Life in the Son: A Study of the Doctrine of Perseverence [Hardcover]

Robert Shank (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Westcott Publishers (1962)
• ASIN: B001RVCFU4
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars A FAMOUS CRITIQUE OF THE "ETERNAL SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER", November 12, 2010

By 

Steven H. Propp (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Robert Shank (1918-2006) was a Baptist minister for 20 years, as well as a teacher and later President of Faith Bible Academy in Missouri. After publication of this book in 1959, it aroused opposition within Baptist circles, and Shank ultimately joined the Churches of Christ. His later advocacy of Premillennialism aroused opposition within the Churches of Christ, but he nevertheless continued as preacher for a village Church of Christ in Missouri for many years.

He writes in the Preface, "Many volumes have been written on the question of the security of believers. But perhaps there is yet room for others. This volume is sent forth in the conviction that it is the fulfillment by the Spirit of grace and truth. It is in a sense the testimony of one whose study of the Scriptures led him to abandon a definition of doctrine he once cherished..."

Here are some quotations from the book:

"Only a dying man can be saved 'just like the dying thief.' This does not mean that God has different plans of salvation for different people, according to their circumstances. It means only that, at whatever point in life one comes to Christ for salvation, the whole of life ... must be surrendered." (Pg. 17)
"In view of obvious essential differences, it cannot be considered strange that spiritual birth, unlike physical birth, is not irrevocable. It is folly to assume that an equation exists between physical birth and spiritual birth, and that whatever is intrinsic in physical birth is equally so in physical birth... While an analogy exists between the two, there is no equation whatever" (Pg. 91)
"Doubtless many in every generation have only pretended to believe, whose professions were false from the beginning. But it is equally true that others actually have departed from true faith, according to the record of the Scriptures. Whatever may have been the situation of Judas does not determine the experience or status of others." (Pg. 179)
"The doctrine of 'the two natures of the believer' is an erroneous assumption... contrary to the assumptions of some, the believer does not possess two natures as equally his own; for he does not possess the new spiritual nature as his, per se... Despite the assumptions of many, the Christian does not have two natures. To the contrary, he is a single spiritual entity who can act only as an integer." (Pg. 213)
"Certainly the elect will persevere in faith and grace to final salvation. The fact is indisputable. But while God knows who they are, and has known from the beginning, MEN can know only as they persevere." (Pg. 300)
"Or, how is it true that God LOVES men whom he deliberately creates for no other end and purpose than everlasting estrangement from Himself? It is a strange 'love' which creates men for naught but wrath." (Pg. 354)