The concept of losing salvation is a theological debate within Christianity, and different denominations and interpretations have varying perspectives. Some Christian traditions believe in the doctrine of “eternal security,” also known as “once saved, always saved,” which asserts that once a person is genuinely saved, they cannot lose their salvation, regardless of subsequent actions or circumstances. Others disagree and among this group are varying ideas on how a saved person loses their salvation.

Throughout this  thread, we will address some of the scriptures used to support both sides of the argument. We want to warn you that scripture must be taken within context. Context is everything. That context must include the chapter, book, and entire Bible. Each time we must look at the author, his purpose, who the author is writing too, and what else the author is saying. It is always dangerous to base our theology or doctrine solely on one or two passages. On the other hand,  many scriptures that cause us concern or are hard to understand can be explained by looking for context. We attempt to do this throughout this thread.

What does Scripture say about salvation, and once obtained, how can it be lost? To set the stage, we must first address how salvation is manifested.

 

How is Salvation Manifested

 

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

Before we chose to believe in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross, Satan and his demons reside in us. In Ephesians 2:

1 ¶  And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

2  in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

3  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

 

Jesus told His disciples in John 16:

7 ¶  “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.8  “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

The Helper is the Holy Spirit, and His first order of business is to clean house in our spirit and convict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. How do we get the Holy Spirit? We need only ask.

Lu 11:13  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

The Holy Spirit then becomes our teacher and brings to our remembrance all that Jesus has said.

John 14:26  “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Paul says in Ephesians 1 that the Holy Spirit is given as a pledge of our salvation.

13  In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14  who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

 

The Holy Spirit indwells in us to testify we are born again. In Romans 8 Paul says:

1 ¶  Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

3  For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,

4  so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

5  For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

6  For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

7  because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,

8  and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9  However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

10 ¶  If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

11  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

12  So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—

13  for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14  For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

15  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

16  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

17 ¶  and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

 

Note that Paul is saying the saved are a work in process, putting the deeds of the flesh to death and transforming our life to live by the Spirit that dwells in us. The Spirit testifies to our spirit we are sons of God and heirs to Him. This inheritance is predicated on our suffering with Christ to share in His glorification. In 1 Peter 4, it says:

12 ¶  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

13  but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

 

Note that more than 80 scriptures in the New Testament address suffering or tribulation, many related to those in Christ Jesus. The suffering and tribulation of those in Christ Jesus is a   subject to be discussed in an upcoming Spiritual Thread.

Other scripture testifies to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our salvation.

Ro 8:26 ¶  In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

2Co 1:22  who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

2Co 5:5  Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

Eph 1:13  In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

1Jo 4:13  By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit who lives within us is our guarantee of salvation. Even though we are imperfect and sin, our lives testify to God’s grace if we are saved. The Holy Spirit prompts our spirit when we sin, and we should repent. Repentance should include sincere regret or remorse for our sins, accompanied by a resolve to change our behavior or actions.

Our Demeanor or what are the manifestations of having the Holy Spirit

How we behave is another way to determine salvation. Due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we must exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:

 22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

 

Other Scripture addresses how salvation is manifested. Ephesians chapters 4, 5, and 6, for example. 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 tells us how to live. However, in Matthew 22, a summation was given by Jesus when one of the Pharisees asked Him:

35  One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him,

36  “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

37  And He said to him, “‘ YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.‘

38  “This is the great and foremost commandment.

39  “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’

40  “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

 

We must treat others with kindness, especially those who work for us, and not be drunkards. In Luke 12, Peter asks Jesus a question.

41 ¶  Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

42  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

43  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

44  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

45  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

46  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

 

Our demeanor is summed up in love. In 1 John 4:

7 ¶  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

8  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

9  By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

10  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

12  No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.

13  By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

14 ¶  We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

15  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

16  We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

19  We love, because He first loved us.

 

Our Security

How does God secure our salvation? We addressed some of the securities above. However, Paul goes on to say in Ephesians 2:

1 ¶  And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

2  in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

3  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

4 ¶  But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

5  even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6  and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7  so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

8  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

9  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

 

We are a work in process. In Matthew 16, Jesus addresses His disciples.

 

15  He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?“

16  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17  And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

 

No priest, minister, authority, or individual can tell us we have been saved or reveal who Christ is. Our Father in Heaven reveals the truth of who Jesus is. Paul reiterates this to us in 1 Peter 1:

 

3 ¶  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4  to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

5  who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

Note that Paul says that our salvation that the Father causes is imperishable (not subject to decay), will not fade, reserved for us in heaven, and protected by the power of God.

 

In the book of John Jesus alludes to the  concept of eternal secuirty.

