September 11, 2024
Text Index
Appendix
How do you interpret those words when you read “believeth” or “believes” in God’s Word? Do you interpret them as one-time professions of faith or as necessary continuous believing? The answer to this simple question determines your theological viewpoint on what kind of faith is required for salvation.
This essay uses Greek participles as the primary method of teaching that remaining in God’s grace is the result of continuous faith. As an educated conservative Bible scholar, I discovered that I had been overlooking the inspired participles and present tense continuous action of verbs in an overwhelming number of very important salvation texts. By interpreting “believeth,” “believe,” “believes,” and related verbs as continuous actions, my world of biblical understanding has been turned right-side up.
My hermeneutic, or principle of interpretation, had been in error. My stubborn theology had caused me to treat verbs like “believeth” ” and “believes” as one-time punctiliar professions of faith. The key to my new understanding was the necessary continuous action of Greek participles, which I had not previously grasped in “believeth.” This changed my understanding of God’s plan of salvation! I also discovered that I had been mis-applying many texts which contained the Greek perfect tense and subjunctive mood.
Having a Ph. D. in Theology with a minor in biblical Greek, I immersed myself in this new method of Bible study. From what I have learned, God’s inspired use of Greek present, aorist, and perfect participles is acknowledged among many theologians. However, in my opinion, they have not, as I have, used the participles as an important means of teaching Bible truth!
God’s abundant usage of inspired Greek participles proves that saving faith is continuous faith. Becoming aware of the underlying presence of continuous participles extremely common in the New Testament, I now feel free to allow the literal interpretation of God’s Word to speak, and I no longer need to force God’s Word to agree with my preconceived conclusions.
As with every other word in the Bible, God deliberately inspired the Greek words for the various forms of “believe,” pis-teu-oo. Its 264 occurrences are the heart of this book.
In order to be honest about God’s reason for inspiring participles, of those 264 occurrences, 79 are participles that must be correctly interpreted as “continuous believing” verbs: 57 are present tense participles, and 22 are either aorist or perfect participles. Also, most of the 63 present tense verb forms must also be translated as continuous action verbs. Therefore, approximately 142 of the 264 “believe” verbs in the New Testament must be correctly translated as linear, progressive, or continuous action verbs — but they are not!!!
“Must” is a strong word! It cannot be denied that God-inspired participles to be translated as “continuous” action verbs. Look at John 6:40: “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” If “believeth” is not translated and interpreted as a continuous action participle, God’s inspired intentions will have been replaced. The text should literally read “continuously believeth.”
In my opinion, this is an extremely grievous error that must be corrected in almost all translations today to reflect God’s perfect will. Since 30 of the 40 “believeth” texts are also participles, it is possible that the King James Version translators intended for the “eth” ending to be understood as continuous, or “ing.”
Note: 21 nouns, 10 perfect/pluperfect, 8 imperfect, and 5 future tense complete the 264. Also, of the 264, 41 are “believeth,” and 8 are “believing.”
Mark 9:23 If thou canst believe [present infinitive], all things are possible to him that (continuously) believeth [present participle].
Mark 9:23 equates the present tense “believe” with the present participle, “continuous believing.” Neither refers to a one-time punctiliar (aorist) action. The Bible does not teach that “one who believes,” or “a believer,” is a person who has only made a one-time profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. “Believes” in modern versions is almost always the Greek equivalent of either a present tense verb or a present tense participle, which MUST be correctly translated as a linear progressive continuous action verb. Yet most modern interpreters of the Bible erroneously apply, or infer, a one-time punctiliar meaning to “believe,” “believeth,” and “believes.” God inspired otherwise.
Note: “Tense is the quality of the verb which has to do with action. … Linear action is action regarded as a line. It is also called progressive or continuous action. Example: linear action: ‘he is losing.’ The present tense represents progressive action at the present time.” Essentials of New Testament Greek, Ray Summers, page 10, paragraph 13; 1950 Broadman Press.
“Participles” in biblical Greek, as in modern languages, must designate “continuous action.” God inspired participles and intended participles to be used in translations of His word. From Matthew 1:8 to Revelation 22:20, participles are used in great frequency by God, but the vast majority have been obscured by man, and their meaning for theology has been lost!!! This is a great travesty.
The strongest biblical argument for continuous faith (compared to one-time professions) is the inspired New Testament use of the Greek present tense and participles. While God inspired “continuous believing” in participles 79 times in the Greek Textus Receptus, it only survived as “ing” verbs 6 of 79 times in the King James Version!!! However, when God inspired participles, He was teaching that “continuous believing” is an action that must continue after one accepts Christ.
The common words “whosoever,” “everyone,” “everybody,” “who,” and “that” in front of verbs such as “believeth” and “believes” precede Greek participles. The Greek is “the (one or ones) believing,” which MUST be interpreted as “the (one or ones) continuously believing.” When God wanted the action of the verb to be continuous, He inspired participles to point out continuous action. The result of the action is to be maintained as long as the participle action continues.
If God had wanted salvation to be received only after an initial one-time profession of faith, He would not have inspired so many continuous Greek present tense verbs and participles in “believing” texts. God, in His Omniscience, inspired the participle “believing,” very often in extremely important salvation texts. This is not a minor problem of interpretation. This result of incorrect interpretation has caused many Bible students to interpret “believeth” and “believes” as one-time punctiliar actions in vital salvation texts such as John 3:15, 16, 18, and 36. When present, past, and perfect tense participles and present tense verb forms of “believe” verbs are combined, the verb should be translated as “continuous believing.”
The following texts are the heart of this book. I encourage everybody to slowly and seriously read these texts and decide how adding the inspired continuous action to “believe” texts affects theology and the understanding of God’s Word.
Essential points in God’s plan of salvation include who will become sons of God (Jn 1:12), who will have everlasting life (Jn 3:16; 5:24), who will not be condemned (Jn 3:18), who does God will to be saved (Jn 6:40), who will receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43), who will be justified (Acts 13:39), to whom is the gospel the power of God unto salvation (Rom 1:16), who is righteous by faith (Rom 3:22; 4:11), who will receive imputed righteousness (Rom 4:24), who will receive the promise of faith (Gal 3:22), who will be saved (Heb 1:39), who will be born again (1 Jn 5:1) and who can know they are saved (1 Jn:13) — ALL are in the context of Greek participles and continuous action believing!
One of these little ones who (continuously) believe in me.
All things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, (continuously) believing, ye shall receive.
All things are possible to him that (continuously) believeth.
One of these little ones that (continuously) believe in me.
Lk 24:41 ed PRESENT PARTICIPLE a-pis-toun-toon
And while they yet (continuously) believed not for joy,
But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even them that (continuously) believe on his name.
That whosoever (continuously) believeth in him.
That whosoever (continuously) believeth in him.
He that (continuously) believeth on him is not condemned.
But he that (continuously) believeth not is (fully continuously) condemned already (perfect tense).
He that (continuously) believeth on the son hath everlasting life.
He that (continuously) believeth not the son shall not see life.
He that (continuously) heareth my word and (continuously) believeth on him that sent me
He that (continuously) believeth in me shall never thirst.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one that (continuously) seeth the son and (continuously) believeth on him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
He that (continuously) believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Jesus knew … who they were that (continuously) believed not.
He that (continuously) believeth on me …. living water.
He that (continuously) believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
Whosoever (continuously) liveth and (continuously) believeth in me, shall never die.
He that (continuously) believeth on me
Note: See below. The present participle and present are equal!!!
Whoever (continuously) believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
He that (continuously) believeth on me … greater.
Pray … for them also which shall (continuously) believe on me.
