Can a Christian Lose their Salvation?

Is it possible for a Christian to lose their salvation. This is a discussion that has been debated for a very long time.  In this post I cover what the bible says about the issue.

Before we answer this question, we must define some words here.  Those words are Christian and Salvation.  There are quite a few interpretations that define these two words, so we must be careful to ensure, the questioner and the one answering are on the same page.  Whenever we need to converge on the same definition it must be in accord with the bible as being the absolute authority.

Christian:  The bible does not refer much to the actual term, but we do know that there were disciples were first called Christians at Antioch (Ac 11:17), but there is little else that use the direct word.  By implication though, the terms brother, brothers and sisters, brethren (Col 1:2), believer (Ac 16:1), sheep (Jn 10:27-28), belonging to “the Way”, (Ac 9:2) refer to Christians. 

So a Christian is one that chooses to follow through obedience and worship Jesus Christ, desires to have fellowship with Him and strives to bring Him glory through their lives.  Around the world in every church there are many millions of people professing to be Christians but are not obedient to the commandments of Christ or to enter fellowship with Him. These people are not by biblical definition Christian.  Also, a person who goes to church on Sunday for example may categorize them as Christians in the World’s eyes,  does not make them a Christian in the eyes of God.

Salvation: Salvation is not simply “Going to Heaven.” Salvation is also not being saved from oneself or from the devil, or from Hell (although the latter is avoided).  Salvation means to be saved from the righteous judgement of God that will fall on a sinner.  That salvation comes through one man alone – Jesus Christ (Ac 4:10-12).  One that believes in Jesus as Savour receives remission of sins (Ac 10:43).  Salvation is only by the grace of God through our faith, and not by our own efforts.  (Eph 2:4-9)

So a Christian is someone that has received salvation.

Salvation is the Gift of God (Eph 2:8) 

and  comes with certain promises from God. Here are some

• Salvation from God’s wrath (1Th 5:9)
•  Eternal Life.  (Jn 3:14-18, 6:47)
• Remission from Sins (Ac 10:43)
• Gifted the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13)
• Become a Child of God (Jn 1:12,Rom 8:15-17)

So if a Christian is to lose salvation then that would mean that they would therefore have earned back the wrath of God awaiting sinners.  To say we can lose salvation admits that we can effectively lose eternal life (a promise given), we get our sins recorded back again (it was promised they are remitted), the Holy Spirit leaves us (it was given as a free gift) and we lose our position as one of God’s adopted children. (promised)

The main fact against this thinking is that God’s promises are made using the name of Jesus (also God). So God is using his own name as an oath.  Therefore the promises are immutable. (Heb 13:20)

Therefore a Christian is one that is obedient to the commands of God, through Jesus, worships Him and wants to have fellowship with Him.  That person has received salvation.  To them they have received irrevocable promises.  Since God will not withdraw a promise, and knowing that a Christian is saved, while a sinner has not received salvation, the question of if a Christian can lose their salvation has as much meaning as asking if a sugar can lose sweetness.Sugar is sweet as a Christian is saved, sugar cannot lose sweetness.  if it did then it would not be sugar in the first place!

"Backsliders"

I have never liked the word "Backslider."  For one thing, it is mentioned in the bible as referring to the rebellions of the Nation of Israel and never to an individual,especially not a Christian.

But what happens if a so Christian falls repeatedly into sin or even goes the down the full road to  Apostasy, by denying God himself? If you want to call that "backsliding,"  go ahead.  Basically, that cannot happen.  For once one has tasted the gift of eternity through Jesus Christ, having partaken of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and has experienced the love of God, going back is impossible (Heb 6:1-8).  If a “Christian” does fall away then one has to question if they were sincere about their faith in the first place.  It can be argued that those who turn away from their faith never had faith to begin with! (2 Tim 2:11-13) The reason is that if they remain in sin, then they have not followed through on the first act of salvation – Repentance (which means to turn away from a life of sin and towards a life of Christ. 

"Once Saved, Always Saved" Truth or Excuse

A Christian who upholds the cliché line, “Once saved, always saved,” as an excuse to sin, is missing the point of what it means to be a Christian.  A Christian should not entertain sinning in the first place (1Jn 2:1).  Furthermore, while God guarantees salvation, it does not prevent him punishing disobedience in his children, for example, by holding back blessings or rewards (Heb 12:6).  Being punished for being his child is different from being judged for being a sinner. John spent a great Deal of First John explaining that Children of God cannot walk in the dark, but only in the light.   God is Light and we must continue to walk in light. (1Jn 1:5). Furthermore a Christian who claim that they can continue to sin under the, “Once saved, always saved,” mantra and still claim their 'Christianity" is in defiance of First John Chapter 2 verses 3-6.  This states that person who says they have come to know God (a Christian) but does not obey God's commandments (a Christian) is a liar!  John then goes on to question if that person is truly a christian or not.  In other words, that person most likely never came to the point of salvation in the first place.  He same reason why as before, is that they never did repent.

However, it must be said that from a purely scriptural point of view, once saved we are saved.  Its reaching the point of salvation that is at issue.

Nominal Christianity

But what about a Christian who fails to show anything for it – The so called “Nominal Christian.”  For example, they do not share the Gospel as Jesus commanded? This does not prevent salvation.  The righteous will be rewarded according to their works, through Christ’s return at the Rapture (Rev 22:12) while at the Second Coming; Christ will render judgement on unrighteous works.  You should not confuse Salvation with the Rewards. Some Christians will be saved, but for their lack of works, will not receive rewards, while those that obey and follow the commandments of Christ absolutely will receive the rewards for such.  Christians show their faith through good works (Jas 2:18)

Summary

So to summarize: No a Christian cannot lose their salvation.  A Christian is a saved person.   If someone lost their salvation it would mean that God bloke his promise to them and God cannot break his own promises, and neither can he lie.