 

Joh 3:15  so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. 16  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

 

Jesus then says in John 10:

27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

 

This scripture says that those who believe and know Christ have eternal life and will never perish. That is the good news of the Gospel and is the cornerstone of our faith. It makes Christianity different than any other religion. Note that this says no man can pluck them from God’s hand. We will adddress this promise later.

Paul says we were predestined to be conformed to Christ’s image, freely giving us all things, and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Romans 8:

28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

29 ¶  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

30  and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

31 ¶  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

32  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

33  Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;

34  who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

35  Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36  Just as it is written, “FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”

37  But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

38  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

39  nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Christ can keep us from stumbling. Jude 1:

24  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,

The book of Hebrews primarily addresses the Jews.

Christ can come to our aid, as stated in Hebrews 2:

18  For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

 

The context of Hebrews 7 is the differentiation of Jesus and the Levitical priesthood. The author starts by saying the following:

23  The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,

24  but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.

25  Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

26  For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

 

Jesus is then providing one sacrifice, His death on the cross, that is good forever.

 

So, to recap what God has done for us when we are saved:

• We are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2: 8)
• Faith is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8)
• Through faith we are sons of God, belong to Christ, and are fellow heirs. (Galatians 3: 22- 29)
• We were elected, and He foreknew us and predestined us to conform to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29) (note that election and predestination are subjects for another Spiritual Thread).
• Nothing can stand in our way if we hear the word of God and act on this.
• We can live through Christ
  • He is the author and perfector of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
  • We can conquer all things through Him. (Romans 8:37)
  • We have been made alive together with Christ. (Ephesians 2:5)
  • Christ, our High Priest at the Father’s right hand, makes intercession for us and can save those who draw near to God forever. (Hebrews 7: 25)
  • Christ can aid us when tempted and keep us from stumbling because He was tempted and suffered in every way. (Jude 1:24)
  • Christ has been tempted and suffered just like us and can come to our aid. (Hebrews 2:18)
  • Christ ‘s sacrifice on the cross is once for all and forever. (Hebrews 7:23-26)
  • If we suffer with Christ, we are fellow heirs or sons of God and we will share in His glory. (Romans 8: 17) (note that suffering is a subject for another Spiritual Thread)
• We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit.
  • The Spirit is our pledge or guarantee of our salvation. (Ephesians 1:14 and 1Jo 4:13 )
  • The Spiirit is our pledge we are in Christ. (2 Co 5:5)
  • The Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness and judgment. (John 16:7)
  • The Spirit is our teacher and helps us remember all Jesus has said. (John 14:26)
  • The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. (Ro 8:26)
  • The Spirit intercedes for us. (Ro 8:26)
  • The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are sons of God. (Ro 8:16)
  • The Spirit transforms us. (Ro 8:13)
  • The Spirit provides life and peace. (Ro 8:6)
• God is rich in mercy. (Eph 2:4)
• We can cry out to God “Abba Father!” Daddy, help me! (Ro 8:15)
• We are given an imperishable, undefiled inheritance that will not fade away. (1 Peter 1:4)
• God protects our salvation. (1 Peter 1:5)
• Our salvation is secure if we believe. (John 3:15-16)
• No man can pluck our eternal life away. (John 10: 28-29)
• Nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Ro 8:37-39)
• No one but God can condemn us. (Ro 8:1)
• In all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him, who loves us. (Ro 8: 37)
• God causes all things to work together for good of those who love God. (Ro 8:28)
• We are protected by the power of God. (1 Peter 1:5)

 

As a result of what God has done for us, how should we respond?

We should cast all our anxieties on him.

Php 4:6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1 Peter 5:

7  casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

8 ¶  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

9  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

10 ¶  After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

 

 

In Romans 12, Paul tells us what we must do.

 

1 ¶  Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

To be transformed by renewing your mind, one must actively work on changing their thought patterns and beliefs to align with the teachings of the Bible. The primary catalyst in this transformation is the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can accomplish transformation through prayer, studying scripture, surrounding oneself with positive influences, seeking guidance from spiritual leaders, and the testimony of other Christians. By consistently practicing these habits and seeking God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit, individuals can experience a lasting transformation in their mindset and soul, which will manifest in Godly behavior.

 

What about scripture that indicates we cannot lose our salvation or the Holy Spirit?

Let’s address some scriptures used to support the idea of eternal security. Before we do, let us define what we mean in this thread about “eternal security”. Eternal security means you cannot lose your salvation once you are saved, no matter what you or any other person, deity, or spirit does to you. We will propose a different definition. Our eternal security or salvation, given all that God does for us who believe, is a strong fortress not easily defeated. Nothing outside ourselves can cause us to lose our salvation. However, we can lose our salvation if we choose to live in sin. Suppose we do not do our part to cultivate and strengthen our belief so that our transformation to faith flourishes, as just stated. In that case, we create an opportunity for the world and the devil to influence us. See Jesus’s parable of the seed in Matthew 13 to see how vulnerable belief is when we first place it in God.

