However, at least as it is articulated by many of its leading proponents, this view locates security in the believer’s decision to accept Christ.25 Although genuine Christians may fail to grow in their sanctification and persevere in their faith — in fact, they may never even begin to bear the fruit of righteousness—they are assured of eternal life. Such “carnal Christians” may leave the church, even deny Christ, and thereby lose the blessings of living as “victorious Christians” as well as the rewards in the next life for faithful service, but they will be saved, though “only as through fire”
