A large percentage of Christian denominations and churches believe that salvation can be lost. That is, a person can be genuinely saved and then decide to fall away from God. This teaching is a false gospel. This teaching reflects a wrong understanding concerning the nature of salvation. There are passages in the Bible that appear to teach that salvation can be lost. However, these passages are a warning to many people that believe they are Christians, but are not. Also, they warn Christians to examine themselves with regard to whether they are truly saved Click below to view a You Tube video on this topic:

Contents

Part 1 – Scriptures That Appear to Teach that Salvation Can be Lost

Part 2 – Why a True Believer Will not Fall Away

The Indwelling Holy Spirit Will Lead the Believer into Holiness

God Works in the Believer to Produce Holiness

The Believer Has His Mind Renewed, We Has the Mind of Christ

God Progressively Sanctifies Christians

God Establishes His people

Perseverance Necessary for Salvation

Scriptural Reasons that Salvation Cannot be Lost

20 Other Scriptural Proofs That Salvation Cannot be Lost

Other Perseverance passages

Part 3 – Harmonizing the Scriptures

Where to from Here?

Not All Who Believe Are Really Saved

How About Hebrews 6:4-8?

Other Hebrews Warning Passages

Significant Questions

Summary

Introduction

There are many sects in Christianity that teach that a saved person can lose his or her salvation. But, does the Bible really teach that salvation can be lost? Can one who has been purchased out of the slave market of sin and let go become again capture n put back into slavery? Could one who has born again to become spiritually alive once more return to a spiritually dead state? If so, how many times could this occur? Could it be a never-ending cycle of become spiritually alive and dead? Would God allow this to happen?

On the other hand, there are many other parts of Christianity that teach that once a person is really saved, they can never lose their salvation. This doctrine has been called eternal security perseverance of the saints, and preservation of the saints. All these terms are used to represent the one basic premise that salvation cannot be lost. But, does this not violate mankind’s free will? Is it fair that God could force someone to remain a follower of Christ?

The purpose of this essay is to carefully examine the Bible’s teaching concerning whether salvation can be lost. We must be very careful to examine all of Scripture in light of its context and in light of what the rest of the Bible teaches. There are Scriptures, when taken out of their context that can be used to teach that salvation can be lost. Properly understanding the context of Scriptures is the crux of the issue. We must come to conclusions that are in harmony with the whole Bible.

Part 1 – Scriptures That Appear to Teach that Salvation Can be Lost

Let us begin our study by examine some Scriptures that appear to teach that salvation can be lost. For example, consider the following:

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (Heb 3:6)

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; (Heb 3:14)

These Scriptures seem, at first glance, to teach that one can be saved only if they continue in the faith. In other words, these Scriptures could be interpreted to teach that one who is currently in the faith, and therefore saved, will only attain final salvation of they continue inn the faith. If for some reason, one who is really saved would apostatize (i.e., fall away or backslide) to such a degree that they no longer had confidence (i.e., faith) in Christ, and then they could be lost.

In addition, there are many other Scriptures that teach that there must be endurance ion order to reap the ultimate benefit of our salvation. Examples of these Scriptures are as follows:

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal 6:8-9)

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

(Mat 10:22, see also Mat 24:13)

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. (1Co 15:1-2)

As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:30-32)

In all these Scriptures, God’s word teaches us that it is only those who endure to the end who will be saved. The implication here is that those who do not endure will not be saved. In Gal 6:8-9, it is only those who do not grow weary in good doing who will reap everlasting life. That is, it is only those who keep on doing things that sow to the spirit who will be saved. In other words, those who having once believed, fall back into carnality and reap to the flesh will not be saved. Similarly, it is only those who endure persecution of the world on the account of Jesus who will be saved. Those believers who fail in times of persecution will not reap eternal life. In 1 Cor 15:1-2 and John 8:30-32, it is only those who remain as a disciple of Christ who will receive eternal life.