One of the most used scriptures to support eternal security is

1 John

The book of 1 John is often used to support the concept that once you are saved, you are always saved. After all, the purpose of this book is found in I John 5:

13  These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

This scripture without context is used to support eternal security. However, let’s read what the author said before this verse.

Back in the first chapter of 1 John the author said:

4  These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

5 ¶  This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

6  If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;

7  but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 ¶  If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

2:1 ¶  My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

2  and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

3 ¶  By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

4  The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

5  but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:

6  the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

 

Several points are made here, including we all must have fellowship with Him, we all sin, we are cleansed if we walk in the Light (Christ), if we confess our sins we are forgiven, we know Him if we follow His commands and walk like Him. A lot of ifs before we get to 1 John 5: 13.

After Paul gave instructions in how to live, he told the Ephesians in  Ephesians 6:

10 ¶  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

11  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

12  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

14  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,

15  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;

16  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

 

We are vulnerable when we are new believers developing our faith. However, the devil is always on the attack and sometimes more fierce when we are firm in our faith and influential followers of Christ. We are all vulnerable when isolated from Christian influences and God’s word.

Let us first address God’s will. Jesus addresses God’s will in John 6:

32  Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven.

33  “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.”

34  Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.”

35  Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.

36  “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.

37  “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.

38  “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

39  “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

40  “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

 

The demons believe in God also. They know and believe in Jesus.

 

Matthew 8: 28 ¶  When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way.

29  And they cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

 

The will of the Father is that all who believe in Him will be saved. It is also the will of God that all men be saved. In 1 Timothy 2 it says:

3  This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

4  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

We know from numerous scripture that not all men will be saved. Not all of God’s will will be done. Believers in eternal security will say that will and desire are two separate words with distinct meanings and emphasis. The Greek word for desire used in 1 Timothy 4 is thelo means will, have in mind, intend, purpose, desire, wish, or take pleasure in. The Greek word for believe used in John 6:40 is thelema, which also means to will or wish. However, it can also be what God has proposed, a command, or a precept. This same word is used in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6: 9-10 “Your will be done”. Why are we praying for God’s will if it has already been predetermined? We can do nothing about it, and our prayers are not effective.

 

In any case, for context, Timothy goes on to say in 1 Timothy 4:

 

1 ¶  But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

Paul says in Philliapns 1:

6  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

 

Later, Paul says in Philippians 3:

 

17 ¶  Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

18  For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

19  whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

 

Romans 8

Ephesians

Calvinists use this book to support the predestination of the Elect and espouse the idea that we cannot lose the Holy Spirit to support the idea of eternal security. We will not address predestination here but will address the concept of eternal security.

Let’s take a look at context. Note that Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire and home to the temple of the much sought after goddess Artemis. The temple was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. All commerce, tourism, and prostitution were centered around this temple and magic and sorcery were also prevalent. This environment presented numerous opportunities to sin and challenge the faith of the Ephesian converts to Christ. The book of Ephesians starts with Paul writing to the saints in Ephesus who are faithful to Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1: 1 ¶  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:

According to Acts 19, during Paul’s third missionary journey, he came to Ephesus and baptized twelve disciples in the name of Jesus who had previously been baptized under John the Baptist. They did not even know of a Holy Spirit before Pauls baptism. The twelve began speaking in tongues and prophesying. Many in Ephesus spoke evil of the Way (the way of salvation). So Paul took the twelve to the school of Tyrannus and for two years instructed them regarding the Way. During this time, Paul performed extraordinary miracles.

Ephesians 1 goes on to say:

13  In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14  who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

 

The primary purpose of Ephesians was to instruct converts to Christ in the Way, or how we live in the Spirit. Later in Ephesians Paul says:

 

Eph 4:30  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

 

The Greek word for grieve is lupeo, which means to make sorrowful or offend. The eternal security advocates believe Paul reminds us the Holy Spirit has “sealed believers for the day of redemption.” This “sealing” takes place at the point of salvation. Note that the indwelling Holy Spirit may not occur until baptism (see Acts 2: 38-39 and Acts 19 again) and a subject for another Spiritual Thread. In any case, the eternal security folks believe that though we can bring grief or offend the Spirit, we cannot lose the Spirit. The Greek word translated “sealed” is from the root word sphragizo, which means being closed up and marked.

A classic example is the wax-pressed symbol applied to a letter. The symbol implies both security and identification. As a result, the eternal security folks believe the Holy Spirit marks us in anticipation of the day we meet with Christ.

