One of the biggest examples of eisegesis that I see in these forums has to do with the false concept of once saved, always saved. Scripture clearly indicates that this is not true, beginning early in the Old Testament. In Exodus, we see the Israelites saved by Moses (a prefiguring/type of Christ), led out of Egypt (representing earth and a sinful life) and led into the desert and towards the Promised Land (a type of heaven). However, the Israelites, though saved, must still complete the journey to the Promised Land, and as the Old Testament shows, many Israelites sinned in the desert and lost their salvation. Moses himself did not get to enter the Promised Land. Though the Israelites had been saved, it was not a one- time process. They had to remain faithful throughout their journey through the desert until they reached the Promised Land. Only when they actually entered the Promised Land was their salvation assured. There was no guarantee that all those saved would enter into the Promised Land.
Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 9:14 when he says that we have to run the race (lead our lives) so as to obtain the prize. We have to finish the race to obtain the prize. You don’t win the prize if you start the race (are saved) but fail to finish the race. You must finish the race (live your live to the end) to win the prize.
Paul re-confirms this in 2 Timothy 4:7. Here Paul is near death, and he says that he has run the good race, he has kept the faith. He knew that he had to keep the faith all the way to the end of his life. His salvation depended on that, because he knew that salvation can be lost.
Throughout the New Testament, there are many verses that confirm the fact that salvation can be lost. Acts 20:24: However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Galatians 2:2: I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.
Phillippians 1:30: since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
1 Tim 1:18: Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight.
1 Tim 6:12: Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
2 Tim 3:10: You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.
Rev 6:11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
Phillippians 2:15: Work out your salvation with fear and trembling
Hebrews 12:1: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Matt 7:7: Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord, will be saved.
Once saved, not always saved. We must persevere to the end! Run the race! Finish the race! Fight the good fight!! Don’t quit!!
Praised be Jesus forever!!