Free Will Baptists generally do not subscribe to the doctrine commonly referred to as “once saved, always saved,” also known as the perseverance of the saints or eternal security. Their theological framework emphasizes the importance of human free will in accepting and maintaining salvation. This means that while initial salvation is a gift from God received through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals possess the ongoing capacity to turn away from God and forfeit their salvation.
The rejection of unconditional eternal security stems from a high view of human agency and responsibility. Historically, Free Will Baptists have held that genuine conversion results in a changed life, but that believers are not immune to temptation and can, through persistent sin and rejection of God, ultimately lose their saved status. This perspective underscores the need for continuous vigilance, obedience, and reliance on God’s grace throughout the believer’s life.