Paul’s point is fundamental to the entire Christian understanding of sin. In short, believers can make the Holy Spirit sad or offended by our sinful actions. The following section will address the severe consequences of grieving the Holy Spirit.. In any case, this scripture ties together several critical ideas. First, it means that saved Christians are still capable of sin. Second, it means that God does care about how we live our lives once we are saved. This scripture should motivate the saved to live godly lives. Third, this scripture is used to support eternal security. Even those who believe in eternal security do not believe eternal security is a license to sin because true believers don’t want to offend or grieve our Savior or make Him sad. However, the eternal security folks believe Paul is not warning us about being cast aside due to sin.

To counter this idea of eternal security, let’s address the context within the book of Ephesians. In chapter 5 it says:

1 ¶  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;

2  and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

3 ¶  But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;

4  and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

5  For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

7  Therefore do not be partakers with them;

 

This scripture clearly says the immoral, impure, greedy, covetous, and idolaters have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Who was Paul warning? As Paul stated in Ephesians 1:1 “the saints who are faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Finally, we have Revelation 2, which starts warning the church in Ephesus.

1 ¶  “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

2  ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;

3  and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.

4  ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

5  ‘Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent.

6  ‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7  ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

 

This counter to eternal security introduces our next section, addressing the consequences of grieving or offending the Holy Spirit and describing several ways salvation is lost.

Salvation Lost

We have discussed two ways that our salvation may be in jeopardy. One way is we have lost our first love, Christ. Another way that could be a manifestation of losing our first love is our demeanor.  If we once possessed the “Fruits of the Spirit” and now they are missing in our lives, then it is time to assess our salvation. Other ways we can lose our salvation follow. Note that all of the categories addressed are closely intertwined.

Willful and Persistent Sin

Continuing our discussion regarding eternal security in the book of Ephesians, we will look at scripture in other books of the Bible. We shall first look at the book of Hebrews, primarily written to the Jewish believers, and establish context. In Hebrews 3, the author clearly addresses the holy brethren and partakers of a heavenly calling.

1 ¶  Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;

The author’s purpose is stated below.

Hebrews 13: 22  But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

The Greek word for exhortation is “paraklesis, ” meaning to call near, instruct, admonish, encourage, and comfort.

In Hebrews 10, the writer is, saying:

10  By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

 

The author spoke to the Jewish believers who knew the Old Testament method of sanctification involved a continuing blood sacrifice of animals and now only needed the one blood sacrifice of Jesus.

 

14  For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

 

Through the one sacrifice of Jesus the believer is perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Note that this perfection is for  “those who are sanctified”. In the New Testament, sanctification is a process and state of being set apart for God’s purposes, becoming holy or purified from sin. This concept is deeply rooted in Jesus’s teachings and the apostles’ writings. Here’s an overview of how sanctification is understood and obtained according to the New Testament:

 

1. **Through Faith in Jesus Christ**: Sanctification begins with faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are sanctified through their relationship with Christ, who is the source of holiness. By trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for sins, believers are justified before God and begin the process of sanctification (Acts 26:18; Hebrews 10:10).

 

2. **The Work of the Holy Spirit**: The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sanctification. After conversion, the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, working in them to produce godly character and conform them to Christ’s image. This transformation is a gradual, ongoing process that involves the believer’s cooperation with the Spirit’s leading (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5:16-25).

 

3. **Obedience to God’s Word**: Sanctification involves a commitment to live according to God’s will as revealed in the Bible. The Word of God is described as having a sanctifying effect on believers as they read, understand, and apply it to their lives. Jesus prayed for His disciples, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Consistent engagement with Scripture guides believers in godly living.

 

4. **Participation in Christian Practices**: Practices such as prayer, worship, partaking of the sacraments (like baptism and communion), and fellowship with other believers are means through which sanctification can occur. These practices help believers to grow in faith, love, and obedience to God (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25).

 

5. **Endurance in Trials**: The New Testament also teaches that trials and suffering can be instrumental in the sanctification process. James 1:2-4, for example, speaks of trials producing perseverance and maturity. Believers are encouraged to see God’s refining work in their lives through difficult circumstances, leading to greater holiness (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 1:6-7).

 

6. **A Future Aspect**: While sanctification involves a present reality of being set apart for God and growing in holiness, there is also a future aspect to it. Believers look forward to the day when they will be made perfectly holy at the return of Jesus Christ. This ultimate sanctification is part of the Christian hope (1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 John 3:2-3).

 

In summary, sanctification in the New Testament is obtained through faith in Christ, is a work of the Holy Spirit within believers, involves obedience to God’s Word, participation in Christian community and practices, enduring trials with perseverance, and has both present and future dimensions. It is a comprehensive process encompassing every aspect of a believer’s life, leading to complete conformity to Jesus Christ.

 

Then the author of Hebrews 10 turns to address the Holy Spirit.

 

15  And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

16  “THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says,

17  “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

 

The Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit that we are in this sanctification process and writes God laws upon our hearts and minds.

 

Back to chapter 10 of Hebrews, the author begins to warn or admonish the believers or the brethren.

 

26  For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

27  but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.

