Expert: Brian Thompson - 11/11/2002

Question
Can one loose their salvation and where do I find the answer to this in scriptures. Thank you!

Answer
Thank you for your question

Whilst once saved always saved appears to be the norm, and the general consensus of  John 10-28-30, Jude 24, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesian 4:30, Romans 8:28-39, Jesus warns us on a number of occasions that those who just sit back will be cast into the outer darkness. Some interpret this as loss of salvation, others removal to the very outskirts of Heaven. There is also the very specific, “begone from Me I never knew you.” And these were people who were powerfully exhibiting the Gospel.

Revelation 2 contains a number of specific warnings but with the admoninition to repent. This suggests to me that more is expected of us than just believing. We are expected to grow and to become disciples. If we could just believe once and therefore be covered by the blood for ever more why would Jesus specifically warn us in the parables about worldliness and valuing the things of the world higher than the things of God.  God is Good and the opportunity to repent is always with us up to the moment of death.

Romans 11 provides a warning that God is both kind and stern. And Hebrews 6 is very clear that there can be no second redemption for those who have known the Holy Spirit and fall away. I don't read this as sucoming to temptation and repenting but turning their back on God.

To sum up, those who are born again but have not received the Holy Spirit, that is, those who have failed to go on to maturity, are saved but live in danger of losing their salvation if they fall away. They have assurance that  they are sealed to the day of redemption but there are issues here. Those who have received the Holy Spirit, if they should fall away, have lost their salvation.

I hope this assists you

vaya con Dios