The possibility of a believer losing or renouncing their faith is a complex theological issue with differing perspectives among Christians. At the heart of the matter is the question of whether salvation, once received through faith in Christ, can be lost. Those who believe salvation cannot be lost emphasize God’s sovereignty, the permanence of the new birth, and the sealing work of the Holy Spirit. However, others point to warnings in Scripture against falling away and exhortations to continue in the faith as evidence that believers can turn from Christ and reject salvation. While views differ, all agree it is dangerous ground to walk away from faith in Christ.
One of the foremost arguments that believers cannot lose salvation is based on the biblical doctrine of election – that God has chosen believers and destined them for eternal life even before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5). Salvation is entirely God’s work from beginning to end. This reasoning asserts that if God specifically chose and called someone to be saved, that person will remain saved since God does not change His mind or retract His gifts (Romans 11:29). The destiny of the elect is fixed and permanent.
Related to this, those who hold salvation cannot be lost emphasize the power and seal of the Holy Spirit. When someone puts their faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within that person (Romans 8:9) as a guarantee of their inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). A believer is marked with an indelible seal and the indwelling Spirit until the day of redemption. The presence of the Spirit is evidence that salvation is secure.
Supporters of this view also point to verses stating that nothing can separate believers from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39) and that God will complete the work He began in their lives (Philippians 1:6). Emphasis is placed on God’s faithfulness to keep and protect His children. While believers may wander, God does not cast away those who are His (John 6:39). The Good Shepherd will not lose any of His flock (John 10:28).
On the other side, some Bible scholars argue that Scripture contains real warnings against apostasy – those who fall away from the faith they once professed. These warnings imply the possibility of losing salvation through unbelief, willful sinning, and failure to persevere (Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31). Verses urge believers to continue in righteous living and fruitfulness to confirm they belong to Christ (Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 11:22). Their eternal destiny seems conditional based on persevering faith and obedience.
Advocates of this view claim biblical examples of those who departed from the faith, like Judas Iscariot who betrayed Christ (John 17:12). Demas is cited as someone who loved the present world and deserted Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). Such cases demonstrate that it is possible to know Christ and still turn away. Though true believers will not totally abandon God, their failure to finish well can result in loss of eternal rewards.
This perspective stresses human responsibility in the salvation process. God gives sufficient grace to overcome sin and temptation, but believers must avail themselves of that power through faith. They are urged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). While God is faithful, the warnings against falling away indicate people can still choose to reject His provision of salvation.
Differing biblical interpretations are at the root of this complex issue. Passages can be found to support various views on whether salvation can be lost. However, all agree that severe consequences result when believers drift from trust in Christ and sound doctrine. Wandering from God’s grace and truth leads to spiritual darkness. Thus believers must take heed, test themselves to see if they are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5), and strive for full assurance of salvation (Hebrews 10:22).
In summary, while opinions vary on this theological question, the Bible gives strong encouragement that keeping one’s mind and heart anchored in Christ provides victory over faith-damaging deception and sin. Abiding in fellowship with God through prayer, His Word, worship and community provides the spiritual nourishment to finish the race and cross the finish line of eternal life. The believer’s role is to treasure the free gift of salvation by clinging to their Savior until the end.
Now we will look at some key biblical passages relating to this topic:
Passages on Eternal Security of Believers
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:27-29)
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)
Passages on Possibility of Falling Away
“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12-13)
“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance…” (Hebrews 6:4-6)
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment…” (Hebrews 10:26-27)
“You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’ That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.” (Romans 11:19-20)
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” (Philippians 2:12)
The Need for Spiritual Vigilance
Whether one believes in eternal security for believers or not, the Bible contains many warnings about the need for vigilance and perseverance in the faith. Scriptural passages caution believers against drifting away, being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, forsaking assembling together, wandering from truth, and failing to continue abiding in Christ.
For example:
“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12-13)
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5)
“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12-13)
Therefore, regardless of one’s position on eternal security, the Bible encourages believers to diligently fight temptation, walk in holiness, obey God’s Word, fellowship with other Christians, cultivate a vibrant prayer life, and continue pursuing an intimate relationship with Jesus. Times of wavering faith should be met with repentance and revival of one’s love for Christ.