That (continuously) believing, ye might have life.
They … believed not that he was a disciple.
Joppa … and many believed in the Lord.
Whosoever (continuously) believeth in him shall receive REMISSION of sins
All by him all that (continuously) believe are JUSTIFIED
Sect of the Pharisees that (had believed and continued to believe)
Jailer… (fully) believing in God with all his house
Paul … I beat them that believed on thee; the ones believing on you
Paul … (continually) believing all things which are …
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that (continuously) believeth
Even THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, WHICH IS BY FAITH of Jesus Christ unto all land upon all them that (continuously) believe
Circumcision … a seal of THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE FAITH … the father of all them that (continuously) believe
It shall be IMPUTED if we (continuously) believe on him
We believe that we shall also live with him
Cornerstone … whosoever (continuously) believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness for every one that (continuously) believeth.
Whosoever (continuously) believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
By the foolishness of PREACHING to save them that (continuously) believe.
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that (continuously) believe
but for them which (continuously) believe.
The god of this world hath BLINDED the minds of them which (continuously) believed not.
That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that (continuously) believe.
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who (continuously) believe.
So that ye were ensamples to all that (continuously) believed in Macedonia and Achaia.
We behaved ourselves among you that (continuously) believe.
The word of God which effectually worketh also in you that (continuously) believe.
But we are not of them that draw back into perdition, but of them who (continuously) believe to the saving of the soul.
Yet (continuously) believing, ye rejoice
Cornerstone … he that (continuously) believeth on him shall not be confounded
Unto you therefore that (continuously) believe, He is precious
Whosoever (continuously) believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that (continuously) believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
These things have I written unto you that (continuously) believe on the name of the Son of God.
The Greek past tense verb is called “aorist” and is a punctiliar, or one-time, completed action in the past. Although almost all aorist verbs end in “ed,” the “ed” ending has also been given to many present tense, participles, and other verbs.
The Greek perfect tense has no English equivalent. More than aorist, the action in the past has been completed but is not irreversible. (See John 3:18).
Note: For Aorist, see Essentials of New Testament Greek, Ray Summers, page 65, paragraph 52, 1950 edition. For Perfect, see page 100, paragraph 79.
Examples of Greek Perfect Tense Verbs:
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. KJV
compare
John 3:18 “The one continuously believing” [present participle] “is not being judged” [present passive] … “the one who has not fully believed and continues not believing” [perfect participle] “is condemned already” [perfect tense].
Notice the two present tense participles in this verse and one perfect tense verb. Since “the one who has not believed” could just as easily be a simple aorist, translators have removed God’s inspired perfect verb. In order to retain God’s purpose for inspiring a perfect verb, it should read “totally,” “wholly,” or “completely” believed. The sinner has really (genuinely) not believed!
Contrary to Western law, in the Bible, one begins by being guilty until becoming innocent by continuous believing (faith). However, it is extremely significant to note that the “perfect” condition of unbelieving can be escaped or changed by continuous believing. Otherwise, none could be saved if the beginning state of guilt cannot be reversed. Therefore, John 3:18 proves that a perfect standing is not inescapable. .“The continuously believing one” escapes being judged.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. KJV
The main verb, “are ye saved,” is a Greek perfect passive participle. It is much more than a simple aorist with an “ed” ending. The perfect is best translated as “you have been wholly saved [perfect] and are continuously being saved” [passive participle] through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” The passive participle portion of the verb does not indicate a finality of purpose or an irreversible one-time profession of faith. One is “continually being saved” only as long as one is continually believing.
Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected [perfect tense] for ever them that are sanctified [present passive participle]. KJV
The “ed” ending could just as easily be punctiliar aorist, but it is much more. The Greek reads “has wholly perfected” [perfect tense] and “are being continuously sanctified” [present passive participle]. As long as believers are “continuously being sanctified” through continuous faith, God continues perfecting them.
Since the eternal security doctrine does not teach that believers must be continually sanctified after justification but can deny Christ and remain saved, they should not attempt to use this verse to prove anything.
“There are few languages which have equaled the Greek in the abundance and variety of participles.” “… the participle is extensively used.” “… the aorist participle … is very abundant in Greek…” “The (classification of the Greek participle) has occasioned great diversity of opinion among Greek grammarians.” A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament, H. E. Dana, and Julius R. Mantey, pages 220-223, 1955 edition.
The list below of 22 aorist and perfect “believe: pis-teu-oo” participles contain 6 perfect participles. It is an incredible travesty — pretending something to be true, which is false — that most of these texts are translated as simple aorist with “ed” endings!!! In the King James Version, 18 end in “ed,” 2 end in “eth,” and 2 are simply “believe.” NONE, that is, ZERO of these texts correctly reflect God’s will and reason for inspiring the original Greek participles! Translators have ignored the “continuous” definition of the participles! Highly educated Greek translators of both the King James Version and modern versions have treated these 22 texts as mere aorist, past tense verbs that end in “ed.” Such is inexcusable.
If God had wanted past profession experiences to be worded with only “ed” endings, He would have only inspired aorist (past tense) verbs. But He did not do that! God wanted to teach man that “believing” was much more than a one-time event in the past. The saving faith of “believing” must be a continuous faith that continues to reach forward.
The correct interpretations should include both the aorist, or perfect, and the participle meaning. They do not! “Believed” and “having believed” are totally inadequate because they can be understood as one-time punctiliar actions with an “ed” ending. Again, as with the present tense participles, translators have interpreted 18 of 22 past and perfect participles with one-time “ed” endings to denote the aorist or perfect tense but have completely ignored the required continuous action demanded by the participle.
“Believed,” or “having believed” of both aorist and perfect participles, is punctiliar and is only half correct. In order to correctly include the continuous participle, the interpretation of past and perfect tense participles should read similarly to “having believed (aorist) and continued believing (participle).” Otherwise, God’s inspired participle is lost in translation. Omitting the continuous participle allows for mis-interpretation as a one-time profession of faith.
He that believeth (having believed and continued believing) and is baptized shall be saved…
but he that believeth not (having not believed and continuing to not believe) shall be damned.
These signs shall follow them that believe (having believed and continue believing).
Elizabeth… And blessed is she that believed (had believed and continued believing)
wayside … lest they should believe (believe and continue believing) and be saved.
Spirit … they that believed (had previously believed and continued believing) on him should receive.
Then said Jesus to those Jew which believed (had seriously believed and had kept on believing), If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
And all that believed (had believed and continued believing) were together
The multitude of them that believed (had believed and continued believing) were of one heart
As He did unto us, who believed (had believed and continued believing)
A great number believed (had believed and continued believing) and turned to the Lord
But the Jews which believed not (had not believed and continued not believing)
helped them much who had believed (had fully believed and kept on fully believing)
Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed (having believed and kept on believing)?
Many that believed (had fully believed and kept on fully believing) came and confessed
Jews there are which believed (had seriously believed and continue fully believing)
As touching the Gentiles which believed (have fully believed and continue fully believing)
In whom also ye trusted after that ye heard (heard and kept on hearing) [AORIST PARTICIPLE] the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believed (having believed and kept on believing) [AORIST PARTICIPLE], ye were SEALED (being sealed) [AORIST PASSIVE] with the Holy Spirit of promise.
When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believed (have believed and continue believing).
That they all might be damned who believed not (had not believed and continue not believing) the truth.
Affirm constantly … that they which believed (having seriously believed and continue seriously believing) in God might be careful to maintain good works.
For we who have believed (have believed and continue believing) do enter into his rest
Have you ever wondered why John 3:16 reads “should not perish” instead of “would not perish”? Until recently, like most others, I never gave it a second thought. The words “should,” “might,” and “may,” which occur in important salvation texts like John 3:16 must be considered in sermons.
