Jovan King asks: Can a Christian lose salvation? I need some clarification. People in my church say a Christians can lose salvation, but I have a friend that showed me that salvation cannot be lost. Both views made sense. But isn't teaching saved always saved, telling people they can sin constantly and still be saved? Can you please help me?

Hi Jovan,

This is a secondary issue that can be debated in a healthy fashion, but should not cause division.

There are many Christians that believe salvation can be lost, or that anyone can choose to walk away from salvation. These people usually quote isolated passages such as Philippians 2:12, Hebrews 6:4-6, Revelation 3:5 and the alike.

However, the Bible is pretty explanatory in teaching that a true Christian cannot lose salvation, nor walk away from it.

This is seen in Luke 8:5-15 (The Parable of the Sower). Here, Jesus explains that those who don't believe, and those who accept the message and then turn away, are those who's seed was planted in bad soil (therefore, not true Christians). Yet, those who were planted in good soil (true Christians) produced a crop by perseverance.

This is seen in John 10:27-29, as Jesus again, states that his true followers know him, and that he gives these followers eternal life, and that they shall never parish. He also says, that no one can snatch these followers away.

This is seen in the fact that true Christians are indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit, who guarantees the work in us until the day of redemption (Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 1:14, 2 Corinthians 1:22).

In fact, this is continuously seen throughout the Bible.

John 5:24 tells us that anyone who hears and believes "has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

1 Corinthians 1:8 says that "He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Jude 24 says that God "is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault"

While many might argue that saved always saved means that Christians can live their life, sinning as they please, the complete opposites is true. Galatians 5:19-21, lists the fruits of the flesh, while 22-23, lists the fruits of the Spirit. Verse 24-25 says "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Therefore, someone who lives their life sinning as they please, would be categorized as being planted in bad soil (not a true Christian).

Lastly, we need to remember that just because people claim to be true Christians, doesn't mean that they are. A great example that comes to mind is Judah. For three years, he was part of those closest to Christ, yet Christ denoted him as the "devil" (John 6:70). Therefore, we can easily classify him as one of those who's seed was in bad soil. Hope this helps. God bless you.

Romans 11:29- "for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable."

Comments:

Jovan King: Thanks! Great answer. I guess my friend was correct. Thanks for clearing this up.

Mia Delgado: But then, doesn't that go against Revelation 22:19 where it says that "God shall take away his part out of the book of life"? Doesn't that mean people can be added or removed from the book of life every time they sin?

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: We don't think God spends his day sitting in his throne, with a pencil writing and erasing peoples names as they sin and repent continuously. Instead, God is all-knowing, and knows what everyone will ultimately choose. Therefore, according to his foreknowledge, he has already written or blotted out everyone's name from the book of life since the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5, Revelation 13:8, Romans 8:29).

Jovan King: I guess God is like our earthly father. Just because we disappoint him, he doesn't stop being our father. He corrects us and forgives us instead. Like the story of the prodigal son.

Mia Delgado: Yeah, that makes sense Jovan. Thanks.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: We agree with you 100% Jovan. Your statement can also be found in Hebrews 12:6 "because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Jovan King: God bless you all.

Mia Delgado: God bless guys.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: God bless you Jovan. God bless you Mia..

1 Corinthians 8:1

"He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."