Can Salvation be lost – Evangelisation

Can Salvation Be Lost?
24 June 2024
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Preamble
There are people who teach that salvation cannot be lost, claiming that this is what the Bible says. From the outset, I can assert that there is no verse in the Bible that explicitly states that salvation cannot be lost. Those who teach it rely on their interpretation of several verses which, according to them, imply that salvation cannot be lost. Conversely, those who teach otherwise also base their view on their interpretation of several verses suggesting the possibility of losing salvation. Prima facie, anyone can be mistaken.

The real issue is not whether salvation can actually be lost, but the practical consequence on the behaviour of the supposed Christian. If someone believes that salvation cannot be lost and begins to live in works of perdition, they will not be saved (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 22:15; 1 Timothy 4:1; Matthew 7:22-23; Matthew 10:22; Acts 8:20-22; 1 Corinthians 6:8-10; Hebrews 10:26-27; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Romans 8:13-14). To avoid unnecessary debates over the meaning of 1 Timothy 4:1, the following link allows consultation of multiple translations for a better understanding: https://saintebible.com/1_timothy/4-1.htm

According to some proponents of the view that salvation cannot be lost, if someone lives in works of perdition, it is because they never truly had salvation. Assuming they are correct, the direct implications are as follows:

Those who possess salvation no longer live in works of perdition; therefore, if someone engages in such works, they never truly had salvation.
It becomes impossible for anyone before death to know whether they have salvation, as some people abandon the Faith and return to works of perdition after initially leaving them. These individuals believed they had faith and eternal salvation. By abandoning the Faith, engaging in works of perdition, and yielding to demons, they cannot be saved.

In any case, recognising that anyone living in works of perdition is lost, whenever they engage in such behaviour, and teaching this is sufficient. Whether salvation can be lost or not becomes a philosophical question with no practical relevance. However, if someone teaches that one can be saved while living in works of perdition, or that it is impossible to abandon the Faith, then they are certainly promoting a false doctrine inspired by Satan, as will be shown in this document.

The Misinterpretation of Matthew 7:21-23 and the Question of “Believing in Jesus”

Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he 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? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not perform many miracles in your name?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practise lawlessness.’”

John 3:16-18
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

A common interpretation attempts to reconcile these verses as follows:

Explanation of Matthew 7:21-23: “What these people present as evidence are their works. The second profile refers to those who relied on their works to be saved rather than relying on faith in Jesus.” It concludes that since salvation does not come from works, these people are not saved.

Such an interpretation raises several questions:

Jesus did not reproach them for failing to believe in him, nor for mentioning works, but for practising “lawlessness.” The criticism is clear, and this interpretation alters it.
At no point did they cite works of the law, righteousness, or obedience. The works they mention are works of faith. Jesus said that miracles are performed by faith, and in particular, works of faith in his name. They claimed to have done all things in his name. One could understand them as saying: “We believed in you and in your name so much, we had such faith that we performed all these works, and we are surprised you reject us.” Even if someone claims these people did not believe in Jesus, it is clear that they “believed they believed in Jesus” and thought they had faith evidenced by miracles.

Questions:

1.1 What is the specific belief mentioned in John 3:16, so that one does not mistakenly think they possess it, thereby falling under Matthew 7:21-23?
1.2 How can true Faith be characterised and recognised, without works, so that one does not mistakenly assume they possess it?

The answer should also align with the following verses:

1 Corinthians 6:8-10 – detailing that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 – listing the works of the flesh which prevent inheriting the kingdom of God.

Major Misunderstanding: Confusing “saved by Faith and not by works” with “saved by Faith without works”

Error 1: Confusing “saved by faith and not by works” with “saved by faith without works.”

Someone reads that salvation comes through faith and not works, and concludes that faith alone, without works, suffices. However, the Bible clearly states that faith without works is dead.

Example Question 2.1: The blind man whom Jesus sent to wash his eyes in a pool – was he saved (i.e., regained sight) by faith alone? Could faith act without the work of washing his eyes? Would he have regained sight otherwise?

Similarly, John 3:16 is sometimes misquoted to argue that belief without works suffices, whereas repentance is a work, and it is not mentioned in John 3:16.

Error 2: Absolutist misunderstanding. Using the command “Thou shalt not kill” as an absolute can lead to absurd conclusions (e.g., one could not kill snakes or pests). Likewise, some interpret “faith without works” as absolving the need for works entirely, which is incorrect.

Relevant Verses on Faith and Works:

Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16 – justified by faith not by works of the law.
Titus 3:5 – saved by mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
James 2:24,22,26 – faith without works is dead; works perfect faith.

Works not mentioned for salvation are the works of the law; however, practising works of perdition leads to death, even if one “believes they believe.”

Believing Salvation Cannot Be Lost Implies No One Can Know Salvation Before Death

Apostasy exists. Jesus says he who perseveres to the end will be saved (Matthew 10:22). People may believe they believe (John 3:16) and still be mistaken (Matthew 7:21-23). Therefore, no one can assert certainty of salvation before death.