Why did God inspire subjunctive wording? The word “if,” is much more complicated in Greek than in English. Three different Greek words are used. This is indicated using brackets in the texts used for illustrations.
First, “ei” (if) by itself in a sentence is factual. “Ei” means something is true and will happen; “ei” plus “not” means something is not true and will not happen. “Ei” can also be correctly translated as “since.” Second, “ei” plus “an” in a sentence is possible-negative; “if something happens, and it will not happen.” Third, “ean” (if) is probable. “Ean” means something “probably,” or “should,” “might,” or “may” be true and should happen; “ean” plus “not” means something is probably not true and probably will not happen.
This is extremely important! The difference between “ei” and “ean” is that “ean” does not mean “all” — exceptions can exist. When “ean” appears, God is telling us through inspiration that there is a very small possibility of a change afterwards. This distinction between “ei” and “ean” affects thousands of texts containing the Greek subjunctive.
In addition to “ei” and “ean,” the Greek conjunction, “hina,” English “that,” or “in order that,” is usually followed by subjunctive verbs of purpose such as “should,” “might,” or “may.” This is also very important because texts like John 3:16 do not automatically teach that “everyone continuously believing” “will continue to believe and will definitely be saved.” Instead, John 3:16 teaches that most “should,” “might,” or “may” “be saved.” The subjunctive use in scores of texts like John 3:16 allows for at least some believers to stop believing.
Note: “English equivalents are not given in the following paradigms because of the difficulty of translating the subjunctive in the abstract. … Mood is defined as the affirmation of the relation of action to reality. … The subjunctive mood expresses an action that is not really taking place but is objectively possible. This mood is nearest to reality. … In the subjective, the time of action is relative to that of the main verb. … The final subjunctive is the use of the subordinate clause to express purpose. The main particle used in the construction is “hina.” … First class condition affirms the reality of the condition. It is expressed by “ei” with the indicated mood … It is best translated as “since.” Second class condition is contrary to fact. … It is expressed with both “ei” and “an.” The third class condition is “probably future.” … It is expressed by “ean.” … It expresses that which is not really taking place but which probably will take place in the future. Essential of New Testament Greek, Ray Summers, Subjunctive Mood, pages 105-110, paragraph 82, 1950 edition.
When Baptists began publishing their statements of faith in England in the early 1600s, they were divided into Calvinistic Particular Baptists, who taught predestination, and Arminian General Baptists, who taught free will. Most Particular Baptists were 5-point Calvinists who taught that believers could not fall from grace because God had predestined their perseverance, or endurance, of sanctification. They taught that perseverance meant that God would override free will and prevent believers from denying Him and falling from grace. Although God’s inspired participles apply to all Christians, this document is not intended to discuss the purely Calvinistic perseverance version of sanctification.
Today, many Baptists are only semi-Calvinistic. They teach that predestination overrides free will only after the time of justification by faith. In other words, a sinner is Arminian (has free will) until he/she makes a one-time profession of faith, accepts Christ, is justified by faith, and is born again. Having been born again, they teach free will is replaced by unconditional promises of God: the believer has eternal life and cannot lose it via free will. While becoming slightly semi-Calvinistic by teaching that one cannot fall from grace, they reject the Calvinist interpretation of “perseverance” and replace it with the view that one can subsequently deny Christ and remain saved. This document uses primarily the effect and purpose of participles to refute eternal security of one-time professions.
Imagine yourself in a locked prison with steel doors welded shut and guards surrounding the outside. And, every day, the guards continuously tell you, “Do not escape, stay there” (abide, remain, stand fast). Yet, that is precisely how eternal security is taught today. While the doctrine teaches that one-time believers cannot fall from grace under any circumstance, it also teaches that believers are constantly reminded in God’s Word to abide, remain, and stand fast in their faith.
The eternal security doctrine teaches that God requires, at the very least, an initial one-time sincere profession of faith in order to be justified, but He does not require a continuation of that same faith in order to remain covered by His saving grace. However, as shown, the overwhelming majority of salvation texts used to support eternal security contain Greek participles that demand continuous belief.
Both eternal-security Baptists and free-will Baptists agree on “What must I do to be saved?” However, the question of “What must I do to remain saved?” has radically different answers. Eternal-security Baptists reply, “Absolutely nothing because one cannot fall from grace.” On the other hand, free-will Baptists reply, “By continually believing, because one can fall from grace.”
Arminians are accused of teaching that believers are saved by grace through faith alone but are kept saved by good works. However, both Arminians and “Free Grace” eternal security advocates interpret James 2:17-24 to mean that good works are only the evidence (not the substance) of saving faith. While eternal security advocates teach that justifying faith, which leads to justification, must be evidenced by good works, they drop that requirement concerning sanctification. On the other hand, free-will Arminians teach that sustaining faith of sanctification is also evidenced by good works. Unlike the perseverance doctrine of Calvinism, eternal security advocates abandon the continuous necessity of believing after justification.
1 John 2:25: “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
Eternal security advocates teach that God cannot go back on his promises that he will save believers and give them eternal life. However, because of the participles found in almost all salvation texts, those “believers” are not one-time believers; rather, they are “continuous believers,” and the promises are conditional on continuous faith.
Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
John 6:40 “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and (continuously) [participle] believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
John 6:47 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that (continuously) [participle] believeth on me hath everlasting life. “God’s Word is crystal clear: Only those who continuously believe are those who receive the promise of everlasting life.
In addition to my own knowledge base, the following texts have been gleaned from many other articles.
Matt 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
These texts are used to prove that, since Jesus promised to all believers that He would always be with them, they cannot fall from grace.
Two of the three continuous participles are not evident in English. Jesus was not speaking to all believers. He was only speaking to those who would be “continuously going” to make disciples of all nations, “continuously baptizing” them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and “continuously teaching” them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Surely, He would always be with those performing those three activities.
John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that (continuously believe) [participle] believe on his name.”
Because of the hidden continuous action participles, this is not a witness for one-time professions of faith but a supporter of Arminian free will.
Jn 3:3 Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. “Believeth” in First John 5:1 is a hidden Greek participle and must be translated as “continuous believing.” Therefore, this is not a one-time profession but a “continuous action.”
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (continuously believes) [participle] believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Similar wording in John 3:5, 18 and 36 plus many other texts.)
In order to interpret John 3:16 as teaching eternal security, advocates must interpret the hidden participle as a one-time action. They must also completely ignore the purpose particle (hina, that), which makes the resulting phrase a conditional subjunctive. God inspired the subjunctive “should not” instead of “would not” because there is a very small possibility that some who “continuously believe” might eventually deny Christ.
John 3:18 He that (continuously believes) [participle] believeth on him is not condemned: but he that (continuously does not believe) [participle] believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not (fully believed and continued believing) [perfect tense] believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Charles Stanley, a prominent Southern Baptist leader with two Master’s degrees and one doctorate, has evidently never read John 3:18 in Greek. He wrote, “Look at that verse, John 3:18, and answer this question: According to Jesus, what must a person do to keep from being judged for sin? … The answer is so simple that many stumble all over it without ever seeing it. All Jesus requires is that the individual “believe in” Him. … We are saved because we expressed faith in our enduring Lord at a moment in time.” Charles Stanley, Eternal Security, Can You Be Sure? (p. 67, 80, 90). From Wikipedia, Eternal Security.
Actually, the word, believeth, in Greek, is a present tense participle that must be correctly interpreted as “is continuously believing.” This is also true of John 3;15, 16, 36, and many other texts. Salvation is not based upon “a moment in time” but because of continuous faith. As long as believers are continuing to believe (have faith), they continue having eternal life. The participle is conditional.
