Very often the debate over the security of the believer turns to experience, examples, or analogies rather than the Word of God. While John Wesley said that he rejected eternal security because of Scripture and logic, Wesley was also quick to point to the Scriptures as the final authority rather than what he experienced. There are numerous examples of this when it comes to talking theology such as analogies we give about the doctrine of the trinity. We often use the example of water being in three forms but one substance (ice, liquid, and steam but it remains the same: water). The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is no different.
One bad example (among many) given by Calvinists to support eternal security is the analogy no parent would cast off their children. It goes something like this: A father would not cast out his son because of his disobedience but instead he corrects his son and continues to love his son no matter what. The son can reject the father’s love but the father will never reject the son.
The problem with this analogy is that it is first of all not biblically based and secondly it goes against sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). I will always be the son of my father no matter what but I have no choice in this matter. In the matter of salvation I had a prior life without Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3). My eternal life is based on continued faith in Jesus (Romans 6:23). I have eternity in my heart since all humans live forever either in heaven or hell (John 5:24-25) but eternal life is found only in Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Apart from Jesus I am dead (John 15:1-8). Apart from my earthly parents (as I am right now), I continue to live.
The point is that our meager examples of proofs of doctrines often bring more confusion than actually helping. That is why we must stay in the Scriptures. The Scriptures alone will keep us safe from error (2 Timothy 3:15-17). All Calvinists and Arminians must agree that only the Bible should be our final authority for doctrine and not the illogical arguments of men.
