Introduction: An Eternal Question
The question of eternal security—popularly phrased as “Once Saved, Always Saved”—has sparked debates for centuries. Is a Christian forever saved, regardless of their lifestyle after conversion? Or can salvation be lost through sin, rebellion, or unbelief?
This article takes a deep dive into the Scriptures to examine what the Bible truly says about the security—or fragility—of salvation.
What Does “Once Saved, Always Saved” Mean?
The doctrine holds that once a person genuinely receives salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, they cannot lose it, no matter what happens afterward. It’s strongly tied to Reformed theology and Calvinism, particularly the "Perseverance of the Saints."
But not all Christians agree.
Key Scriptures Supporting Eternal Security
John 10:28–29
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Jesus' words seem clear: eternal life is secure in His hands.
Romans 8:38–39
“Nothing… will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This affirms that external
forces—tribulation, persecution, even death—cannot remove us from God’s
love.
Ephesians
1:13–14
“You were sealed with the
Holy Spirit… who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…”
The seal of the
Spirit is viewed as proof of permanent salvation.
Scriptures
That Challenge Eternal Security
Hebrews
6:4–6
“It is impossible for
those who were once enlightened… and then fall away, to be brought back to
repentance…”
This suggests the
possibility of falling away after genuine salvation.
2 Peter
2:20–21
“If they have escaped the
corruption of the world… and are again entangled… they are worse off at the end
than at the beginning.”
Peter seems to describe
someone who knew Christ yet turned back.
Matthew
24:13
“He who endures to the end
shall be saved.”
This verse
emphasizes perseverance, suggesting that continued faith is
necessary.
Two
Major Christian Perspectives
1.
Eternal Security View (Calvinistic)
- Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned—or lost.
- A true believer will persevere because
God preserves them.
- If someone falls away, they were never truly saved
(1 John 2:19).
2.
Conditional Security View (Arminian/Wesleyan)
- Believers are responsible to abide in
Christ.
- Salvation can be forfeited through willful
sin or unbelief.
- God’s grace is sufficient, but not irresistible
or irrevocable.
What Did
Early Church Fathers Believe?
Irenaeus:
Warned believers to remain faithful or risk losing salvation.
Tertullian:
Taught that post-baptismal sin could cause one to fall away.
John
Wesley: Strongly rejected “Once Saved, Always Saved,” promoting holy
living and continued obedience.
In contrast, modern
voices like Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, and David Oyedepo lean
toward eternal security, with caveats regarding true conversion.
What
About Backsliders?
Does backsliding mean
someone was never saved?
Answer: Not necessarily. The Bible acknowledges backsliding
(Jeremiah 3:22, Hosea 14:4), yet always calls for restoration.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15) is a perfect picture:
- He was a son, not a stranger.
- He left, then returned.
- The father welcomed him—not as a new hire, but as
a restored child.
The Role
of Free Will
God doesn’t force
salvation. If free will was involved in receiving Christ, can it
not also be involved in rejecting Him?
“If we deliberately keep
on sinning… no sacrifice for sins is left” (Hebrews 10:26).
This suggests that willful
rejection of truth can nullify salvation.
Balancing
Grace and Responsibility
Salvation
is by grace through faith—not works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
But
genuine faith produces fruit (James 2:17).
Jesus
warned about branches that don’t remain in Him (John 15:6).
Paul
urged believers to "work out your salvation with fear and
trembling" (Philippians 2:12).
We’re called to walk securely,
but not carelessly.
Conclusion:
Can You Be Sure of Salvation?
Yes! you can be confident
in Christ. But don’t be careless.
“Let anyone who thinks he
stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Rather than asking, “Can
I lose my salvation?”, ask:
- Am I bearing fruit?
- Am I walking in obedience?
- Is my faith alive and active?
The goal is not to fear
losing salvation, but to live daily in its assurance.
Once
Saved, Always Saved
1. Does
one sin make me lose salvation?
No. God is gracious and
forgiving. But persistent, unrepentant sin can harden the
heart.
2. Can
someone walk away from Christ?
Yes. The Bible includes
examples (e.g., Demas – 2 Timothy 4:10).
3. How
do I know I’m truly saved?
Look for the fruit
of the Spirit, love for God, obedience, and conviction when you sin.
4.
Should I worry about losing my salvation?
If you're walking with
Christ, no. But if you're living in willful sin, it’s time to
return to God.
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