John 4:14 “But whosoever [ean: probable] “should drink” [aorist subjunctive] of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst [future]; but the water that I shall give him shall be [future] in him a well of water “that keeps on bubbling up” [present participle] into everlasting life.
Since “should drink” is a one-time aorist subjunctive, eternal security advocates teach that only one drink (past tense) is necessary to guarantee eternal “never thirsting.” By itself, this is a strong argument.
However, in the following four texts, Jesus makes it clear that continuous drinking and continuous eating of His doctrine and the Word of God are essential. See John 6:35, 54 and 7:37-38. The true interpretation is in the participles.
John 6:35 “I am the bread of life”; he that cometh (the one continuously coming”) [participle] to me shall never hunger and he that believeth (“the one continuously believing”) on me shall never thirst.”
John 6:54 “Whosoever eateth (“the one continuously eating”) [participle] my flesh, and drinketh (“the one continuously drinking”) [participle] my blood, hath (“is having”) [present] eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
John 7:37 “If [ean: probable] any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”
John 7:38 He that believeth (“the one continuously believing”) [participle] on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Many famous preachers do not correctly interpret “believeth” and “believes” as continuous action participles. They are very often interpreted as one-time punctiliar [past tense] verbs.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth (is continuously giving) me shall come to me; and him that cometh (continues coming) [present participle] to me I will in no wise cast out.
Eternal security advocates use this to teach that Jesus will never cast out any believer whether he/she continues coming to Him or not. Again, the continuous action of the participle is ignored. However, to be honest to inspiration, the present participle must be included in the interpretation. Christ will truly and literally never cast out “the ones who are continuously coming” to Him by faith. And “by faith” means “by continuously believing.” It does not include those who stop coming by faith (continue believing).
John 6:39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given (has completely given and continues giving) [perfect participle] me, I should [subjunctive] lose nothing, but should [subjunctive] raise it up again at the last day.
The Father “is continuously giving” Christ “all who are (exercising free will) and are continuously coming.” If believers cease continuously coming, they cease being continuously given. As in Romans 8:28, the elect are those who freely choose to “continuously love” [participle] God. The present tense and participles cannot be ignored. It is “God’s will” that — when the continuous “coming,” “loving,” and “believing” cease, so does the continuous “giving.”
Similar to John 3:16, “should” is an inspired subjunctive and indicates that not all will continue coming.
John 10:27 My sheep hear (“are continuously hearing”) [present] my voice, and I know (“am knowing”) [present] them, and they follow (“are continuously following”) [present] me.
Eternal security advocates treat these three verbs as if they were one-time punctiliar professions of faith. There is no one-time profession here. The verbs are all present tense, not past tense. Christ’s sheep are “continuously hearing” His voice; they do not stop hearing Him and deny Him. Jesus is “continuously knowing” His sheep and they are “continuously following” Him; they do not stop following Him! Since eternal security advocates do not teach that all believers must “continuously follow” Christ by actively believing, they should not use this verse to defend their doctrine.
When Christ’s sheep stop hearing His voice and stop following Him, He will stop knowing them. This is difficult to explain for the eternal security advocates because they teach that even those who later deny Christ will still be saved (Mt 10:33).
John 10:28 And I give (“am giving”) unto them eternal life; and they shall (“should not ever”) never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. KJV
On the one hand, eternal security advocates teach that even believers are included in “no one” or “no man.” This means that no man has free will after justification.
On the other hand, plucking is an action from the outside. Free will allows individuals to apply free will and remove themselves from God’s hand. This book points out where the inspired biblical participle for “believe” demands an interpretation of continuous believing in order to maintain continuous abiding in Christ’s hand and continuously having His gift of eternal life. When a believer stops continuously believing (loses faith) and denies Christ, he/she removes themself from God’s hand.
It is also important to know that “should not perish” is a “probable conditional subjunctive.” God did not inspire “would not perish” because not everybody will remain in God’s hand. Again, see Matthew 10:33 and Hebrews 11:6.
John 18:9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.
God gave Christ those who continuously believe (Jn 3:15, 16, 18, 36).
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that (“continuously believes”) [participle] believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
The present participle makes this a good text for Arminian free will, not for a one-time profession of faith.
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.
Abraham’s faith was continuous. It was not a one-time profession which he later denied.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The only kind of faith that justifies is continuous faith or continuous believing. Rom 4:5 “But to him that worketh not, but believeth (“continuously believes”) [participle] on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:28 And we know that,
[1] to “the ones continuously loving” God, all things work together for good,
[2] to “the ones continuously being called” according to his purpose.
The Greek of Romans 8:28 reveals two equal phrases of “for good.” The present active participles for “love” and “called” must be interpreted as continuous verbs for “continuous loving” and “continuously being called.” God foreknew and called the “category” (not individuals) of persons who freely and “continuously choose to love” Him. This is extremely important. Again, God predestinates and calls, as a category, those individuals who freely choose to “continuously love” Him to be saved. This is neither a predestination of individuals nor a one-time profession of faith.
God did not predestine those who do NOT continuously love him to be saved. This is the great error of both Calvinism and the eternal security doctrine.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded (“have been persuaded”) [perfect passive tense], that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eternal security advocates quote these as two of the strongest texts that teach that none can fall from grace. However, such would only be true if Paul were speaking to all who have made a one-time profession of faith in Jesus.
The key word here is “us.” “Us” does not refer to those who made a one-time profession and later denied Christ. In context, “us” only refers to those who have continued to believe after making a profession of faith. In context, “us” must be limited to the continuous believers Paul had previously described in Romans, chapter eight.
The “us” are not those who have stopped believing and have later denied Christ. Rather, the “us” are believers who are NOT continuously “walking according to the flesh” (8:1); they “are NOT continuously being in the flesh” [notice the participle] (8:8); they ARE continuously “putting to death” the deeds of the body (8:13); they ARE continuously being led by the Spirit of God (8:14) and they HAVE freely chosen to love God (8:28). The continuous use of present-tense verbs is crucial for a correct understanding. Therefore, the “us” of 8:38-39 is limited to believers who never stop believing in Christ. Truly, nothing can separate these continuous believers from the love of God.
1 Cor 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
As in Romans 8:38-39, to whom is Paul speaking when he says “you”? Is Paul promising that God will even confirm one-time professors of faith blameless?
The answer is “no.” In context, notice the participle in verse 2. Paul is addressing “those who are continuously calling upon” the name of the Lord. They “are not coming short of any gift” [present tense] (1:7), and they are “continuously awaiting” the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ [present participle] (1:7). Therefore, Paul was not including those who later deny Christ and stop believing. Only those who continuously believe are promised eternal life (Jn 3:16) and salvation (Rom 1:16).
1 Cor 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1 Cor 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1 Cor 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1 Cor 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1 Cor 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Eternal security advocates teach that the “wood, hay, and stubble” of verse 12 refers to believers who later deny Chris and the gospel. They will be saved, but barely, “yet so as by fire” because they cannot fall from grace.
However, in context, verse 12 describes sincere believers who are still continuously attempting to “build upon the foundation” but do it wrong!!! Perhaps they sincerely get caught up in a false cult. The texts do not say they are denying Christ and His gospel. Again, the context is not about persons who stop believing the gospel and deny Christ.