28  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

29  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

30  For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”

31  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

 

In context, insulting the “Spirit of grace”  includes sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of truth. The Greek word for wilfully means voluntarily, of one’s own accord,  as opposed to sins committed thoughtlessly or carelessly, from ignorance or weakness. The Greek word for knowledgable means precise and correct knowledge and is used in the NT of the knowledge of things ethical and divine. That knowledge includes all the attributes discussed and summarized in the previous “How Salvation is Manifested” section. To know these attributes, we need to not only have head knowledge but also to have experienced  them.

What is this knowledge that protects us?

2 Peter 1:

1 ¶  Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

2  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;

3  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

4  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 ¶  Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6  and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

7  and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9  For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.

10  Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;

11  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

 

This knowledge will manifest in us in the following ways:

The knowledge that we are saved and secure having everlasting life through Jesus Christ and what he has done.

Joh 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Joh 5:24  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Joh 6:35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Joh 6:40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The grace of God

Ro 3:22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

 

The gift of faith freely given by God once you have confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Ro 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

 

Eph 2:8  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Ga 3:22  But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

We have the two words: belief and faith. The word in the Greek for believe means to think something is true or place confidence in it. It can be mere acknowledgment of a fact, event, or intellectual faith. The Greek word for faith is different. Faith means a conviction of the truth, which includes trust and holy fervor or passion. It is the assurance and welcome conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ. So, belief is more temporal and shallow. The promise of faith then follows belief and is more permanent, passionate, and grounded. To understand this more, read Mark Chapter 4 about the sower and the seed.

Therefore, after being saved through our belief in Jesus Christ, death and resurrection and followed by God’s gift of faith, our lives must demonstrate God’s transforming power through our speech and action. As stated earlier, we must be transformed by renewing our minds through the indwelling Holy Spirit by utilizing scripture, surrounding oneself with positive influences, seeking guidance from spiritual leaders, and the testimony of other Christians. Even though faith is a gift from God by His grace we still play a role. We cannot interpret scripture or divine messages without the Holy Spirit guiding us.

We have the entire chapter 11 of Hebrews on faith that starts out:

1 ¶  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11 then goes through the faith demonstrated by many of the Old Testament figures and how they gained approval through their faith.

Followed by Hebrews 12 that starts out:

1 ¶  Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

So once we choose to believe, we have two options. To live in the Spirit were our belief will grow into faith, as promised,  or to live in the flesh. Galations 5 tells us how this works.

 

13 ¶  For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

14  For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”

15  But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

16  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

17  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

18  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

19  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

20  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

21  envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

24  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25  If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

 

The love of God and of others which is patient, kind, endures, forbears, and is full of hope without selfish motives, jealousy, bragging, arrogance, or provocation but rejoices in the truth.

 

1Co 13: 1 ¶  If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Vengence and rejoices in the truth and never fails

2  If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

3  And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

4 ¶  Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant,

5  does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,

6  does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

7  bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 ¶  Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part;

10  but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.

11  When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

12  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

13  But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

 

The peace, joy, and hope through the Spirit that permits all understanding.

Ro 5:1  Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ro 14:17  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Ro 15:13  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Php 4: 6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

After receiving and experiencing this knowledge, including the transforming power of God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit discussed and summarized in the previous section, if we continue to willfully and unashamedly sin without remorse, then as Hebrew 10:29 above said, we then insult the Holy Spirit since It is the Holy Spirit’s work to convict us of sin, teach, and transform us.

Paul talked of grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit as we previously presented in Ephesians 4.

30  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

He also talked of quenching the Spirit in 1 Thessalonians 5.

19  Do not quench the Spirit;

If we choose after receiving the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to sin even though the Spirit instructs us we are sinning, then we quench the Spirit. If this continues without repentance, we start to live according to the flesh, and eventually, the Holy Spirit’s fire is out, and we experience a spiritual death.

In Matthew 12 Jesus gives us a dreadful warning of condemnation if we speak against or blasphemy the Holy Spirit.

Mt 12: 31  “Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.32  “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

This warning is also recorded in Mark and Luke as follows.

Mr 3:29  but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

Lu 12:10  “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.

First, in addressing context, the warning in Matthew and Mark is preceded by Jesus maliciously casting out demons. Some scribes and Pharisees who witnessed these miracles claimed it was not done through the Holy Spirit but through Beelzebul, a demonic spirit. Therefore, after seeing the Holy Spirit’s miraculous power, they call it evil.

