The question of whether a person can lose their salvation is a long debated issue in Christianity. There are two main viewpoints on this:
- Conditional security (also known as Arminianism): This view believes that salvation can be lost if a person turns away from God or stops believing. A person must continue in faith and good works to remain saved.
- Eternal security (also known as “once saved always saved” or Calvinism): This view believes that once a person is truly saved, they are always saved. God will complete the work he began in a believer and they can never lose their salvation.
Both sides point to various passages in the Bible to argue their perspective. This article will provide an overview of the two views and the main biblical arguments made, look at potential problems, and provide some helpful perspective on the debate.
The Case for Conditional Security
Those who believe a person can lose their salvation point to the following biblical arguments:
Warnings Against Falling Away
There are verses that warn believers about falling away from the faith:
- “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)
- “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)
These verses indicate it is possible to wander from the faith and fall away from salvation. If salvation could not be lost, these warnings would seem unnecessary.
Examples of People Losing Salvation
Some Biblical figures are presented as cautionary tales of losing their salvation:
- Saul – The first king of Israel who turned away from God. “The Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.” (1 Samuel 16:14)
- Judas – Originally one of Jesus’ 12 disciples who betrayed him. Jesus called Judas “one doomed to destruction” (John 17:12)
- Demas – A companion of Paul who later deserted him. “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me.” (2 Timothy 4:10)
These examples show people who rejected or abandoned the faith after professing belief, indicating it is possible to give up salvation.
Conditional Statements on Salvation
Some verses present salvation as conditional on continued belief and obedience:
- “By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:19)
- “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” (Romans 2:7)
- “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” (Hebrews 3:14)
These statements suggest salvation requires persevering in faith to the end. If someone fails to stand firm, they will not gain eternal life.
Loss of Rewards
Some verses indicate it is possible for believers to lose eternal rewards:
- “Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 1:8)
- “If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:14-15)
These indicate a saved person can still lose rewards in heaven. Conditional security proponents connect this to the possibility of losing salvation itself.
Need for Endurance
Verses emphasizing the need for endurance can suggest the possibility of falling away:
- “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” (Hebrews 3:14)
- “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
- “Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” (Hebrews 3:6)
If salvation could not be lost, enduring to the end would not be necessary. The call to persevere implies the possibility of failure.
Based on these types of verses, proponents of conditional security argue that the Bible clearly teaches salvation can be lost if someone abandons the faith. Believers must endure to the end to confirm their salvation.
The Case for Eternal Security
On the other side, those who believe in eternal security (once saved always saved) point to different biblical arguments:
Salvation is a Gift
Verses that describe salvation as a gift from God that cannot be earned argue against salvation being conditional:
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Titus 3:5)
Since we cannot earn salvation in the first place, it does not make sense that good works could maintain it. Salvation depends fully on God’s grace rather than human effort.
Assurance of Salvation
Some verses emphasize believers can have full assurance of salvation:
- “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
- “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
If salvation could be lost, this sort of absolute assurance would not be possible. Believers can rest in confidence that they are eternally secure in Christ.
Eternal Life is Eternal
Verses defining eternal life indicate it cannot be temporary:
- “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” (John 10:27-28)
- “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:39)
If eternal life could end, then it was not truly eternal. Once given this gift, believers cannot lose it.
Union with Christ
Some verses speak of an unbreakable union between Christ and believers:
- “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” (John 10:27-28)
- “Whoever keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them.” (1 John 3:24)
This union cannot be undone, so believers are securely in Christ. Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
Sealed by the Holy Spirit
Verses speak of believers being marked and sealed by the Holy Spirit:
- “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
- “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)
This sealing and deposit guarantee believers will receive their full inheritance. The presence of the Spirit indicates a permanent belonging to God.
Based on these types of verses, those who believe in eternal security argue that God will preserve true believers to the end. Salvation cannot be undone.
Evaluating the Positions
When looking carefully at both positions, a few key considerations emerge:
Passages Can Be Interpreted Differently
Both sides present solid biblical arguments. Good cases can be made from Scripture for either position. This indicates that many verses are open to interpretation rather than definitively settling the debate.
Warning Passages Have Multiple Purposes
The warning passages may not all refer to losing salvation. They can also:
- Warn of losing fellowship with God, not salvation itself
- Reflect believers losing eternal rewards
- Warn those who only profess faith but do not possess it
- Encourage endurance and obedience in genuine believers
Context must determine the purpose in each case.
Both Sides Point to Crucial Truths
Conditional security upholds the necessity of persevering faith. Eternal security upholds the sufficiency of Christ’s work. The full truth includes both elements.
Only God Knows a Person’s Heart
Since only God knows if someone possesses saving faith, human judgments about whether a person “lost salvation” should be made with caution. Apparent falling away may reveal a lack of true conversion rather than losing genuine salvation.
Difference in Focus
The conditional security view focuses on human responsibility while the eternal security view focuses on divine sovereignty. A comprehensive understanding incorporates both elements.
So in evaluating the debate, there are thoughtful cases to be made on both sides from Scripture and theology. Aspects of truth can be found in each position.
Practical Guidance
Looking at the big picture, several practical principles emerge that Christians can keep in mind:
Rely on God’s Grace, Not Works
Salvation is completely by God’s grace, not human effort. Good works are the result, not basis, of salvation. The more we rest in Christ’s work, the more secure we can feel.
Examine Your Own Heart
Rather than judging others’ salvation, we should examine ourselves to confirm our faith is genuine (2 Corinthians 13:5). The apostles often called professing believers to self-examination.
Emphasize Gospel Progress Over Perfection
Sanctification is a process. Struggles with sin don’t necessarily indicate lack of salvation, but normal stumbling in growth.
Cultivate Obedience and Endurance
While good works don’t earn salvation, obeying Christ is the evidence of real faith. Believers should encourage each other to endure and walk faithfully with God.
Trust God’s Sovereignty and Promises
While making every effort in faith, ultimately our salvation depends on God’s faithfulness. His promises offer security to rely on.
Focus on Drawing Near to Christ
Debates over losing salvation can distract from the primary goal – pursuing relationship with Jesus. Our energy is best spent enjoying and sharing Christ.
By keeping these principles in mind, we can have a balanced, practical view. We rely fully on God’s grace, while also emphasizing persevering faith and obedience.
Conclusion
The question of eternal security vs. conditional security will continue being debated. As with many theological issues, passionate cases exist on both sides. Perhaps the full mystery of the interplay between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation will not be resolved this side of eternity.
But we can still gain wisdom from studying the issue. Let the debate drive us to examine Scripture carefully and deepen our understanding of salvation. May it lead to greater awe of the grace of God. And may it inspire us to treasure our relationship with Christ above all else.
Rather than divisions over losing salvation, the debate should produce humility, grace, and dependence on God. Our shared identity in Christ transcends this issue. And if Jesus is our supreme focus, we find security that no theological argument can shake.