Other Verses Suggesting Salvation Can Be Lost:

1 Timothy 1:18-20, Romans 8:12-13, Revelation 3:1, Hebrews 6:4-8, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 3:2, Revelation 20:12, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, Jude 1:4-5, 2 Peter 2:20-22, Acts 8:20-22, Hebrews 10:26-27, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7-8, Romans 8:13, 1 Timothy 1:18-20, Mark 13:20, 2 Timothy 2:13, 2 Timothy 4:7

Analysis of Texts Suggesting Salvation Cannot Be Lost:

Romans 10:9-11; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 1:13; James 1:5; 1 John 5:14-15; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 4:30; Titus 1:2; John 3:16-18; John 6:39; John 10:28-29

John 3:16-18 – belief is present tense, not past. The text does not say that past belief guarantees eternal life if one no longer believes.

Ephesians 6:16 – faith is likened to a shield. Losing faith is losing the shield, allowing the enemy to strike. Salvation is conditional on continued faith.

Titus 1:2 – hope of eternal life is promised, but nothing here says salvation cannot be lost.

Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus as the author and finisher of faith does not imply faith cannot be lost.

Some Priority References
We must persevere unto the end to be saved!

Matthew 10:22 – “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

Even though people have believed, they are not saved if they do not endure persecutions and tribulations.

Mark 13:20 – “And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”

Revelation 22:15 – “For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”

This passage from the end of the Bible also applies to those who have believed.

Acts 8:20-22 – “But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”

Notice that Peter is speaking here to a convert.

Hebrews 10:26-27 – “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”

Matthew 7:22-23 – “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 – “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”

Here, Christians are being punished!

Galatians 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Note: Even if they believed, they will not inherit the kingdom!

2 Peter 2:20-22 – “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”

Romans 8:13-14 – “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

This is addressed to Christians, according to what is written in Romans 6 (to those who have been baptized).

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 – “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.”

Revelation 2:4-6 – “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Notwithstanding thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”

Revelation 2:15 – “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

Revelation 2:16 – “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

Here Christ speaks.

Revelation 20:12 – “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

Faith saves us because it leads us away from works of perdition, but judgment is according to works.

Revelation 3:1-6 – “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Nevertheless thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Definition of a Christian and How to Recognize Them

The foundation of Christianity is the Bible, which defines Christians as disciples of Christ.

Acts 11:26 – “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

Christ Himself defines His disciple:

Luke 8:21 – “And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.”

1 John 3:10 – “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”

Matthew 7:18-23 – “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

John 14:21 – “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

Some Key References
We must persevere unto the end to be saved!

Matthew 10:22 – And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Even though people believe, they are not saved if they do not withstand persecution and tribulation.

Mark 13:20 – And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Revelation 22:15 – For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

This text from the end of the Bible also applies to those who have believed.

Acts 8:20-22 – But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Note: Peter is speaking here to a convert.

Hebrews 10:26-27 – For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Matthew 7:22-23 – Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 – Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Here it is about Christians being punished!

Galatians 5:19-21 – Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Note: Even if they have believed, they will not inherit the Kingdom!

2 Peter 2:20-22 – For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Romans 8:13-14 – For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

This is addressed to Christians, according to Romans 6 (those who have been baptized).

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 – Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Revelation 2:4-6 – Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Revelation 2:15 – So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Revelation 2:16 – Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Here, Jesus Christ speaks. He indicates that believers who fall away can lose their first love.

Revelation 20:12 – And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Thus, faith saves us because it leads us away from the works of perdition; judgment is according to works, not faith.

Revelation 3:1-6 – And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Definition of a Christian and How to Recognize Them

The foundation of Christianity is the Bible, and it defines Christians as disciples of Christ.

Acts 11:26 – And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Christ Himself defines His disciple:

Luke 8:21 – And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

1 John 3:10 – In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Matthew 7:18-23 – A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

John 14:21 – He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Consequences for Those Who Sin After Baptism and Repentance

See key references: Revelation 22:15; Acts 8:20-22; Hebrews 10:26-27; Matthew 7:22-23; 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Romans 8:13-14; Matthew 24:13, 22.

2 Peter 2:1, 15, 20-22 – (see KJV text above).

John 17:12 – While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Acts 8:9-24 – (Simon the magician, rebuked by Peter; see KJV text above).

Matthew 24:13, 22 – But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

The Life Expected of a Christian and the Fate of Sinners

Romans 6:1-2, 11-13, 16, 18, 22 – (see KJV text above)

John 10:26-28 – But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. 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.

Revelation 21:7-8 – He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Hebrews 12:14 – Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

1 Peter 1:15-16 – But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

2 Corinthians 6:17; 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 3 John 1:11; Ephesians 5:5; Galatians 5:19-22 – (see above)

Salvation by Grace

Ephesians 2:8-10 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Romans 3:20, 28; 2 Timothy 1:9 – (see above)

Grace does not give freedom to continue sinning (Hebrews 10:26; Romans 6). Obedience and works demonstrate whether faith is alive.

New Birth

John 3:4-5 – Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Summary:

Faith alone saves, but true faith produces obedience and good works.
Believers can fall away and lose salvation if they return to sin after receiving grace.
The Christian life requires repentance, sanctification, and perseverance to the end.

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