SCRIPTURE 1 John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”  

COMMENTARY Yet another verse indicating there is more involved in salvation than just coming to Christ.  Christians can neither know nor do the will of God unless they are led by the Holy Spirit.  The implication of verses like these is that those who do not even attempt to be obedient to God’s will after coming to Christ will not inherit eternal life.  This is a major theme of John’s first epistle.  This verse doesn’t say that if a person once believes he “abideth for ever,” but that “he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever”(see Matthew 7:21).  This is what it means to abide in Christ, which we are commanded to do in John 15:4, and throughout the remainder of this epistle (1 John 2:24, 28, 1 John 3:6, 24 and 1 John 4:13, 16).  How do we abide in Christ and know His will (ex. Romans 12:2)? By submitting our will to God’s will, and being led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 25).  What is the destiny of those who do not abide in Christ?  The fire (John 15:6).  This is yet another verse at odds with guaranteed, unconditional eternal security doctrines.