In addition to the verses briefly examined above, there are others that seem to teach salvation can be lost. An in-depth examination of these verses will not be undertaken here. A simple listing is provided below and the reader is encouraged to study these passages:

Hold fast to what you have – Rev 2:10,25,3: 11
If you abide, you are Christ’s disciples – John 8:30-32,15: 1-10
Encouragement to continue in the faith – Acts 14:22,11:23
Salvation for those who persevere – Ro 2:7
It is possible to labor in vain – Gal 4: 11, 1 Thess 3:5,2 Cor 6: 1, Phil 2: 16
After escaping from world, those who become entangled – 2 Pet 2: 18-22
Demons return to the house – Mat 12:43-45, Lk 11:24-26
Only the seed in good ground results in grain – Mat 13:9-23
Continue in His kindness, otherwise you will be cut off – Ro 11: 22
Perseverance in doctrine ensures salvation – 1 Tim 4: 16
Turn from the truth – Titus 1:14
Turn back to sin – Gal 4:9, 2 Pet 2:21 2 Tim 1:15, 2 Tim 4:4, Acts 7:39

We are Christ’s house if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end Heb 3:6,14
We are presented holy and unblameable and unreproveable if ye continue in the faith – Col 1:22-23

It cannot be denied that the Scriptures indeed do teach that perseverance and a continuance in the faith must exist for salvation. The above passages all testify to that fact. However, the point in debate for the purpose of this writing is this: do those who do not continue in the faith lose their salvation. We have seen in the Scriptures above that only those who do not grow weary (i.e. those who endure to the end) who will be saved. The question is: are they who do not persevere originally saved and lose their salvation or were they never saved to begin with?

The Warning Passages of the Book of Hebrews

Before we answer this question, it is important to pause to look at one more significant area of Scripture that seems to teach that loss of salvation is possible. In the book of Hebrews there can be found five warning passages that warn the Hebrews to not fall away (i.e. Heb 2:1-4, Heb 3:6-4:6, Heb 5.11-6:8, Heb 10:26-31, Heb 12:25-29).

In Heb 2:3, God warns the Hebrews that those who neglect so great a salvation will not escape. Looking at the context of the Scriptures we find that ‘not escaping’ refers to final judgment (see Ro 2:3, 1 Thess 5:3, Lk 21:36). The implication of this passage is that those who are in the church and live a lifestyle of neglecting things pertaining to salvation will not escape damnation. On the surface, this passage seems to teach that loss of salvation is possible.

In Heb 3:6-4:6 (which we have already briefly looked at), we find that it is only those who persevere to the end that will be saved. Those who fall away back into their former way of life (i.e. Judaism for the Hebrews) will not be partakers of Christ. They would not be part of His household

In Hebrews 6:3-8, we find perhaps the most difficult passage to interpret for those who believe salvation cannot be lost:

And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Heb 6:3-8)

We see in this passage that those who had tasted the heavenly gift and were partakers of the Holy Spirit and fall away, that they cannot be restored to repentance. They are like the herbs that sprung forth but bore thorns and briers. Their ultimate reward will be burning. These are rejected and on the way to destruction. Ultimately their fate is hell.

This passage seems to teach that those who were saved (i.e., tasted of heavenly gift and were partakers of the Holy Spirit) will be lost if they fall away. This passage seems to genuinely teach that salvation can be lost! But, is that the case? Before this passage is explained, much more groundwork needs to be laid. We will return later in this essay to carefully look at what this passage is teaching us.

In Heb 10:26-31, we find that God informs us that those who go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin, Rather, there is a expectation of judgment. The language of Heb 10:26-31 clearly reveals that those who have believed and later sin are on the path to hell:

For if we sin willfully 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. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb 10:26-31)

Finally, in Heb 12:25-29, we find that those who refuse God who speaks to them cannot escape judgment. In other words, those who after believing, return to a lifestyle of disobedience are on the way to judgment. As we have seen in the preceding pages, there is a significant amount of Scripture that warns those who are in the church to not fall away in the faith. They must persevere as disciples and be obedient to the word of God. But, is it true that salvation can be lost? To understand the answer to that question, we must examine the context of the Bible. We cannot isolate these verses from the rest of the Bible. If we do, surely we can come to the erroneous conclusion that salvation can be lost. We will now turn to look at passages that teach that salvation cannot be lost. On the surface, they may seem to contradict the verses we have just examined. However, we must harmonize all these passages together. Later, we will return to some of the above passages to discover what the real meaning of these passages is and see what glorious truth God wants us to learn from this apparent contradiction.

