No, the Church of the Nazarene does not adhere to the doctrine commonly known as "once saved, always saved" or eternal security.
The Nazarene Church's theological foundation, rooted in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, emphasizes that while salvation is freely offered to all humanity through Jesus Christ's atoning death, an individual's continued faith and repentance are essential for maintaining that state of grace.
Understanding the Nazarene View on Salvation
The Church of the Nazarene teaches that salvation is a dynamic process involving divine grace and human free will. Here’s a breakdown of their core beliefs regarding salvation:
- Universal Atonement: They believe that Christ's atoning death was for the entire human race, making salvation available to everyone.
- Justification and Regeneration: Anyone who truly repents of their sins and places their faith in Christ is "justified and regenerated and saved from the dominion of sin." This signifies a genuine transformation and a new relationship with God.
- Possibility of Falling from Grace: A key distinction in Nazarene theology is the belief that individuals can, through deliberate choice or unrepented sin, fall from grace. This means salvation is not automatically eternally secure regardless of one's actions or choices after initial conversion.
- Consequence of Falling: Should someone fall from grace, they risk becoming "hopelessly and eternally lost" unless they repent and return to God. This underscores the importance of ongoing spiritual vigilance, sanctification, and the exercise of free will in one's walk with God.
Comparing Perspectives
To clarify the distinction, consider the following comparison:
| Doctrine | Core Belief | Nazarene Church Position |
|---|---|---|
| Once Saved, Always Saved | True believers, once saved by grace, cannot lose their salvation, regardless of future sins or backsliding. | Does Not Affirm: They hold that individuals can fall from grace and lose their salvation through deliberate and unrepented sin, emphasizing ongoing personal responsibility in maintaining a relationship with God. |
| Conditional Security (Nazarene View) | Salvation, initiated by divine grace, requires continued faith, obedience, and repentance. It can be lost through a willful turning away from God. | Affirms: Emphasizes that believers must continue to live in faith and repentance. A person who turns away from God and does not repent risks being "hopelessly and eternally lost," highlighting the continuous need for God's grace and personal accountability. |
This perspective highlights the significance of conscious choices and the ongoing commitment required in the Christian life. For the Church of the Nazarene, salvation is a gift received through faith, but it must also be maintained through a continued relationship with Christ and adherence to His teachings.
Learn more about the core beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene on their official website.
