Expert: Sal - 3/26/2004

Question
Hello, i was discussing salvation with a Protestant friend of mine. He was talking about the theology or concept of "once saved, always saved." I was wondering what the Church teaches on salvation pertaining to this subject. Is this the same? or could one fall away?  Thank you for you time and patience.  

Answer
Dear Chris:

The Catholic Church teaches that one can not have assurance of salvation. The concept of “Once saved, always saved” is a modern one. No early Church Father believed in such a thing. In fact most Protestants don't believe in it. There are many passages in the Bible which indicate that one can fall from salvation. Let's look at what Jesus himself had to say on the subject of salvation.

“When that day comes many will plead with me, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name. Have we not exorcised demons by its power? Did we not do many miracles in your name as well?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Out of my sight, you evildoers!'” (Mt. 7:22-23).

These people did much good in Jesus' name. They thought that they had assurance of salvation, but they were lost.

“But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Mt. 24:13). Why would Jesus say this unless one could lose one's salvation? “Be on guard and pray that you may not be put to the test” (Mk. 14:38). Why fear being put to the test if salvation is assured? “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. They have no root; they believe for a while, but fall away in time of temptation” (Lk. 8:13). Jesus is saying that some believe, “are saved”, but then fall away, “are lost”. They thought that they had assurance of salvation, but did not persevere.

In the famous parable of the Prodigal Son we have a picture of one having salvation, then losing it, then regaining it. The returning son is described as having been “dead and has come back to life” (Lk. 15:32). This is a Jewish way of saying that the son was separated from God's family and then was restored to God's family. “He was lost, and is found.”

In a classic example of an elect person losing salvation, we have Judas falling to sin (see Jn. 6:70-71). “I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have lest someone rob you of your crown” (Rev. 3:11). Here Jesus warns that one can have a crown of salvation, but can lose it. “If anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city described here!” (Rev. 22:19). One's share in eternal life with God can be taken away, therefore, no assurance of salvation.

I believe that our Lord's words are clear-no assurance of salvation. There are many other passages that show that one can lose one's salvation.

If I can be of further help please let me know.

St. Michael the archangel, Defender of the Catholic Faith, pray for us,
Sal