The debate over the “once saved, always saved” doctrine has resurfaced on Nigerian social media after Lead Pastor of Goodness Nation, Apostle Harrison Ayintete, publicly criticised Pastor Adedolapo Lawal of Zoe Household Global over his recent teaching on salvation.
The exchange began after Lawal rejected the doctrine in a sermon, arguing that believers must continue in faith, repentance and holy living rather than assume salvation is permanently secured regardless of their conduct. His comments have since generated widespread discussion among Christians online.
Ayintete disagrees with Lawal’s interpretation
Responding in a post on X, Ayintete argued that believers who have received eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ cannot lose their salvation.
Addressing Lawal directly, he wrote: “Pastor Adedolapo Lawal, sir, I thought you knew better than this, though.”
He added, “According to your own John 3:16, the one who has believed has eternal life and will perish right? Eternal life is quality of life, it is God’s life, you said, so does God’s life see condemnation? Does God’s righteousness perish?”
Ayintete also argued that the New Testament epistles were written to help believers mature spiritually rather than determine whether they remained saved.
“The epistles are for revelation, development in ministry, maturity in that which we have received, warning against lifestyles that do not reflect our righteousness.
“Spiritual development and growth is never the same as spiritual birth,” he said.
Hyper-grace debate intensifies
Lawal had also argued in his sermon that teaching unconditional eternal security could encourage moral laxity within the church and weaken biblical calls to holiness.
Ayintete rejected that position, saying, “You even said Hypergrace is the reason sins are everywhere. Bro, how many churches preach Hypergrace? So all the sins in RCCG is sponsored by Hypergrace? All the lies in Deeper Life? They don’t tell lies in your own churches?”
He also challenged Lawal to a public debate, writing, “If he sure for you say Hypergrace nor dey Bible, set up a proper debate on the subject, I will meet you there because at this point, we need that conversation.”
In a follow-up video, Ayintete maintained that passages including John 3:16, John 10 and Ephesians 1 support the doctrine of eternal security for believers.
“The Lord Jesus said in John 3:16 that whosoever has believed in Him has eternal life and will not perish.
“Jesus said over and over, ‘I give them eternal life and they shall never perish.’ Ephesians 1 says we are sealed with the Spirit unto the day of our redemption.”
The discussion continues to attract reactions from Christians with differing theological views, reflecting a long-standing debate within the global church over the relationship between salvation, faith and Christian living.