Second, let us address the words blasphemy or it’s variation blasphemes. The Greek word for blasphemes is blasphemeo, which on the service means to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, and calumniate. It’s meaning in this context, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, includes the wilful and wicked rejection of God’s saving power and grace after we have experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and it’s power. For this type of sin, the only remedy is to hand the blasphemer over to Satan as Paul did in 1 Timothy 1:

12 ¶  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,

13  even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

14  and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

15  It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

16  Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

17  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 ¶  This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,

19  keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

20  Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

 

Hymenaesu and Alexander must have been exhibiting actions that indicated a shipwrecked faith, which Paul considered blaspheme. Obviously, Paul believed there was still hope for them. Again, faith and sin are closely related. If we lose our faith, we can easily fall back into sin. We will address faith more in the next section on Apostasy.

In summary, we believe a better translation of “blasphemes against” would be “to make a mockery of”. As we have seen in our discussion of Hebrews 10, insulting the Holy Spirit after experiencing the powerful indwelling of the Holy Spirit includes our actions of persistent willful sin, and blaspheming is similar. This includes our actions such as a conscious and hardened resistance to the truth or the wilful and wicked rejection of God’s saving power, which leads man away from humility and repentance. Without repentance, there can be no forgiveness. That is why the sin of blasphemy against the Spirit cannot be forgiven since one who does not acknowledge his sin does not seek to have it forgiven.

 

Lastly, let’s address the Greek word for “speaks”, which is Logo, and the Greek word for “word”. which is Logos used in Matthew 12:32. Logo means to say or speak. However, Logos establishes humanity in its true being. Logos here is both a word and a meaning that evokes human account and reckoning of moral precepts given by God. The same Greek word, but capitalized to evoke deity, was used for introducing Jesus in John 1,

14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

In this case it denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his part in the creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world’s life, both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man’s salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.

 

As stated earlier, all of us sin and need God’s grace. In Romans 3:

19 ¶  Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

 

However, if we come to a point where our sin no longer causes the Holy Spirit to alert or convict our spirit even denying the power of God’s grace to forgive, then we are becoming spiritually dead. The Holy Spirit’s fire can be quenched entirely or extinguished.

In the Old Testament, David, after committing adultery with Bathsheba  and sending her husband to his death, said in Psalms 51

11  Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Note that previously, Saul, a King of Israel and predecessor of David, had disobeyed God, was jealous, attempted murder, and wilfully sinned several times after being warned. God eventually removed the Holy Spirit from Saul.

1 Samuel 16:14-23

King James Version

¹⁴ But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.

As addressed earlier, some religious leaders, theologians, and bible scholars subscribe to the doctrine of belief that we cannot lose the Holy Spirit in the New Testament period. New Testament scripture never clearly says this. Instead, many of the verses in the New Testament allude to losing the Holy Spirit and after an evil spirit enters. Some of these scriptures follow.

Just like Saul, once saved and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is void, we are worse off than before we were saved.

In Luke 11, shortly after stating the Lord’s Prayer and describing how an earthly father responds to a son’s needs, Jesus said:

13  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

14 ¶  And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed.

15  But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”

16  Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven.

17  But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls.

18  “If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

19  “And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges.

20  “But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

21  “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed.

22  “But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder.

23  “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.

24  “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’

25  “And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.

26  “Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”

 

Apostasy (abandonment of our faith or belief)

1Timothy 4: 1 ¶  But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

In this instance, the Greek word for faith is pistis, which means in the NT a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally including the idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it. It includes the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ and a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.

As discussed in the previous chapter, belief can lead to the gift of faith promised by the Father. However, just like sanctification, faith is also a process.

In the New Testament, faith is often presented as a central theme and is depicted as both a gift from God and a response to God’s revelation through Jesus Christ. Here are several key insights into how faith is obtained according to the New Testament:

 

1. **Faith as a Gift from God**: Ephesians 2:8-9 is one of the most cited passages regarding faith as a gift: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage suggests that faith itself is a part of God’s grace towards humanity, something that individuals receive rather than achieve through their own efforts.

 

2. **Hearing the Word of God**: According to Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” This verse indicates that faith arises in individuals as they hear or engage with the teachings and message of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of the proclamation of the Gospel for the generation of faith.

 

3. **The Role of the Holy Spirit**: The New Testament also describes the Holy Spirit as playing a crucial role in the development of faith. For instance, in Galatians 5:22, faith or faithfulness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, suggesting that the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in an individual’s life produce faith.

 

4. **Encounters with Jesus**: The Gospels are full of stories where individuals come to faith through personal encounters with Jesus Christ. Whether it is through witnessing miracles, hearing His teachings, or experiencing His compassion, many come to believe in Him as the Messiah and Son of God through direct interaction.

 

5. **Community and Testimony**: Acts and the Epistles highlight how faith can also be nurtured within the community of believers. The testimony of other Christians, both in word and deed, serves as a powerful witness that can lead others to faith. The communal aspect of worship, prayer, and fellowship also plays a significant role in fostering and sustaining faith.

