exhaustive" as many claim, though it will "exhaust" your eyes due to all the bold typeface utilized.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif)
Summary: Conditional Security is true if you believe the Bible
Review: Dan Corner has used all of the Bible to support his view on this topic. Most everyone else will only use the parts of the Bible that will support their view which makes their view very questionable. Dan allows the Word of God to speak for itself. If you want to know the truth about OSAS, this book is a must read. You owe it to yourself and everyone that you love. You owe it to God because of what He has done for you.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif)
Summary: Massive Volume On Eternal Security
Review: Dan Corner is to be commended for his 800 page work on eternal security (or "Once Saved, Always Saved"; OSAS in the book). While most Calvinist will not agree with Corner's view on eternal security, he does put his finger on a sore spot in the evangelical church world. Like it or not, Calvinism has produced shallow views on holiness and sin.
I would have have given the book a five star vote however I believe Corner's arguments would be stronger if he would not just focus on eternal security but deal with all five points of Calvinism. The doctrine of perseverance is based on the other four principles of Calvinism particularly election. While Corner deals with some aspects of election, a few chapters devoted to John Calvin's view of election would help to solidify his arguments against eternal security even more.
This is a good book to read and is fast paced. Despite the length, you will be intrigued by much of what Calvinist theologians, pastors, and historians have to say about the teaching of eternal security.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif)
Summary: Massive Volume On Eternal Security
Review: Dan Corner is to be commended for his 800 page work on eternal security (or "Once Saved, Always Saved"; OSAS in the book). While most Calvinist will not agree with Corner's view on eternal security, he does put his finger on a sore spot in the evangelical church world. Like it or not, Calvinism has produced shallow views on holiness and sin.
I would have have given the book a five star vote however I believe Corner's arguments would be stronger if he would not just focus on eternal security but deal with all five points of Calvinism. The doctrine of perseverance is based on the other four principles of Calvinism particularly election. While Corner deals with some aspects of election, a few chapters devoted to John Calvin's view of election would help to solidify his arguments against eternal security even more.
This is a good book to read and is fast paced. Despite the length, you will be intrigued by much of what Calvinist theologians, pastors, and historians have to say about the teaching of eternal security.