Remaining Secure in Salvation
For those who have sincerely placed their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, many encouraging promises and exhortations exist in Scripture to give motivation, assurance, and help to continue steadfastly in relationship with Him. Consider the following:
– “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
– “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10)
– “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
– “For we share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” (Hebrews 3:14)
– “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)
Walking closely with God each day through prayer, Scripture meditation, community, and the power of the Holy Spirit are His ordained means for protecting hearts from drifting away. The faithful Shepherd remains committed to preserving and completing the good work begun in His people.
Biblical Examples of Those Who Turned Away
While the debate on eternal security continues, Scripture contains sobering examples of those who abandoned the faith and truths they once clung to. Consider the following:
– Demas: “For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.” (2 Timothy 4:10)
– Judas Iscariot: “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12)
– The seed sown on rocky ground: “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” (Matthew 13:20-21)
– Simon the magician: “And when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!'” (Acts 8:18-20)
While these cases illustrate it is possible to know biblical truth and still later reject it, we cannot know the full circumstances behind each individual. Only God sees the heart and knows if saving faith was ever truly present in someone who departs.
God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
The question of eternal security intersects profoundly with two important biblical themes – God’s sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility. God promises to complete the work He begins in bringing people to faith. Yet people must persevere in obedience and faith by God’s enabling grace.
Both themes are present in Philippians 2:12-13:
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
God’s sovereignty does not diminish human responsibility, just as human choice does not undermine God’s sovereignty. While challenging to fully reconcile, embracing both truths avoids the extremes of passive resignation or self-reliant works. As J.I. Packer wrote, “All Christians believe in divine sovereignty, but some are not aware that they do, and mistakenly imagine and insist that they reject it.”
Dangers of Departing from the Faith
While views on eternal security differ, all agree that departing from faith in Christ reaps serious consequences. Jesus frequently warned of the dangers of unfruitful faith, unrepentant sin, and non-perseverance. Scripture contains sobering warnings like:
– “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” (Matthew 24:10-11)
– “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12-13)
– “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance…” (Hebrews 6:4-6)
Departing from the living God and His gospel of grace is dangerous territory. The believer’s goal must be persevering faithfulness by God’s power until final salvation is revealed (1 Peter 1:3-5).
Counsel for Christians Struggling with Assurance
For those struggling with assurance of salvation or fear of falling away, Scripture offers much encouragement. Consider the following counsel:
– Remember that your salvation depends fully on Christ’s work, not your own goodness or ability to persevere (Titus 3:4-7).
– Keep short accounts with God through regular confession of sins (1 John 1:9). Do not hide failures but bring them to the light.
– Surround yourself with biblical community and accountability partners (Hebrews 10:24-25). You need others to walk alongside you.
– Feed daily on God’s Word and prayer. They are spiritual nourishment to grow a vibrant faith (1 Peter 2:2).
– Recall and give thanks for evidences of God’s grace in your life – your repentant heart, desire for obedience, love of Christ, hatred of sin, etc. (2 Peter 1:5-11)
– Do not base assurance on feelings that fluctuate. Look to the objective promises and truths of Scripture (Isaiah 50:10).
– Press on in faith, knowing that trials test and refine you (James 1:2-4). God will complete what He started.
The Good Shepherd is able to make you stand firm, sanctifying you wholly in spirit, soul, and body until the coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether genuine believers can lose or forfeit salvation rests in biblical interpretations on the doctrine of eternal security versus warnings against apostasy. While some believe salvation cannot be lost based on God’s election and the Spirit’s sealing, others see human responsibility and the need for persevering faith as evidence that it can be forfeited.
Regardless of one’s theological position, all agree it is dangerous ground to walk away from faith in Christ. Thus believers must take heed, test themselves, walk in holiness, and continue abiding in loving relationship with Jesus. Times of spiritual weakness call for revival and returning to one’s first love. Security rests not in ourselves but in God’s faithfulness and grace to complete His good work.
With humility, compassion, and wisdom, may all Christians spur one another on to place full confidence in Christ until the Day we see Him face to face. Come Lord Jesus!