Part 2 – Why a True Believer Will not Fall Away

The Indwelling Holy Spirit Will Lead the Believer into Holiness

Let us begin looking at why a Christian cannot lose his or her salvation. First, it is important to look at what happens to a person when they are saved. When they are saved, each Christian receives the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ro 8:9, 2 Tim 1:14, Gal 2:20, Eph 1:13-18, 1 Cor 2:12, etc). The Holy Spirit is not just dormant in the believer. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is at work:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Ro 8:13-16

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Gal 4:6

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Eph 3:20)

And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. (Rom 5:5)

We see that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit and leads the Christian. That is, the I3oly Spirit is at work in each and every Christian in order to enlighten and convict them of sin (John 16:7-11, 1 Cor 2:9-16, Ro 826-27, 2 Tim 1:7, Ps 23, etc). Moreover, we see that the love of God is placed in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. With the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have a great power at work in us.

If it were true that a Christian could lose his or her salvation, then it would have to be that the Christian could resist the convicting and leading work of God the Holy Spirit. Therefore the fact that the Holy Spirit indwells the believer and works in the believer to lead him into righteousness tends to support the fact that salvation cannot be lost. But, this fact is not sufficient to prove that salvation cannot be lost. Let us look further.

God Works in the Believer to Produce Holiness

A very important fact concerning our salvation is that God continues to work in the believer after conversion. Consider the following Scripture:

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

We are very familiar with Eph 2:8-9 where God teaches us that we are saved entirely according to His work and not according to any work on our part. However, we may not be as familiar with verse 10, which teaches us that we are God’s workmanship created for good works. That is, besides the initial conversion that God graciously grants to us, He also continues to work in us to produce holiness. We are His workmanship.

It is a very interesting that there is a tremendous amount of Scripture that teaches that God is at work in each believer to produce Christian fruit. Consider the following Scriptures:

It is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil 2:13)

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Phil 1:6)

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (Col 1:29)

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2Pe 1:3-4)

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (1Co 15:10)

Other Scriptures that testify to the fact that God works in believers to produce a godly life are the following: Phil 1:11, 2 Thess 2:17, 1 Thess 2:13, 5:23, 2 Cor 2:14, 4:16, 5:14-15, 13:4, Lk 11:34, Heb 2:11, 9:14, 10:14, 13:20-21, Titus 2:11-12, Ro 8:11, John 12:24, 14:26, etc. The reader is encouraged to carefully study these Scriptures. These Scriptures are a great source of comfort for the believer. These verses provide assurance that God is at work in us to overcome our flesh in order to sanctify us. Through the working of God within us, we are assured that we will never want to apostatize.

However, we now begin to see an apparent conflict. On the one hand, we looked at many Scriptures that seemed to teach that a Christian could lose his salvation because he or she returned to the sin lifestyle and did not persevere in the faith. Yet now, we see many other Scriptures that teach that God indwells the believer. And not content with that, we see that God is actively at work in the believer to produce a holy life. So, on the one hand, the Scriptures warn that one must persevere to be saved, otherwise face eternal damnation. Yet, we see that God is at work in every believer to make them persevere.

The Believer Has His Mind Renewed, We Has the Mind of Christ

Another interesting face of Scripture is that the Christian is said to have the mind of Christ (I Cor 2:16) Before he was saved, he was in absolute rebellion toward God His mind was deceitful and wicked and he could do no good in the sight of God (Ro 3.9-23, Isa 64 6, Jer 17.9, Eph 4:17-18, Jer 13:23, etc.). However, when the believer is saved, God has written His law on their hearts and minds (Heb 8:8-12, 10:16-1 7, Jer 31:31-34, see also 2 Cor 3.3, Co1 3:9-10, 2 Cor 1:21-22, 2 Tim 1.7, 2 Pet 3:l). God performs a miracle at salvation. He renews the corrupt mind of man in order that he may repent, believe and be saved (Phil 1:29, 2 Pet 1:1, John 6:65, Acts 5:31, 2 Tim 224-26, John 3:27).

