Once Saved Always…No.
I often times hear people say individuals that come to Christ can’t lose their salvation. There’s a lot of topics that exist such as this one, that Christians disagree on and debate over. Recently I’ve leaned into these subjects a lot. I don’t shy away from these topics, I prefer to lean into them. My desire for truth doesn’t fade due to my own arrogance, as I see many Christians’ do. They would rather stick to what they are taught than give any other idea or concept the time of day, even if it holds evidence to be true.
So, “once saved always saved” I don’t believe is the truth. This teaching is very common amongst Protestant Christians, but what I find in the Word of God seems to point in a different direction. The Orthodox Church uses the term “I have been saved, I am being saved, and I will be saved”. This statement holds so much power and carries the true message which is Christians must submit to Christ and follow Christ always. Daily. This isn’t a one time decision that someone makes and then they just go on living. No, this is dying daily to your sinful flesh, and being saved by the grace of God every single day.
Here’s a few parts in scripture that help lay this out…
Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” The idea of “working out” your salvation is the journey of walking with Christ and being sanctified (made pure). C.S. Lewis described this as becoming less human and more of a heavenly creature as you walk throughout your life with Christ, therefore becoming more fit for heaven. This only happens through Christ, as the verse states, “it is God who works in you”.
1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Paul mentions we are BEING saved. I think this is plain and simple, but a very powerful statement. This shows us that being saved is an active on going process.
Revelation 3:5, “The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” This shows that people in The Book of Life can be blotted out.
Matthew 16:25, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This verse shows that people who deny Christ to save their life will lose it but those who lose their life for Christ’s sake will find it. That even if someone is saved, if they deny Christ they can lose their eternal life, AKA their salvation.
Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” These words of Jesus show that even though one may think they are saved, it’s a much deeper and real process than faith alone. It requires obedience and action.
The reason this must be addressed is that it is extremely dangerous for people to go around believing they are saved because they prayed the sinner’s prayer once and raised their hand in church. This decision is only the spark that lights the fire. If the fire isn’t fueled it dies out. Satan and demons believe Christ is the Son of God, and they know that God raised Him from the dead, yet they are not saved. Perhaps salvation is much deeper and serious than many of us have been taught. So, we cling to Christ daily in repentance and humility, so that we may be saved for one more day. Please, do not take this lightly.
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, be blessed.
