OSAS and VPP

The teaching of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (OSAS), also known as eternal security, is a doctrine held by some Christian traditions, particularly within Bible Presbyterian Church. 

While "Verbal Plenary Preservation" (VPP) assures believers that the Scriptures themselves are perfectly preserved and reliable. In this sense, VPP provides the foundation for trusting the biblical promises that undergird OSAS.

Both doctrines stem from a high view of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. OSAS focuses on God's sovereignty in salvation, while VPP focuses on God's sovereignty in preserving His Word. 

Although OSAS offers assurance of salvation to believers, it has been criticized by others as potentially harmful to the church for several reasons: 

1. Potential for Complacency and Lack of Spiritual Growth

If believers think their salvation is guaranteed regardless of their actions, they may become complacent in their faith. This can lead to a lack of effort in pursuing holiness, spiritual growth, or obedience to God.

    A complacent attitude can weaken the overall spiritual vitality of the church. Members may neglect prayer, Bible study, and active participation in the life of the church, leading to a decline in communal faith and discipleship.

2. Misuse as a License for Sin

Some may misinterpret OSAS as a license to sin, thinking that their eternal security means they can live however they want without consequences. This is sometimes referred to as antinomianism (rejecting moral law).

    Such behavior can lead to scandal, division, and a poor witness to the world. It undermines the church's call to holiness and can cause confusion or disillusionment among believers, especially new or struggling Christians.

3. Neglect of Personal Responsibility

OSAS can lead to a diminished sense of personal responsibility for one's actions. If salvation is seen as irrevocable, some may downplay the importance of repentance, accountability, and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings.

    This can create a culture of spiritual laziness and moral laxity, where sin is not taken seriously. It can also discourage believers from examining their hearts and striving to live in accordance with God's will.

4. Undermining the Call to Perseverance

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the need for perseverance in faith (e.g., Matthew 24:13, Hebrews 3:14, Revelation 2:10). OSAS can be interpreted in a way that undermines this call, suggesting that perseverance is unnecessary.

    If believers think perseverance is optional, they may not take seriously the warnings in Scripture about falling away or being led astray. This can result in a lack of vigilance and spiritual discipline.

5. Disregard for the Role of Works in Faith

While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), the Bible also teaches that genuine faith produces good works (James 2:14-26). OSAS, when misunderstood, can lead to a disconnect between faith and works.

    This can result in a lack of emphasis on serving others, pursuing justice, and living out the gospel in practical ways. The church's mission to be salt and light in the world may be weakened.

6. Potential for False Assurance

OSAS can give false assurance to individuals who may have made a superficial commitment to Christ but have not genuinely repented or surrendered their lives to Him. They may believe they are saved while continuing to live in unrepentant sin.

    This can lead to a lack of genuine conversion and discipleship within the church. It may also create confusion about what it means to truly follow Christ, diluting the gospel message.

8. Neglect of the Fear of the Lord

The Bible teaches that the "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and that believers should work out their salvation with "fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). OSAS, when misapplied, can diminish the healthy reverence for God and His holiness.

    A lack of reverence can lead to a casual attitude toward sin and a diminished sense of awe for God's majesty and justice.

Summary

The doctrine of "Once Saved, Always Saved" can provide comfort and assurance to believers, its potential for misuse and misinterpretation can be harmful to the church. It may lead to complacency, moral laxity, and a lack of emphasis on perseverance, good works, and personal responsibility. 

    The teaching of "Once Saved, Always Saved" can contribute to false doctrines such as "Verbal Plenary Preservation" and "KJV Only" in the church when it is misunderstood or misapplied. It can lead to antinomianism, cheap grace, false assurance, and a casual view of sin, among other issues. To avoid these pitfalls, it is crucial for the church to teach a balanced understanding of salvation that includes both the assurance of God’s grace and the call to live a life of faith, obedience, and holiness. This approach aligns with the full counsel of Scripture and helps safeguard the church from false doctrines.

To avoid the false teaching of Verbal Plenary Preservation, we have to ground our faith in the sufficiency and authority of Scripture without elevating a specific translation or textual tradition to the level of inspiration. Trust that God has preserved His Word sufficiently for salvation and sanctification, and focus on the central message of the Gospel. By engaging with sound scholarship, testing all teachings against Scripture, and prioritizing unity in Christ, you can avoid the pitfalls of extreme or divisive doctrines like VPP.

Conclusion

The doctrines of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (OSAS) and "Verbal Plenary Preservation" (VPP) both stem from a high view of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. OSAS emphasizes the eternal security of believers based on God's grace, while VPP focuses on the belief that God has perfectly preserved every word of Scripture. While these doctrines can provide assurance and confidence in God's promises, they also carry potential risks if misunderstood or misapplied.