A theological debate has sparked conversations within the Christian community after Apostle Harrison Ayintete publicly criticized Pastor Adedolapo Lawal over his teaching on the doctrine of salvation.
The disagreement followed a recent sermon by Pastor Lawal, the lead pastor of Zoe Household Global, in which he rejected the popular “once saved, always saved” doctrine. He argued that while salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, believers must continue in faith, repentance, and holy living, warning that Scripture cautions against falling away from the faith.
Reacting to the sermon, Apostle Ayintete faulted Lawal’s interpretation of the Bible, insisting that those who have genuinely received eternal life through faith in Christ cannot lose their salvation. He urged the pastor to “learn the Bible before teaching,” arguing that eternal life, by its very nature, cannot be lost.
Pastor Lawal, in his sermon, maintained that biblical passages, including Jesus’ warnings to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation, show that believers are expected to remain faithful and obedient rather than assume salvation is irreversible regardless of their actions. He also warned that teaching unconditional eternal security could encourage moral laxity among Christians.
The exchange has generated widespread discussion on social media, with many Christians and theologians sharing differing views on the long-standing debate over the security of a believer’s salvation.