 

6. **A Personal Response**: While faith is described as a gift and is nurtured through various means, it also requires a personal response. Mark 1:15 records Jesus’ call to repentance and belief in the gospel, indicating that an individual’s decision to trust in God’s promises and commit to following Jesus is a critical step in obtaining faith.

 

In summary, obtaining faith in the New Testament is portrayed as a multifaceted process involving divine initiative and human response. It is both a gift from God and something that grows within an individual through hearing the Word, experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit, personal encounters with Jesus, the influence of the Christian community, and an individual’s own decision to believe and follow Christ.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews describes faith and what it accomplishes. We can forfeit our salvation through persistent, deliberate rejection of faith. Our faith may sometimes falter, but if we abandon our faith in God entirely and reject His grace, we can forfeit our salvation.

We must continue in the faith, as stated in Colossians 1.

21  And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,

22  yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—

23  if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

 

In Hebrews 3 it says we must maintain our faith to the end.

 

1 ¶  Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;

…

6  but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.

7 ¶  Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,

8  DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS,

9  WHERE YOUR FATHERS TRIED Me BY TESTING Me, AND SAW MY WORKS FOR FORTY YEARS.

10  “THEREFORE I WAS ANGRY WITH THIS GENERATION, AND SAID, ‘THEY ALWAYS GO ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART, AND THEY DID NOT KNOW MY WAYS’;

11  AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, ‘THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.'”

12  Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.

13  But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

14  For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end,

 

In Romans 11,  holding on to our faith is reiterated.

 

18  do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.

19  You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”

20  Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;

21  for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.

22  Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

 

And again, Peter said in 1 Corinthians 15:

1 ¶  Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,

2  by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

 

And again, John said in Revelation 2.

10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

These verses tell us we can be cut off from the tree of life if we do not continue in the faith process and in His kindness. God has done so much for us because of his great love for us. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and demonstrate His love and also faith as a gift. He has also sent his Son to die a horrible death for our salvation. If we then lose our faith in God and what He has done for us, we can be cut off from the tree of life.

Falling from His grace results in severe circumstances. In Hebrews 6:

1 ¶  Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

2  of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.

3  And this we will do, if God permits.

4  For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

5  and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,

6  and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

7  For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God;

8  but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.

 

This Scripture clearly says if we have experienced enlightenment, tasted the heavenly gift, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and then fall away, there is no room for repentance. Note that “fallen away” in Greek means deviating from the right path, turning aside, and wandering from Jehovah’s true faith and worship.

Finally, Paul questioned his own qualifications regarding salvation in 1 Corinthians 9:

26  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;

27  but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

Faith Without Works

The book of James addresses the subject of works for those who claim to have faith. It is important to remember we do not attain salvation by works. However, once saved and partakers of God’s gifts, our lives should manifest works. In James 2:

14 ¶  What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?

15  If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,

16  and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

17  Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

18  But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

19  You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.

20  But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?

22  You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;

23  and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.

24  You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

25  In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

26  For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

 

False Prophets, Teachers and Spirits

Scripture also tells us another way we can lose our salvation. In Revelation 22:

18  I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;

19  and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

 

So, if anyone takes away or adds any words to the Bible, they can lose their salvation. Taking away or changing God’s word can result in false teachings.

The scriptures also include any false teachings or spirits.

1Jo 4:1  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

In Matthew 7 Jesus talks about the destruction of these false prophets.

15 ¶  “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

16  “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?

17  “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.

18  “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.

19  “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

20  “So then, you will know them by their fruits.

21 ¶  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

22  “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’

23  “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

 

As we have stated before the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is our assurance we know Him and the manifestation we know Him are the  “Fruits of the Spirit” addressed earlier. These fruits also apply in identifying false prophets. Note Jesus is saying “I never knew you”. So this could refer to folks who were never saved in the first place. However, Peter addressed both false prophets and teachers in 2 Peter:

 

1:19 ¶  So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

20  But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,

21  for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

2:1 ¶  But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.

2  Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;

3 ¶  and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

4  For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;

5  and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

6  and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;

7 ¶  and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men

8  (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds),

9  then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,

10 ¶  and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties,

11  whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord.

12  But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,

13  suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you,

14  having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children;

15  forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

16  but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet.

17  These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved.

18  For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,

19  promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.

20  For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

21  For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.

22  It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.”

 

We see the consequence for those who had escaped the world’s defilements and knew the way of righteousness by the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Christ, who are then entangled in sin and the ways of this world again and overcome. Again, we are taking of folks who “knew the way of righteousness by the knowledge of the Lord and Savour Christ” This knowledge is the same experiential knowledge discussed earlier in the chapter on “Willful and Persistent Sin”. The Greek word for overcome means to be conquered by or forced to yield. Although this scripture addresses false prohets and teachers, it can apply to all the saved.

