Dr. Johnathan B. Solomon

The doctrine of apostasy, particularly as understood in the Original Free Will Baptist (OFWB) tradition, is vital to Christian theology and pastoral care. It addresses the serious question of whether a believer can fall from grace and forfeit salvation through deliberate rejection of faith. This article aims to clarify and defend the OFWB stance on apostasy, showing that it is biblically supported and theologically consistent. By examining key scriptural passages and theological principles, this study will highlight the necessity of perseverance in faith.
The OFWB position on apostasy, often summarized by the phrase “making shipwreck of one’s faith,” holds that salvation can be lost through a deliberate rejection of faith after genuine conversion. Rooted in the General Baptist and arguably the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition, this perspective emphasizes the believer's responsibility to persevere in faith. Hebrews 6:4-6, along with Hebrews 3:14, offers significant biblical support for this position. The OFWB view is both biblically sound and theologically consistent, emphasizing personal responsibility in faith and the danger of apostasy.
Why is this important?
As a former Southern Baptist and now a Free Will Baptist pastor, I believe it is crucial to understand how the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints recognizes the possibility of (and, warns against) apostasy. This understanding addresses a fundamental difference between the two traditions. Southern Baptist teachings often emphasize eternal security or, as it is often known, “Once saved, always saved” while Free Will Baptist doctrine underscores the believer's ongoing responsibility in faith. Recognizing this distinction helps clarify how Scripture warns against falling away from faith and encourages personal vigilance in one's spiritual journey.

Biblical Support for the OFWB Position
Hebrews 6:4-6: A Warning Against Apostasy
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV)”
Hebrews 6:4-6 provides a sobering warning about the possibility of falling away from genuine faith, emphasizing genuine Christian experience. In describing these believers, the author uses three terms: enlightened (ϕωτισθεντας), tasted (γευσαμενους), and partakers (μετοχους). These words are very specific and detailed terms used to explain the depth of experience of the believers. They, in fact, describe the relationship of a Christian who has had a life-changing encounter with Christ.[1] The key elements in this passage suggest genuine Christian experience:
“Once been enlightened” - Suggests full exposure to the truth of the gospel.
“Tasted the heavenly gift” - Likely referring to the experience of salvation. The word "tasted" implies more than a shallow experience but rather a genuine participation in the spiritual blessings of salvation.
The phrase "Partakers in the Holy Spirit" signifies a sincere involvement in the activities of the Holy Spirit.

The phrase “fallen away” (Greek: parapiptō) means to apostatize in the conventional theological understanding of the word.[2] However, in a narrower sense, it clearly indicates a deliberate departure from faith, underscoring the gravity of apostasy. Similarly, Hebrews 3:14 reinforces the idea that faith must be maintained for salvation: “For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” The condition clarifies that participation in Christ is contingent upon continued faithfulness. Paul’s warning to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 parallels these ideas, illustrating that faith can indeed be shipwrecked. Paul writes,
“19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (KJV)”
Hymenaeus and Alexander's experiences serve as a warning about the consequences of failing to preserve faith. Paul's words to Timothy remind us that we must actively nurture and protect our faith to remain steadfast in Christ. Old Testament passages like Ezekiel 18:24 and Deuteronomy 29:18-20, which emphasize the loss of righteousness due to deliberate sin and rebellion against God's covenant, further support the concept of apostasy.
Clarifying Apostasy vs. Losing Salvation
The OFWB view differentiates apostasy from the erroneous belief that Christians can simply "lose" their salvation. Apostasy involves a willful and deliberate rejection of faith after genuine conversion, whereas struggling with sin or doubt does not constitute falling away in thebiblical sense. It is important to understand the distinction between apostasy and losing salvation in order to properly address and respond to each individual’s situation. Apostasy is a conscious choice to turn away from God and renounce one's faith, while losing salvation implies a passive slipping away due to sin or doubt. By recognizing and acknowledging these differences, believers can better support and guide those who may be struggling with their faith or facing doubts. Ultimately, the OFWB view emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith and the need for genuine repentance and reconciliation with God.

Theological Consistency of the OFWB View
The OFWB position is consistent with theological ideas that are important to the General Baptist movement or the Wesleyan-Arminian framework. These ideas include free will, moral responsibility, and how important it is to stay true to your faith. Cautionary passages throughout Scripture reinforce the reality and danger of apostasy, emphasizing that salvation involves ongoing faithfulness.
Free Will and Moral Responsibility: Salvation involves an ongoing relationship where believers, as free moral agents, are free to continue in faith or fall away through deliberate choices.
Genuine Faith Experience: The descriptions in Hebrews 6 and 3:14 imply genuine faith, not a superficial experience. The involvement of the Holy Spirit and divine gifts indicates authentic conversion.
Warning Passages: The presence of severe warnings throughout Scripture (Hebrews 10:26-29, 2 Peter 2:20-22) suggests that falling away is a real and dangerous possibility.
Practical Implications for the Church
The implications and subsequent applications of this doctrine are profound. Believers are called to accountability and encouragement, stressing the communal aspect of perseverance. The call to holiness and obedience highlights the importance of ongoing repentance and spiritual growth. The doctrine also emphasizes the need for intentional discipleship, ensuring that faith is nurtured and sustained.
Accountability and Encouragement: Believers must exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13) to remain steadfast in faith, emphasizing the communal aspect of perseverance.
Holiness and Obedience: The risk of falling away calls for a life of ongoing repentance, holiness, and commitment to God’s Word.
Evangelism and Discipleship: The understanding of apostacy encourages intentional discipleship to ensure that faith is nurtured and sustained.
Conclusion
The doctrine of apostasy holds vital significance for the Christian life, emphasizing personal responsibility and perseverance in faith. The OFWB perspective, grounded in Scripture and consistent with the General Baptist tradition, challenges believers to remain vigilant and committed to Christ. By recognizing the biblical warnings against falling away, believers can be encouraged to maintain faithfulness, engage in mutual accountability, and pursue spiritual growth in their walk with God.
References
Blythe, Jr Jimmy G. The Oath of God in Hebrews. PhD Diss., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2016.
Green, T. Matthew. “Apostasy in Hebrews 6:4-6,” n.d.
Strong’s Greek: 3895. Παραπίπτω (Parapiptó) -- to Fall Away, to Deviate, to Turn Aside.
Accessed January 6, 2025. https://biblehub.com/greek/3895.htm.
Good article. In order to forfiet salvation, it is a willful, deliberate act. It is a conscious and active rebellion of Jesus and a stance that says: "I no longer believe." You would be well aware that you made this decision.
You can not "lose your salvation" for any sin you commit, or your lack of prayer/church attenendance. Just making that clear for any reader that needs it.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
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.
30 I and my Father are one.