The following passage describes the renewed state of the believer’s mind:

There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Rom 8:1-9)

It is significant here that all true believers will have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. The Christian’s mind is not fixed on the flesh anymore. They are in the Spirit. That is, their minds are not controlled by sinful fleshly desires. True, all Christians still sin (1 John 1:8-10). But, overall their minds will more and more want to learn of God and His ways and learn how to be more and more pleasing to the Lord. While they will still be tempted by the flesh and sometimes succumb to sin, they will be very distressed about their sin and want to work on changing their behaviors (Ro 7:14-25, John 1:8-10, James 1:22-25, Ma 53-6, Lk 5:8, 13:3-5, etc). God will make the Christian able to withstand temptation, not tempting them beyond that which they are able to handle (1 Cor 10: 13).

If the Scripture is true that each Christian will have the mind of Christ and be more and more desirous of spiritual things, how is it true that a believer may rebel from Cod and desire the flesh? The Bible says that Christians have, the Spirit of Christ indwelling them and will be more and more conformed in their thinking to God (e.g. 2 Cor 3: 18, 4: 16, etc).

God Progressively Sanctifies Christians

Another powerful argument that believers will persevere and be kept in the faith is that the Scripture declares that God progressively sanctifies Christians. By ‘progressive sanctification’, it is meant the continual overall progress in becoming holy in conduct. Consider the following Scriptures:

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, evenas by the Spirit of the Lord. (2Co 3:18)
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward manis renewed day by day. (2Co 4:16)
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (Tit 2:11-12)
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received itnot as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1Th 2:13)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isa 55:11)

We see in the above Scriptures that God transforms all Christians from glory to glory. Little by little, God uses the affairs of life in order to teach us to be holy. It is the word of God that effectively works in us who believe. God may use chastening to teach the believer to be holy (Heb 12:3-11, Pr 3:ll-12, Ps 39:7-11). This activity of God causes the inward man to be renewed day by day.

It is interesting that the Scriptures do not teach that there are some Christians that God is not working in. No, God is at work in all Christians, transforming them from glory to glory. So, we see our apparent contradiction bearing down on us. On one hand, the Scripture seems to teach that salvation can be lost for those who believe and fall away. But on the other hand, it is becoming clear to us that God upholds and sanctifies Christians. His own powerful sovereign will is at work in us both to do and to work for His good pleasure (Phil 2: 13).

God Establishes His people

Through God’s work, His people are established. Establish is from the Greek: sterizo (G4741 – literally, to set fast). This word is also related to G4731 (Greek: stereo, steadfast, sure). These Greek words teach that it is God that establishes His people to make them stand. Therefore, they will not fall away.

G4741:

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (Rom 16:25)
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1Th 3:13)
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (2Th 2:17)
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2Th 3:3)
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle (1Pe 5:10)
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. (2Pe 1:12)

G4731:

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2Ti 2:19)
Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1Pe 5:9)

Perseverance Necessary for Salvation

The above scriptures should be very powerful proof concerning the Biblical teaching that true salvation cannot be lost. However, it is also quite clear in the Bible that to be saved, the believer must persevere to the end in the faith. Note the following Scriptures:

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end … For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end Heb 3:6,14

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister. Col 1:22-23

The above verses teach that we are only partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence until the end. In other words, to be truly saved, we must persevere in the faith as believers. There are many other instances in the Bible with the same theme. The reader is referred to the following verses for additional evidence that perseverance is required to be saved:

Endure to the end – Mat 10:22, 24:13
Reap if you do not grow weary – Gal 6:9
Hold fast to what you have – Rev 2:10,25, 3:11
If you abide, you are Christ’s disciples – John 8:30-32, 15:1-10
Encouragement to continue in the faith – Acts 14:22, 11:23
Salvation for those who persevere – Ro 2:7
It is possible to labor in vain – Gal 4:11, 1 Thess 3:5, 2 Cor 6:1, Phil 2:16
After escaping from world and then becoming entangled – 2 Pet 2:18-22
Demons return to the house – Mat 12:43-45, Lk 11:24-26
Only the seed in good ground results in grain – Mat 13:9-23
Saved if you hold fast to the word – 1 Cor 15:2
Continue in His kindness, otherwise cut off – Ro 11:22

On the surface, there appears to be a contradiction between the fact that the Scriptures say that Christians cannot lose their salvation but, it appears that they must persevere to be saved. In addition, the Scripture seems to teach that if they do not persevere, then they will be lost. This apparent contradiction is easily resolved.