But those are not the last words. Believers can go beyond erroneously “building upon the foundation” and become “one” with prostitutes (1 Cor 6:15-16). God promises to “destroy” those believers (1 Cor 3:17). In Matthew 5:27-30 believers who do not cut off offending body parts will end up in hell.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard (“when you heard and kept on hearing”) [past participle] the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed (“when you believed and kept on believing”) [past participle], ye were sealed (“were being sealed”) [past passive] with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. KJV Also 4:30.
Since past tense participles are used to indicate continuous action beginning in the past, the two past participles teach that the “hearing” and “believing” were not, and are not, one-time professions of faith. As long as believers were “continuously hearing the truth” and “continuously believing” in Christ, they are “continuously being sealed” [present passive] by receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit. “Continuous believing” (faith) is the condition of receiving salvation.
The seal was a stamp of certification; it was not a physical restraint that kept one from escaping. For example, an authoritative ring on poured wax made the seal on Jesus’ tomb. Rather than prevent entry into or out of the tomb, if broken, it was evidence of violation. All family seals were broken when the next family member died, and the tomb was re-used.
As discussed in 1 Cor 3:17; 6:15-16 and Matthew 5:27-30, believers can reject the Holy Spirit, stop continuously believing, and can be destroyed and end up in the lake of fire.
God’s adoption is much different from Western law. It takes place in two stages. The first stage, “earnest,” or down payment, is given conditionally to those who are “continuously believing.” The last stage, adoption of the body,” will occur both at the rapture and at the second coming in glory to those who have continued believing.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved (“are having been saved”) [perfect passive participle”] through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
Eternal security advocates point out the perfect passive participle, “having been saved,” and teach that perfected things cannot be undone. However, notice the last verb of John 3:18. Nobody could be saved if it could not be undone.
Who are the “ye” to whom Paul is speaking? They are those who have maintained continuously believing. “Having been saved” is a participle description of those who continuously believe (maintain faith).
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism …
Eternal security advocates teach that if one could lose salvation and be saved again, one would have to be baptized again. And, since there can only be one baptism, the text proves that one cannot fall from grace.
Many Arminians teach that there can only be one baptism because those who fall from grace cannot be saved again per John 15:5-6 and a literal interpretation of Hebrews 6:4-6.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye “were being sealed” [aorist passive] unto the day of redemption.
Again, as in 1:13, the “ye” who were sealed were those who have continuous faith (believing), and, like almost everything else in salvation, the sealing is “through continuous faith.” Christ dwells in the heart through the Holy Spirit “by continuous faith” (Eph 3:17).
Phil 1:6 Being confident [perfect participle] of this very thing, that he which hath begun [aorist] a good work in you will perform [future] it until the day of Jesus Christ.
As long as believers do their part and continue believing in Christ, God will do His part. Although difficult to explain, this one text cannot erase the scores of “believe” participles requiring continuous faith.
Col 1:21-23 And you … now hath he reconciled …
If (“ei, since) ye continue (are remaining faithful) … grounded and settled and “are not being moved.”
“Ei” is factual and can be translated as “since.” Those believers who continue (remain) grounded, settled, and unmovable in their faith are now reconciled by God.
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened (“enlightened and continued being enlightened”) [past aorist participle], and have tasted (“having tasted and continued tasting”) [past aorist participle] of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers (“having become partakers and continued being partakers”) [past aorist participle] of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted (“having tasted and continued tasting”) [past participle] the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away (“Having fallen away and continued falling away”) [past participle], it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify (“are continuously crucifying”) [present tense] to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him (“are continuously putting”) him to an open shame.
Many eternal security advocates teach that this is an argument using reverse logic. They reason backwards from their position that none can fall from grace. Therefore, they teach since it would be impossible to renew true believers who fall and deny Christ, then it cannot happen. Therefore, true believers cannot fall from grace!
However, the verses should be interpreted literally. Since Christ’s sacrifice for sins cannot be repeated, true believers who subsequently fall away and deny Christ cannot be saved again. There can only be one true baptism.
Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Those who, through faith, are not those who only make a one-time profession. According to Romans 3:22 “believe” is a participle, “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that (continuously) believe: for there is no difference.
Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come (“the one continuously coming”) unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The participle makes this a “continuous believing” text rather than a one-time professional text.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. KJV
Heb 10:26 Willfully “continuously sinning” [present participle] after “receiving” [present infinitive] knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice concerning sins.
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for (expectation) of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
The most common interpretation erroneously assumes that sacrifices could be brought for willful sins. However, willful sins were handled by the judicial system and not by the sacrificial system. There has never been a sacrifice that sinful man can bring for willful sins. As the text reads, “There remains no sacrifice for willful sins.” Jesus voluntarily became the Passover Lamb. The only thing left is a fearful punishment handed out by the judge. Discipline is the context. Continuously habitually denying Christ will result in falling from grace. See Matthew 10:33.
Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
The will of God is that continuous believers will have eternal life. John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and “continuously believeth” [participle] on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
All true believers who later deny Christ will be severely disciplined by God. If there is no discipline, either they never were truly saved (justified by faith), or else they have fallen from grace.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Jesus made that promise to continuous believers.
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Pet 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
What kind of faith? A one-time profession of faith? Or continuous believing? There are 79 participles of the word “believe,” which clearly teach that saving faith is the result of continuously believing—for example John 1:12; 3:15, 16, 18, 36 and Romans 3:22.
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1 Peter 1:23 “Having been born again” [perfect passive participle], not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth [present participle] and abideth [present participle] for ever.
Eternal security advocates really like this text. The logic is: Since falling from grace would cause the Holy Spirit to become corrupted (which is impossible), none can fall from grace.
The passage is addressed to those “who by him believe in God.” The Greek is a present participle, “to the ones continuously believing” (1:21). While believers, like all flesh (man or beast), may appear to wither, die and fade away (1:24), God’s word (or promises) to continuous believers is incorruptible and will remain for ever.
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that (“continuously believe”) [present participle] believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that [hina, that] ye may [subjunctive] believe on the name of the Son of God.
Only those who are continuously believing can be assured that they are having eternal life. However, since not everybody currently believing will continue believing, as in John 3:16, the subjunctive is “may know” and not “will know.”
In addition to the previous Eternal Security and Falling from Grace texts, the following are also important in refuting the doctrine.
Matt 24:13 “The one continuously enduring” [present participle] unto the end, the same shall be saved.
In Revelation 6-18, many true believers who are not included among the sealed 144,000 Hebrews will die from the seals, trumpets, and vials of the tribulation period. Therefore, “endure” must refer to the ones who continuously believe and “saved” must refer to spiritual salvation.
John 3:36 “The one not continuously believing” [participle] the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God “is remaining” [present tense] on him.
The reverse is that only “the one continuously believing” the Son will see life, and the wrath of God is not on him.
John 5:38 And ye have not his word abiding (“continuously abiding”) [participle] in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye “are not believing” [present].
Those who do not continuously abide by continuous believing were either never saved or fell from grace. This should be a warning to those who teach that one can stop believing and remain saved.
**John 8:31 To the Jews which believed (“the ones having believed and continued believing”) [perfect participle] … If [ean: probable subjunctive] ye continue (abide) in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
Very important texts: Eternal security advocates want us to believe that “believed” is only a one-time punctiliar profession of faith. However, as a perfect participle, the correct translation demands full (perfect) continuous believing.
Acts 13:43 … Paul and Barnabas … persuaded them to continue (remain) in the grace of God.
If God did not allow believers to exercise free will and fall from grace, there would be no reason to persuade believers to “continue in the grace of God,” and this text would be illogical and unnecessary.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led (“are continuously being led”) [present tense] by the Spirit of God, they are [present tense] the sons of God.
Those who are “continuously being led” by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. This contradicts the eternal security doctrine, which teaches that believers will remain saved whether or not they continue being led by the Spirit.
