Ever questioned your salvation after making a mistake? The age-old debate boils down to two perspectives: “Once Saved, Always Saved,” where belief in Jesus secures eternal salvation, akin to an unyielding safety net; and “Gotta Keep Going,” likening salvation to nurturing a seed, requiring ongoing commitment. In this exploration, we’ll unravel both views, addressing common concerns like assurance of salvation, coping with mistakes, and living confidently with God. So, gear up, Bible in hand, as we embark on a journey through the intricate landscape of faith and salvation, confronting uncertainties, savoring victories, and experiencing the joy of living with Jesus, come what may. Ready?
Can Salvation Be Lost?
The concept of losing salvation raises concerns about the eternal nature of God’s gift. One prevailing perspective on this matter stems from passages like John 10:27-29, where Jesus assures believers that no one can snatch them out of His hand. This verse emphasizes the security of those who belong to Christ. However, the debate gains complexity when considering other passages that seem to highlight the responsibility of believers in maintaining their faith.
To illustrate, Hebrews 6:4-6 discusses the challenging scenario of falling away after experiencing the goodness of God. It states, “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance.” This passage implies a potential for loss of salvation, but is subject to interpretation.
The tension between eternal security and the possibility of losing salvation intensifies when examining passages like Matthew 10:22, where Jesus warns about enduring to the end for salvation. These verses challenge believers to persevere, suggesting that salvation may not be an irreversible guarantee.
How Do You Know If You Lost Your Salvation?
1. Unrepentant Sin
While God’s grace initiates our salvation, the Bible emphasizes repentance as the key to maintaining this connection. Think of it as a two-way street: forgiveness requires both God’s offer and our sincere acceptance. Acts 3:19 beautifully captures this through Peter’s words: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” However, persistent unrepentant sin raises concerns about the authenticity of our faith walk. It doesn’t mean we’re sinless – the struggle is real. But remember 1 John 1:9’s promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Ignoring this process might indicate a deviation from the path of salvation.
Remember, our Christian journey is one of continuous transformation, hand-in-hand with God. Let’s choose repentance, embracing the freedom from sin offered by Christ’s sacrifice. One step at a time, we strive for holiness, knowing that our response to sin plays a crucial role in safeguarding our journey.
2. Denial of Christ
Denying Christ, a weighty concept in Christianity, carries significant consequences according to the Scriptures. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior is key, as Matthew 10:32-33 affirms: “whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Denial can be through outward rejection or, as 2 Timothy 2:12 warns, “if we deny him, he also will deny us,” implying persistent denial jeopardizes our heavenly reward.
Peter’s infamous denial (Matthew 26:69-75) serves as a stark reminder of the emotional and spiritual consequences. Titus 1:16 further expands denial beyond words: “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their deeds.” Living contradictorily to faith constitutes denial as well.
Understanding these consequences encourages believers to stay committed. Hebrews 10:23 urges, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Recognizing Christ is fundamental, and denying Him, in any form, raises vital questions about our faith and salvation.
3. Abandoning Faith
Leaving faith isn’t a decision taken lightly. Scripture warns of the potential consequences, from spiritual concerns (1 Timothy 4:1) to the parable’s stark warning (Matthew 13:3-9). Even those who’ve tasted God’s grace face risks, as Hebrews 6:4-6 cautions.
Abandoning faith isn’t just theological; it has real-world impact. The prodigal son’s story (Luke 15:11-32) paints a picture of emptiness and longing. Yet, amidst challenges, the Bible offers solace. James 1:12 assures us that unwavering faith, even in trials, leads to blessings.
4. False Teachings
False teachings pose a real threat to the Christian journey, twisting truths and jeopardizing salvation. Scripture warns against these alluring but deceptive messages, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 speaks of those who prioritize pleasing desires over truth, highlighting the danger of “itching ears” that crave comfortable teachings over God’s Word. False teachings often distort core beliefs, as 2 Peter 2:1-2 warns, leading individuals astray and potentially bringing “swift destruction”.
The potential consequences are serious, as Galatians 1:8 declares: any deviation from the true gospel carries severe implications. Historically, heresies threatened the early church, prompting councils like Nicaea and Chalcedon to reaffirm core truths. These events serve as reminders of the necessity to safeguard doctrinal purity.
So how can believers navigate this landscape? Discernment is key. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, we must diligently examine teachings against Scripture, ensuring they align with the truth. Remember, safeguarding your faith means holding fast to sound doctrine, for it serves as the compass guiding us on the narrow path.
5. Fruitlessness in Faith
In Christianity, a lack of spiritual fruit can’t be ignored. The Bible paints a clear picture: genuine faith produces good fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). This isn’t just about actions; it’s about the transformative work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Like a branch needing a vine (John 15:4-5), believers need Christ for fruitfulness.
The parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9) drives this home. It’s not just about bearing figs, but about spiritual productivity. Lack of love, joy, peace, and other fruits raise questions.
While not a guarantee of salvation, fruitlessness shouldn’t be dismissed. It’s a call to self-reflection and seeking God’s guidance to ensure our faith manifests in ways that honor Him.
6. Rejecting the Holy Spirit
Ignoring the Holy Spirit carries weighty consequences. Promised as Comforter and guide (John 14:16-17), rejecting His work can be disastrous.
Resisting the Spirit’s transformative power, like in Acts 7:51, is akin to resisting God Himself. Hebrews 10:29 warns of severe punishment for “outraging the Spirit of grace.”
The Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Rejecting this guidance risks hardening our hearts, hindering repentance.
Ephesians 1:13-14 identifies the Holy Spirit as the “guarantee” of salvation. Rejecting His influence might jeopardize that very assurance.
The Christian walk isn’t easy, but remember: Christ offers forgiveness and the Spirit, our guide. Choose to embrace them both.
7. Persisting in Known Sin
Clinging to known sin isn’t just a misstep, it’s a deep wound to our relationship with God. Scripture, while acknowledging our struggles, paints a stark picture: grace isn’t a license to sin (Romans 6:1-2), claiming fellowship with God while living in darkness is a contradiction (1 John 1:6).
The consequences are real: sin creates distance, a barrier between us and God (Isaiah 59:2). It’s not just divine punishment, it’s a relational fracture. Hebrews 12:14 reminds us holiness is a pursuit, not a passive state, urging us to actively turn away from sin.
The cost is heavy too. Psalm 32 paints a picture of emotional and spiritual turmoil, a burden that weighs us down (Psalm 32:3-4). Remember, the Christian journey is about growth and transformation. By seeking God’s guidance, embracing repentance, and striving for holiness, we can navigate the challenges of sin and deepen our relationship with Him.
8. Turning Away from God’s Grace
Turning away implies a deliberate rejection, a conscious choice against the gift of salvation. Hebrews 2:1 warns of “drifting away” from the message, suggesting a gradual distancing from foundational truths. This echoes the parable of the sower, where the seed on rocky ground initially accepts the word but withers under pressure.
The Bible also cautions against hardening our hearts, as in Hebrews 3:12-13. Sin, left unchecked, can build a wall, making us less receptive to God’s grace. Peter’s denial of Christ, though temporary, serves as a stark reminder of human vulnerability.
While John 10:28-29 assures us of God’s enduring love, 2 Peter 2:20-22 paints a picture of those who return to sin after knowing the truth. This sobering reminder underscores the potential for individuals to turn away.
Ultimately, turning away from God’s grace is a conscious rejection of its transformative power. It reminds us that while grace is freely offered, our response matters. We must actively choose to walk in faith and obedience, guarding against forces that might lead us astray.
9. Losing the Assurance of Salvation
Doubts often arise from personal struggles, external pressures, or even theological questions. While the Bible assures us of God’s unwavering love, our human shortcomings can fuel uncertainty. The tension between desiring holiness and confronting our imperfections can be particularly unsettling. In these moments, the enemy whispers doubts, exploiting vulnerability to erode our assurance.
However, John reminds us in 1 John 5:13, “I write these things to you who believe…that you may know that you have eternal life.” This assurance is a gift, meant to offer unwavering confidence in God’s grace. Yet, external challenges and internal struggles can temporarily obscure this gift.
The emotional toll of losing assurance can be heavy, manifesting as fear, sorrow, and even spiritual emptiness. David, in Psalm 51, poignantly conveys this turmoil, yearning for restoration: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12)
Remember, God’s love remains constant despite our doubts. Romans 8:38-39 declares, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Emotional Signs of A Lost Salvation
How do people feel if they believe they’ve lost salvation?
When individuals believe they have lost their salvation, a complex range of emotions may surface, influencing their spiritual well-being and daily life.
1. Deep Sorrow
The belief that one has lost salvation often leads to profound sorrow. This sorrow may stem from the recognition of separation from God, the perceived consequences of unconfessed sin, or the fear of eternal separation. The Psalms, particularly Psalm 51, express the depth of sorrow associated with repentance and the desire for restoration.
2. Fear
Fear is a natural response to the uncertainty of one’s standing before God. The fear of divine judgment or the realization of potential separation from God can be overwhelming. However, the Bible reassures believers in 2 Timothy 1:7, stating, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
3. Spiritual Emptiness
The void created by the belief of lost salvation can result in spiritual emptiness. The absence of the assurance of God’s presence and love may lead to a sense of isolation and desolation. Isaiah 41:10 encourages believers, saying, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
4. Stiff-Necked Attitudes
Individuals grappling with the perceived loss of salvation may exhibit stiff-necked attitudes – a resistance to repentance and a stubbornness in turning back to God. Acts 7:51 warns against having a stiff-necked and uncircumcised heart, resisting the work of the Holy Spirit.
5. Resistance to Godly Matters
The emotional impact may manifest in a resistance to godly matters. Activities that were once embraced with enthusiasm may now be met with indifference or even opposition. This resistance reflects the internal struggle and turmoil associated with a perceived loss of salvation.
Understanding the emotional impact is crucial for offering support and guidance to those experiencing such feelings. It is essential to approach individuals with empathy, reminding them of the unchanging nature of God’s love and the availability of His forgiveness.
Conclusion
The Bible talks about how believers sometimes feel torn between being secure in their faith forever and the responsibility to keep believing. Signs that someone might be losing their faith include not saying sorry for sins, saying no to Jesus, giving up on faith, teaching the wrong things, not bearing good fruit, saying no to the Holy Spirit, sticking to known sins, turning away from God’s kindness, and feeling unsure about being saved.
Feeling sad, scared, spiritually empty, stubborn, and resisting godly things are signs. Despite these challenges, believers are told to remember God’s promises, repent from mistakes, and confidently live in His unchanging love and kindness. The journey of faith is always changing, with growth, change, and a deeper friendship with God.