We have seen that when a person is saved, the Holy Spirit comes to indwell the person. God works in this individual to produce fruit in his life. Since God is at work in the individual, perseverance will be the end result. In plain terms, all true Christians will persevere. Therefore, it is true that all Christians cannot lose their salvation. Also, it is true that all true believers will persevere in the faith. It should be noted that their perseverance is due to the leading influence of God who works in them to will and to do for His good pleasure (see Ro 8:14-16, Phil 2:13, etc).

With the above understanding, it becomes clear that the Bible does not contradict itself at all when it seems to imply that one could lose his salvation if they do not persevere while teaching clearly that salvation can not be lost. All true believers will persevere and not lose their salvation. Why then does the Scripture bother talking about perseverance? It is the same reason that God warns Christians to not commit sin. That is, God uses the Bible to teach Christians what they should do. But then, He goes further in that he sovereignly works in every believer’s life to lead him to be obedient (e.g. Phil 2:13, 1 John 2:3-6). Just as all true Christians will not practice willful sin, they also will not practice apostasy. Sure, there are weak times where the Christian may be tempted to commit apostasy. But, he will be led by God to flee from that sin.

Scriptural Reasons that Salvation Cannot be Lost

Before we return to those Scriptures that seem to teach loss of salvation is possible, a brief look at some other passages is in order.

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called … and unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy (Jude 1,24)

Jude, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declares that Christians are preserved in Jesus Christ. To be preserved teaches us that we are kept from damnation. In other words, Christians are divinely protected from falling from the saved condition (see verse 24, see also 1 Cor 1:7-9, 2 Cor 4:14, 1 Thess 5:23, Phil 2:13).

Another argument that salvation cannot be lost is found in the description of Christians’ salvation. The Scripture repeatedly says that Christians have been saved (i.e. past tense – e.g. Eph 2:5-8, 2 Cor 2:15, 1 Cor 1:18,15:2, Ro 8:24,10:9, Acts 16:30-31, Acts 2:21, John 5:34,10:9, Is 43:l-3, etc). Since the Scripture teaches that we have already been saved, there is no need to doubt that the Scripture says what it means. If it were true that salvation could be lost, then the Scripture would be expected to say that Christians are in the ‘potential’ saved condition. However, we find time after time that we are referred to as already being saved.

Finally, it is important to note that the believer’s salvation was the result of no work at all on their part. It was entirely due to the gracious work of God (Eph 2:8-9, Eph 1:3-14, Ro 9: 10-24, 2 Thess 2: 13-14, Ro 3 :2 1-3 1).Therefore, it does not reasonably follow that a work of man could cause salvation to be lost. The same God who saved us of His sovereign will is also actively in work in all Christians to preserve them in the faith. We are taught in Ro 8:35-39 that there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of God. Therefore, salvation cannot be lost.

The following additional Scriptures are offered that prove beyond a doubt that salvation cannot be lost:

20 Other Scriptural Proofs That Salvation Cannot be Lost

He who comes to Christ will not be cast out (none will be lost)

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 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. John 6:37-40

Christ’s blood saves man (i.e. if salvation could be lost, then Christ’s shed blood is not effective in ensuring salvation

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Ro 5:8-10

Those who were foreknown by God have been justified and glorified.If one was already justified and glorified, God could not ‘unjustify’ or ‘unglorify’ one that has been saved. This thought is entirely foreign to the Scriptures.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Ro 8:29-30

Those who are saved have eternal life and will never perish.They have been justified and will no longer be under condemnation (see also Mat 18:12-14, Ro 8:1):

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. John 10:27-30

The Bible repeatedly says that believers have eternal life.Therefore, the term ‘eternal life’ would be an inappropriate term if salvation could be lost (see also John 3:16, 3:36,6:47, Heb 9:12,15, 10:14, 1 John 2:19-25, 5:4,11-13,20).