1 Cor 15:1-2 … I declare unto you the gospel … wherein ye stand by which also ye are saved (“are being saved”) [present passive], if [ei: since, fact] ye keep (“are keeping”) [present] in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
The subjunctive, “if,” is “ei” which is factual and can also be translated as “since.” Since true believers are, indeed, “continually holding firm” to what they believe by faith, they “are continuously being saved.” The condition is abiding faith. The final “unless you have believed in vain” makes no sense unless even true believers can fall from grace. Remaining saved is far from being “in vain.”
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
This could be a description of true believers who fall from fellowship or fall from grace.
Gal 5:18 But if [ei: since, factual] ye are led (“are continuously being led”) [present passive participle] of the Spirit, ye are continuously [present tense] not under the law.
Since [subjunctive] true believers are “being continuously” led by the Spirit, they will not fall under the law as a means of salvation.
Gal 5:25 If [ei: since, factual] we live (“are continuously living”) [present tense] in the Spirit, let [subjunctive] us also walk (“be walking”) in the Spirit.
The present continuous action of the verb is important. The use of the subjunctive is curious.
1 Thess 3:8 For now ye live (“are living”) if [ean: probable] ye “are standing fast” in the Lord.
The opposite is also true. Those who are not “standing fast” in the Lord are not currently “living” in Him. The subjunctive suggests that some may not continue standing fast.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed (“having fully believed and continue fully believing”) [perfect participle] in God might [subjunctive] be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
“Believed” is not a one-time aorist; it is a perfect participle — the ones having believed and continuously believe” and “might” is conditional subjunctive. Even “perfected” believers are commanded to continue producing good works as evidence of their faith.
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if [ean: probable subjunctive] we “hold fast” the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
The subjunctive “eanper” means “probable,” not “factual.” Believers only have security as long as they “hold fast” “to the end” by continuous faith.
Heb 3:14 For we are made (have become) partakers of Christ, if [ean-per] we “should hold fast” the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.
As in 3:6, “if’ is “ean” which means “subjunctive probable.” Most should “hold fast,” but not all. Compare Matthew 24:13.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure (“are continuously enduring”) chastening, God “is continuously dealing” with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father “is not disciplining”?
Those whom God has stopped disciplining are no longer sons and have fallen from grace. In eternal security theology, this is not true of believers who stop believing and deny Christ.
Heb 12:8 But if [ei: since, factual] ye “are” without chastisement, whereof all [true believers] are partakers [of chastisement], then are ye bastards, and not sons.
This is a warning to believers to “consider Christ” “lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (vs 3). Those believers have not resisted unto blood as Christ had (vs 4). “You have forgotten that God called you son” and promised to discipline His children (vs 5-7). Therefore, in context, verse 8 means, “Since you are no longer being disciplined, then you have fallen from grace and are now bastards.”
Heb 12:10 … [God] chastises us for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
This is illogical if one has eternal security and cannot fall from grace because believers would always be partakers of God’s holiness.
1 Peter 1:7 That [hina; purpose] the trial of your faith … might [subjunctive: probable] be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Peter’s [subjunctive: probability] statement that the “trial of your faith might (not “will”) be found [subjunctive] unto praise and honor and glory at Christ’s appearing” is unnecessary if one cannot fall from grace.
1 John 1:7 if [ean: subjunctive probable] we walk (“are continuously walking”) [participle] in the light … we have (“are continuously having”) [present tense] fellowship one with another, the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth (“is continuously cleansing”) [present tense] us from all sin.
Those who continue walking in the light will continue having fellowship with one another, and the blood of Christ will continue cleansing them from all sin. Such is the interpretation of the verb tenses.
1 John 2:6 He that saith to abide (“to continuously abide”) [present infinitive] in him ought himself also so to walk (“to continuously walk”) [present infinitive], even as he walked.
1 John 2:10 He that loveth (“the one continuously loving” [present participle] his brother abideth (“is continuously abiding”) [present tense] in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
The one continuously loving his brother is continuously abiding in the light and is not stumbling.
1 John 2:14 … ye are strong, and the word of God abideth (“is continuously abiding”) [present tense] in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
1 John 2:17 … he that doeth (“The one continuously doing”) [participle] the will of God abideth (“is continuously abiding”) [present tense] for ever.
Only the one doing (habitually practicing) the will of God is abiding forever.
1 John 2:24 Let [subjunctive] that therefore abide (“continuously abide”) [present tense] in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If [ean: probable; subjunctive] that which ye have heard from the beginning shall “abide” in you, ye also shall “remain” in the Son, and in the Father.
Believers who do not continuously abide in the gospel message do not continuously remain in the Son. This contradicts the eternal security doctrine.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth (“is continuously abiding”) [present tense] in you … even as it (the anointing) hath taught you, ye shall abide (“shall continuously abide”) [future tense] in him.
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide (“be abiding”) [present imperative] in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his com0ing.
1 John 2:29 “Every one doing (habitually/continuously doing”) [participle] righteousness is born of him.
These texts are not necessary if it is impossible to fall from grace. They do not fit the eternal security description of true believers falling away into habitual sin and even denying Christ.
1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth (“the ones continuously hating”) [participle] his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath (“is having”) [present tense] eternal life abiding (“continuously abiding”) [participle] in him.
1 John 3:21 But he that doeth (“the one continuously doing truth”) [participle] cometh (“is continuously coming”) to the light.
The eternal security doctrine teaches that believers remain saved even when they do not continue doing truth.
1 John 3:24 But he that keepeth (“the one continuously keeping”) [participle] his commandments dwelleth (“the one continuously abiding”) [participle] in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth (“is continuously remaining”) in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Eternal security advocates must ignore this text because they teach that true believers can stop obeying Christ and remain saved.
2 John 9 Whosoever transgresseth (“the one continuously transgressing”) [participle] and abideth not (“the one not continuously abiding”) [participle] in the doctrine of Christ, hath not (“is not having”) God. He that abideth (“the one continuously remaining” [participle] in the doctrine of Christ, “is having” both the Father and the Son.
Only “the one continuously remaining” in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
Rev 2:25 But that which ye have (“are continuously having”) already hold fast till I come.
Those who cannot fall from grace would not need to “hold fast.”
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If [ean: probable subjunctive] therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
The subjunctive, “ean: if,” suggests that not all will hold fast and repent. But such a command is illogical if one cannot fall from grace.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh (“The one continuously overcoming”) [participle], the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Interpreted literally, this must be discussing living believers who already have their names in the Book of Life. If they do not continuously “overcome,” they will not be clothed in white raiment and will not be confessed before the Father. Compare Matthew 10:33.
The following texts are examples of how and why believers can fall from grace. The majority clearly teaches that believers can indeed fall from grace. Since it only takes one example to destroy the doctrine of eternal security, 2nd Peter 2:20-22 and John 15:1-6 are the best examples.
Ex 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
God’s plan of salvation has not changed. If Moses had believed in eternal security, he would not have asked God to remove his name from the Book of Life. Since everybody’s name would be in the book of the physically living, Moses was not referring to physical death.
Ex 32:33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
The name must be in the believers’ book of life in order to be blotted out. Only God (Jesus Christ) can be responsible and die for every sinner (Heb 9:26).
Eze 3:20; 18:24
Eze 3:20 Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Eze 18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
The “righteous” are believers. When these believers “turn away from righteousness, commit iniquity, and do according to all the abominations that the wicked man does,” “he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered.”
Matt 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Since unbelievers have no “savor” to lose, the text must be referring to real believers. “Ye” believers are the salt of the earth. When believers “lose their savor,” they become “good for nothing,” are “cast out,” and are “trodden underfoot.”