Judgment and Mercy

We first address judgment, which we must make in life, especially when determining false prophets, teachers, and spirits. We must be discerning. However, we are not supposed to condemn others. Condemnation is God’s job. Judgment is the focus of Matthew Chapter 7. This Scripture is the final part of the “Sermon on the Mount” and starts by saying we are not to judge others.

 

1 ¶  “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.

2  “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

3  “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

4  “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?

5  “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

 

We are not to focus on others; instead, we focus on our faults and standing before God. Later in chapter 7 of Matthew, Jesus tells us how to treat others and how few will find the narrow gate to life with God.

 

12 ¶  “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

13  “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

14  “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

 

In James 2 he addresses judgment and mercy, saying mercy triumphs over judgment.

 

13  For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

 

We must show everyone mercy and not be their judge even if we decide not to follow them or their teaching. In Matthew 25, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven and the importance of showing mercy.

 

31 ¶  “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.

32  “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;

33  and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

34  “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;

36  naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

37  “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?

38 ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?

39 ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

40  “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

41  “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;

42  for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;

43  I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’

44  “Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

45  “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

46  “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

 

Lack of Forgiveness

 

Another way to lose our salvation is not to forgive. When Jesus was asked how we should pray He responded with what is often referred to as the “Lord’s Prayer” and ended the prayer with the following  in Matthew 6:

 

12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]]’

14  “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15  “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

 

Jesus also addresses forgiveness in Mark 11.

 

 25  “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.

26  [[“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”]]

 

Jesus addressed forgiveness again in Matthew 18, which is followed by a parable.

 

21 ¶  Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

22  Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

23  “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.

24  “When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.

25  “But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.

26  “So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’

27  “And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.

28  “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’

29  “So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’

30  “But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed.

31  “So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.

32  “Then summoning him, his lord *said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

33 ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’

34  “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him.

35  “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

 

Forgiveness starts with intellectual consent or letting go. It does not mean forgetting. This forgiveness is primarily for healing the one offended. Another aspect of forgiveness is when the one who did the offense asks the one offended for forgiveness. We must all do this with God before the entire offense is forgiven.

 

We Must Persevere to the End

We are told by Jesus in John 15:

1 ¶  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

2  “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

3  “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

4  “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

5  “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

6  “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

7  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

 

Jesus said in Matthew 10:

22  “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

John said in Revelation 3 that we must overcome and continue to repent our sins.

Rev 3:1 ¶  “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

2 ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

3 ‘So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.

4 ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

5 ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

 

Note that this Scripture says our names can be erased from the book of life.

John goes on to say in Revelation 21, after describing the new heaven and earth:

6  Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

7  “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

8  “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

 

In the Greek, “overcome” means to conquer. We will all be subject to fear, cower at times, and sin. The fathers of faith described in Hebrews 11 all experienced fear, cowardness, lying, and committed idolatry. However, it was not a way of life for any of them.

In Philippians 3 Paul said:

15 ¶  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;

16  however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

17 ¶  Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

18  For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

19  whose end is destruction, whose God is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

20  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

21  who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

 

Finally, Paul, being incarcerated and facing death, said in Philippians 2:

5  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

6  who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7  but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

8  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9  For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

10  so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11  and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 ¶  So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

13  for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 ¶  Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

15  so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

16  holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

17  But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

18  You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

 

As stated earlier, salvation is a gift, and there is nothing we can do to earn it. Water Baptism, walking the isle, repeating a salvation prayer, being forgiven of your sin(s) by a priest, or any other action will not earn you salvation. However, once the gift of salvation is accepted, the work begins. You have access to the tools described in the first section on How Faith is Manifested and summarized at the end of that section. Most Christians I know do not even recognize they have all of these tools.

 

If God allows you to live on long enough, your faith will be tested, and you will experience tribulations and suffering. If your faith prevails, then you have a testimony for others and are prepared  for the “Great Commision” stated in Matthew 28:

 

18  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

19  “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

20  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

We can then be used to increase the number of people saved by making us a witness to God’s grace and producing a testimony we can share with others.

 

Leighton Flowers – Can you lose or leave your Salvation? (Disagrees according to Hebrews 6)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsjv4lx991s

 

Can a Christian lose salvation? (disagrees)

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-lose-salvation.html

 

Once saved, always saved is Garage (agrees)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvxR-Mhcukk

 

Can you lose your salvation? (disagrees)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvX4z9ZeMq8

 

Does “willful sinning” threaten my salvation? (?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXaCOedYCzQ

 

Can Christians Lose Their Salvation? – Pentecost (agrees)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=269kJEY8wqE

 

Can a Christian Lose their salvation – Once Saved, always saved? (disagree)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpeC9CkMDKI

 

Can you Lose your Salvation –  (disagree)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuksYTbY0ew

 

DEBATES

 

Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation? A Debate with Trent Horn & Dr. James White (Part 1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFs3vnTlnnw

Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhK0urKAyYw