The question of whether a truly saved person can lose their salvation is a crucial one in Christian theology. The doctrine of “once saved, always saved,” also known as the perseverance of the saints or eternal security, is firmly rooted in Scripture and supported by many conservative theologians.
Let’s examine what the Bible teaches about this important topic:
- Salvation is God’s Work, Not Ours
Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation is entirely God’s doing, not our own.
- God’s Sovereign Election
Romans 8:29-30 outlines what theologians call the “Golden Chain of Salvation”: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
This passage shows that from God’s perspective, our salvation is a completed action. If God has justified us, He will certainly glorify us.
- Christ’s Finished Work
Hebrews 10:14 declares, “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was completely sufficient to secure our eternal salvation.
- The Sealing of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches that believers are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.” The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is God’s down payment on our salvation.
- God’s Faithfulness
Even when we are unfaithful, God remains faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13 assures us, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.”
- Christ’s Intercession
Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Christ “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus continually prays for believers, ensuring their perseverance.
It’s important to note that true salvation will result in a changed life. As James 2:17 states, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” A person who claims to be saved but shows no evidence of transformation may not have experienced genuine salvation.
In conclusion, the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” is indeed biblical. It’s not a license to sin, but a comforting assurance of God’s unfailing love and power to keep His children. As believers, we can rest in the security of our salvation, knowing that it depends not on our feeble efforts, but on God’s unchanging character and Christ’s perfect work.
Remember, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).