Matt 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Matt 5:28 But I say unto you, That “every one continuously looking upon” [participle] a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matt 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell (Gehenna, the lake of fire).
Matt 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell (Gehenna, the lake of fire).
Since unbelievers are already destined for hell, Jesus must have been speaking to believers. In order to prevent offending body parts from causing the whole body to go to hell (Gehenna), the believer must remove them.
Matt 6:15 if [ean: probable subjunctive] ye continuously forgive not men their trespasses [present tense], neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
This is addressed to believers. It is part of the disciples’ prayer. When believers/disciples continuously fail to forgive each other, they will either receive lesser rewards in heaven or they will fall from grace if the non-forgiveness of sins becomes extreme and habitual. The latter is far more logical.
Matt 10:33 But whosoever shall deny [past tense subjunctive] me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
“Whosoever” refers to both current believers and those who never believed. A literal interpretation and application of this verse leaves no room for debate. If one who has made a sincere profession of faith in Christ as Lord and Savior afterwards stops continuously believing and denies Christ and His gospel, Christ will deny him before His Father and the believer will fall from grace.
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
This is a questionable text.
Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, “having put his hand to the plough and continuously looking back” [past participle] is fit for the kingdom of God.
The two participles must be interpreted as continuous action. The same believer who changes from continuously believing to continuously looking back is not fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 13:8 … I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
The fig tree represents believing Hebrews who later habitually fail to produce fruit. Exactly as in John 15:2-6, they will be removed.
John 15:2 Every branch in me that bearetn not fruit (“is not continuously bearing”) [present participle] fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth (“the one continuously bearing” [present participle] fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. John 15:4 Abide (remain) in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide (“is continuously abiding”) in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide (“are continuously abiding”) in me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that (“the one continuously abiding”) [present participle] in me, and I in him, the same (“is continuously bearing”) much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:6 If [ean: probable] a man abideth not (“does not continuously abide”) [participle] in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
These verses are quoted by Arminians to prove that believers can fall from grace. They do not describe mildly disobedient believers who are merely being disciplined by God. These texts literally describe believers (in Christ) being cut off from Christ and being burned. They are not parables.
1 Cor 3:17 If [ei: factually, since] any man defile (“is continually defiling”) [present participle] the temple of God (the believer’s body), him shall [future] God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
God will “destroy” the believer who continually “defiles” (destroys) his/her own body. “Destroy” appears twice in Greek. This is much stronger than mere discipline.
1 Cor 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
1 Cor 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
1 Cor 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. KJV
Believers with knowledge can “sin against weak believers (the brethren),” “wound their weak conscience,” and cause them to “perish.” This is illogical if it is only referring to physical death. Believers can cause other believers to fall from grace.
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
A “castaway” is not a ship’s crewmember who is merely being punished. A castaway is one who has been completely rejected, disowned, and left to perish. Paul was referring to himself as a strong believer. If he later turns to a life of habitual sin, he would be cast away by God.
1 Cor 10:1-4 [Every person who left Egypt with Moses had been saved. They were all covered by the Passover blood, were all under the cloud, all passed through the sea (10:1), all were baptized (10:2), all ate the same spiritual food (10:3) and all drank of Christ (10:4)].
1 Cor 10:5 -12 [Many of those believers stopped worshipping God. God was not pleased and many were overthrown (10:5). They lusted (10:6), worshiped idols (10:7), fornicated (10:7), tempted Christ (10:9), murmured and were destroyed (10:9, 10). “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (10:12).” See Jude 5 also. Again, this is illogical unless it refers to former believers falling from grace].
Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth …
Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Gal 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Gal 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
This refers to believers who had previously been saved and had “received the Spirit” (3:2). Those former believers had since become “bewitched” and had stopped obeying the truth (3:1). The only literal logical explanation for “in vain” is falling from grace.
Gal 5:1 “Stand fast” therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
When a previously “freed” believer is once again yoked, that believer is no longer “standing fast” and is no longer “free,” he once again becomes under the yoke of bondage.
Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. KJV
Speaking to the same former believers of 3:1 who had “received the Spirit” and “since become bewitched” and “yoked” of 5:1, Paul says, “Christ is become “of no effect “to you.” They had ceased believing in righteousness by faith and had turned to good works to be saved (5:2-3). Interpreted literally in context, verse 4 clearly states that they had fallen from grace as the only path to salvation. “Christ is become of no effect” must mean a fall from grace for salvation.
Gal 5:19, 21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest (5:19-21a).
Gal 5:21b … they which do such things [habitually] shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Paul is still speaking to former believers whom Christ had made “free” (5:1). Former believers who subsequently habitually sin literally “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. KJV
This is contrary to what the eternal security doctrine teaches. The doctrine knows nothing of believers needing to continue crucifying the flesh after justification.
1 Tim 1:18 … believers … war a good warfare;
1 Tim 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Tim 1:19 “Continuously having” [present participle] faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away (“some having continuously put away” [aorist participle] faith have made shipwreck:
1 Tim 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Other believers “have continuously put away faith” (stopped believing) and have become “shipwreck.” “Shipwreck” means spiritual life stops. Paul delivered two of the latter group “unto Satan.”
1 Tim 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh (is continually speaking) expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. KJV
“Some shall depart from the faith” refers to believers who were once in the faith. They literally and spiritually “depart from the faith.” Their “consciences have become seared with a hot iron” must refer to believers who have fallen from grace.
**2 Tim 2:12 If (since) we suffer (and we shall suffer), we shall also reign with him: if (since) we deny him (and some will deny Him), he also will deny us.
“We” refers to believers like Paul himself. Literally, those believers who later deny Christ will be denied by Him and fall from grace. See Matthew 10:33.
2 Tim 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.
Paul’s long-time companion, Demas, abandoned him. This means he had probably stopped believing.
**Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Interpret this literally. It means exactly what it says.
Heb 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not (“continuously believed not”) [aorist participle]?
Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief (no faith, stopped believing).
See 1 Cor 10:1-10 for more context. These are former believers, not unbelievers.
Heb 4:1 Let us fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
“Us” are fellow believers. If true believers cannot fall from grace and have nothing to fear, this text is illogical for the eternal security doctrine. Again, see 1 Cor 10:1-10.
Heb 4:6 Seeing therefore it “remains” that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief.
Everybody who left Egypt with Moses had believed and had been saved by the Passover Lamb. However, most (over age 20) must have subsequently fallen from grace. They did not enter into Canaan, a symbol of heaven. Also, see 1 Cor 10:1 -10.
Heb 4:11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Again, interpret literally. The eternal security doctrine does not teach that believers can fall from grace.
Heb 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened [aorist participle], and have tasted [aorist participle] of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted [aorist participle] the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (If) they shall fall away (‘having fallen away’) [aorist participle] to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify (“are crucifying”) [present participle] to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame (“are putting him to an open shame”) [present participle].
A literal interpretation teaches once-saved-then-lost-always-lost. A saved person who falls away and denies Christ cannot be saved a second time. One must twist this text to make it say otherwise. Literal is bets.
See Matthew 10:33 and 2 Timothy 2:12.
**Heb 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw aback (“are continuously drawing back”) [participle] unto perdition; but of them that believe (“them that continuously believe” [present participle] to the saving [present tense] of the soul.
“God has no pleasure” in those who “draw back” unto “perdition” means He will not save them a second time. This text must refer to believers “drawing back” because unbelievers are already destined for perdition. The participles are noteworthy.
