Can Christians Lose Their Salvation?

In light of some recent tragedies, I have heard this discussion come up again. This is a sad debate, but one that rages on.  So, can a Christian lose their salvation?

Some Christians argue that believers can lose their salvation and they must be born again and again and again. . Remember the words Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:7 “…you must be born again.” It was not that you must be born again…and again…and again.

Some use Matthew 10:22 “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.” Others quote John 15:6, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” There are other verses as well. 

Let’s look at the Luke 13:27 “and He will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from; depart from Me, all you evildoers.’” What these verses are referring to are the false convert and not at true Christian. There are those who will profess to be a Christian but will never repent. They are giving only lip service. This is a dead faith. This is a faith that does not save. Remember the words of James in James 2:19. He states even the demons believe this!

Take time and study the parable of the soils that Jesus taught in Luke 8:4-21. This will bring more enlightenment to true and false conversion.

Some people will question the salvation of Judas. Some argue that he was a true Christ follower, but is this what Scripture portrays? In Matthew 26:21, Jesus predicts Judas’ betrayal. Does a defector or a follower betray the leader? In Mark 14:19, Jesus says it would be better for the betrayer to have never been born. In Luke 22:3, Scripture says Luke 22:3 says Satan enters Judas. That’s not a sign of a believer. And from the lips of Jesus in John 6:70-71, He calls Judas a “devil.”

So where is the proof that a true Christian cannot lose their salvation? I believe God chose the words “everlasting life” for a reason, because it is everlasting.

Look at these passages:

1 Corinthians 5:24 “He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

John 10:27-29 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”

Ephesians 1:13-14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Jude 1:24 “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy”

You see, friends, if you are a true follower of Christ you salvation is secured. That’s the Gospel truth! There is no act you can do which will create a break in your salvation, as a true convert. God is and will continue to be faithful. When in doubt of truth, turn to Scripture for your answer. Those who seek will find.

What must you do to be saved? Recognize your sin and your sinful bankruptcy requires a savior. Repent (turn away from that sin and lifestyle). Ask God for forgiveness. Believe in Jesus Christ, who is God, who became flesh, who died for your sin, and rose from the dead.

If you are a Christ follower, you ask “what next?” Go! Make disciples of all nations!

If you want to read more on this subject, I highly recommend John MacArthur's book Without a Doubt. Get it on Amazon.com here.