When it comes to eternal security, both the non Calvinist and Calvinist believe it.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30) And nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ? (Romans 8:28-39)
However, there is some variance it how one might understand it—or live it.
Perseverance (or Preservation) of the Saints (C)
Perseverance is the belief that true salvation produces fruit. Faith without works is dead. (James 2:14-26) This is not to say that a person will not sin or perhaps backslide for a time, but they will not fall away or live a life of carnality. They will persevere (not in and of themselves, but because they are a child of God, redeemed by Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit) in living out a godly life. Some prefer to use Preservation (or perseverance through preservation), to put more emphasis on the grace of God, rather than the faith/works of the believer. We are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:8-10) and we cannot be plucked from the hands of Christ/God. (John 10:28-29)
Once Saved Always Saved (nC)
The non Calvinist would likely agree with what is mentioned above, with perhaps some having one caveat. Because scripture clearly teaches eternal security, and that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ can and does cleanse all sin, some believe that a person can be saved, yet never live for God, or may only be faithful for a limited time. The author was once with a deacon on visitation when the deacon told an individual, “Even if you never go to church, if you pray to receive Christ, you will still go to heaven.” The author has had more than one person conclude (while not living the faithful Christian life), “Jesus might be mad at me, but I am still going to heaven.” Only God “knows their heart” but their confidence seems to be in a moment they did something: i.e. pray a prayer.
Sanctification (The act of making holy, Webster 1828) is the process within salvation where we are being conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29), rather than to continue to be conformed to this world. (Romans 12:2) Is it true that one who truly repents and puts faith in Jesus Christ is Once Saved Always Saved? Yes. However, if one believes that is where (in one moment of time, whether by prayer, baptism, etc.) salvation (or rather one’s faithfulness to God) begins and ends, they should be prepared for the chastening of the Lord. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrews 12:5-17)
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:18-20) For every tree is known by his own fruit. (Luke 6:3-45)
When we share the gospel, we should be clear in what the Bible teaches, without sugar coating it to get [possibly false] converts, who do not come to Christ in true humility, submission, repentance, and faith—but for an (imaginary) “get out of hell free card”. (Matthew 7:21-23) Sometimes it may be a difficult conversation. But it is one we must have. The very soul of every individual hangs in the balance.
CnC.Today 