Heb 12:8 But if ye be (“are continuously”) without chastisement, whereof all [true believers] are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
This is a warning to believers to “consider Christ” “lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (12: 3). Those believers have not resisted unto blood as Christ had (12: 4). Next, they changed. “You have forgotten that God called you sons” and promised to discipline His children (12: 5-7). Therefore, in context, verse 8 means, “if you are no longer being continuously disciplined, you have fallen from grace and are now bastards.”
Heb 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Believers who are not “making straight paths for their feet” risk becoming lame and being “turned out of the way.”
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
As discussed previously, the chapter is addressed to believers.
Those believers who do not “follow peace and holiness with all men” literally shall not see the Lord. The instructions are meaningless if one cannot fall from grace.
Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. KJV
Heb 12:15 “Overseeing” (taking care) lest “anyone is continually falling” [present participle] “away from” the grace of God [and] lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.
Believers who are not “taking care” of their spiritual lives risk “falling short of the grace of God” and becoming “defiled.”
Heb 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he [Esau] would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. See Malachi 1:3-4.
Did Esau fall from grace when he stopped believing God’s promises and gave up his birthright? The Bible says he was “rejected” and “found no place for repentance.”
James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Rom 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
1 Pet 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
If eternal security were true, there would be no reason to tell believers to “be sober, be vigilant” and “resist steadfast” because the devil seeks to “devour” them.
2 Pet 2:1 … there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Many true believers who have been “bought” by the Lord will become “false teachers” and “deny” the Lord that had previously “bought them.”
2 Peter 2:20 For if [ei; since, reality] after they [the unjust from 2:9] “having continually escaped” [participle] pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2 Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Interpreted literally, these are the strongest texts in God’s Word, which teach that true believers can subsequently fall from grace.
This is radically different from eternal security theology, which states that once-saved, one cannot fall from grace.
2 Pet 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
“Beloved” believers are warned to “beware,” “lest you be led away” and “fall from your steadfastness.”
2 John 8-9 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and “abideth not continuously” [participle] in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that “continuously abideth” [participle] in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Believers have to be “in the doctrine” in order to be warned to “abide” in it. Believers who do not “continuously abide in the doctrine of Christ “do not have God.” That is very clear! It does not allow believers to remain saved who later deny Christ and stop believing.
Jude 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved [participle] the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed “the ones not believing” [participle].
According to this text, all those who left Egypt had been saved by believing in the sacrificial blood of the Passover lamb. Many (if not most) who stopped believing were later “destroyed.” They did not enter Canaan (a type of heaven). See 1 Cor 10:1-10.
Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
The fallen angels who had been created as sinless beings willfully sinned with full knowledge of sin’s consequences. They fell without any hope of restitution. There was no “once saved-always saved” for the fallen angels.
Rev 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Many had “fallen” away from God and “left thy first love,” but not completely. However, they risked falling completely and having their candlestick removed from the presence of God.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Most believers in Sardis had fallen from grace. Only “a few” “remained” “who had not defiled their garments.” And only those “few” will “walk with Christ in white.” See 3:5 and white garments of imputed righteousness.
Rev 3:5 “To the overcoming one” [participle], the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
The true believer already has his name in the Book of Life. The threat to remove it is meaningless if such an event cannot occur.
Rev 3:16-17 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
God threatened to “spew the lukewarm believer out of His mouth.” He “needs nothing” and does know that he is “wretched, miserable, poor, blind.
12. SUMMARY
WHAT KIND OF BELIEVERS?
The biblical answer to all of these questions is “continuous.” The Greek words for “believe” in all verses are participles. The Bible teaches that only continuous faith is saving faith.
What kind of children are saved believers? Mt 18:6
What kind of believers will have answered prayers?
Mt 21:22
What kind of believers can have all things possible? Mk 9:23
What kind of believers have power to become sons of God?
Jn 1:12
What kind of believers have everlasting life? Jn 3:15, 16; 36; 5:24; 6:47
What kind of believers will not be condemned? John 3:18
What kind of un-believers are condemned already? John 3:18
What kind of un-believers shall not see life? 3:36
What kind of believers shall never thirst? John 6:35
What kind of believers is it God’s will to save? John 6:40
What kind of believers will have living water? John 7:38
What kind of believers were those among the dead that shall live? John 11:25
What kind of believers shall never die? John 11:26
What kind of believers also believe on the Father? John 12:44
What kind of believers shall not abide in darkness? John 12:46
What kind of believers shall do greater works than Jesus? Jn 14:12
For what kind of believers did Jesus ask special prayers? John 17:20
What kind of believers have life? John 20:31; Romans 6:8
What kind of believers had faith in Joppa? Acts 9:26
What kind of believers have remission of sins? Acts 10:43
What kind of believers are justified? Acts 13:39
What kind of believer was the Philippian jailer? Acts 16:34
What kind of believers did Paul (as Saul) beat? Acts 22:19
What kind of believers have the gospel as the power of God to salvation? Rom 1:16
What kind of believers are righteous by faith? Rom 3:22
What kind of O. T. believers had circumcision as the seal of righteousness by faith? Rom 4:11
What kind of believers have imputed righteousness? Rom 4:24
What kind of believers are not ashamed of Christ? Rom 9:33; 10:11
What kind of believers have Christ as the end of the law? Rom 10:4
What kind of believers are saved by the foolishness of preaching?
1 Cor 1:21
What kind of believers did not require tongues as a sign? 1 Cor 14:22
What kind of un-believers has the god of this world blinded?
2 Cor 4:4
What kind of believers have the promises of God by faith? Gal 3:22
What kind of believers have the exceeding greatness of God’s power? Eph 1:19
What kind of believers have the Word of God working effectively in them? 1 Th 2:13
What kind of believers do not draw back into perdition? Heb 10:39
What kind of believers shall not be confounded? 1 Pet 2:6
What kind of believers know Jesus is precious? 1 Pet 2:7
What kind of believers have been born again? 1 John 5:1
What kind of believers have overcome the world? 1 John 5:5
What kind of believers know they have eternal life? 1 John 5:13
What kind of believer are you?
Appendix
Believe: Present Tense 63
That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be Given to them that (continuously) believe.
Believe, Believeth 40x
Note: 30 of 41 are present participles and must be interpreted as “continuous believing.”
16.John 12:44 eth He that believeth on me, believeth not on me …
32.1 Cor 13:7 eth Beareth all things, believeth all things …
41.1 John 5:10 eth … PERFECT TENSE … because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Believe: Perfect and Pluperfect 12x
Note: The usual interpretation of perfect “believed” must be wrong. If our Omniscient God had only wanted these texts to read “believed,” He would have only inspired their Greeks to have an Aorist ending.
Because he hath not (fully completely) believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.
And we (fully) believed and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Yea, Lord, I (fully completely) believe that thou are the Christ
That they might (fully) believe that Thou hast sent me.
Elders … they commended them to the Lor on whom that has (fully) believed.
Ye have (fully completely) believed that I came out from God.
To Thomas … thou hast (fully completely) believed.
Elders … they commended them to the Lord on whom they (had fully completely) believed
Sect of the Pharisees that (had believed and continued to believe)
Jailer… (fully) believing in God with all his house
For I know whom I have (completely) believed
And we have known and (completely) believed the love of God
Essentials of New Testament Greek, Ray Summers, 1950, Broadman Press, Perfect Tense, paragraph 79, “completed action”
Believe, Believing 8x
… ask in prayer, believing
… be not faithless (a-pistos), but believing (pistos)
… that believing, ye might have life
… rejoiced, believing in God with all
… Fathers, believing all things
… joy and peace, in believing, that ye may
… and they that have believing masters
… now ye see him not, yet believing.