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. John 5:24

Jesus prays that none will be lost.Therefore, if salvation could be lost it would be as saying that Christ’s prayer is not answered for those He specifically prayed for.

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 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. John 17:11-12

Nothing will separate us from the love of God.If salvation could be lost, then there must be something that came between us and the love of God (namely apostasy).

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the daylong; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro 8:35-39

God will sustain us to the end and make us to persevere(see also 2 Cor 4:14)

So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor 1:7-9

Christians have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, the guarantee of their inheritance(see also Eph 1:13-14, 4:30, Ro 8:15-16)

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 2 Cor 1:22

Christians will be kept sound and blameless by God(see also 1 Thess 5:23-24, 2 Tim 1:12)

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Tim 4:18

Christians will be guarded to the end

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Pet 1:3-5

Christians are preserved in Jesus Christ

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called Jude 1

God is able to keep Christians from falling

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy Jude 24

Christians are members of Christ’s body.Therefore, if one can lose their salvation, then it is as if Christ would allow one of His members to be taken off and thrown into the fire:

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Eph 5:30 (see also 1 Cor 12:12)

God will finish the good work of salvation

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ Phil 1:6

Christ has established a kingdom that cannot be shaken or moved.Therefore, if salvation could be lost, then it would be possible to move the kingdom.

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear Heb 12:28

The Gospel has come to Christians in much assurance.This must include the fact that God’s gracious gift of faith cannot not be lost.

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 1 Tim 1:5

Christians have already been made kings and priests. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for the Scripture to refer to believers as already kings and priests if their salvation could be lost.

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev 5:10

Christians have born again of incorruptible seed.Since the seed is incorruptible, salvation cannot be lost.

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. 1 Pet 1:23

God will make Christians able to withstand temptation.This must include the temptation to commit apostasy.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10:13

Other Perseverance passages

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. (Joh 10:29)
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)
Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. (Rom 14:4)
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (Rom 16:25)
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Eph 3:20)
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2Ti 4:18)
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psa 73:24)
For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. (Psa 37:28)
The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. (Psa 138:8)
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (Joh 6:29)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Php 2:13)
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2Ti 1:12)

Part 3 – Harmonizing the Scriptures

Where to from Here?

We have now seen many, many Scriptures that seem to overwhelmingly teach that salvation cannot be lost. But, we must now revisit some of the Scriptures mentioned earlier in this essay to see if we can reconcile all Scriptures together. It is in this very matter that many very well-meaning people have gone astray. While not examining all Scriptures in light of every other Scripture on the topic of perseverance of the saints, some have erroneously come to the conclusion that salvation could be lost. However, when we look at all Scriptures together, we find that all Scriptures can be relatively easily harmonized to teach that salvation cannot be lost.

In Part 1 of this essay, we saw many verses that taught that one must persevere to the end to be saved. On the surface, these Scriptures seemed to teach that one can be saved, later to grow weary and not persevere, thereby losing their salvation. It is only those who endure to the end who will be saved (Mat 10:22, 24:13). It is those who do not grow weary who are to reap everlasting life (Gal 6:8-9). But, on the other hand, we saw many assurances in the Bible that God will make the believer stand (Jude 1,24) and persevere.

It becomes a simple matter to harmonize the Scriptures that seem to imply that salvation could be lost with other Scriptures that clearly teach that God will keep the Christian from falling. This apparent contradiction is harmonized when we understand that there are many people in the church who are unsaved. Therefore, those who grow weary and do not persevere are those who w ere never saved to begin with. These are they that only have had dead, intellectual faith. When tribulation or the pleasures of the world came, they fell away. This truism can be seen in the Parable of the Sower and the Seed (Mat 13:8-23). In that parable, it is only the seed that landed on the good soil that was saved. The seed that landed on the rocky and thorny soils sprung up in belief but later withered under persecution or were choked with the cares and pleasures of the world. In other words, they had a belief in Jesus, but it was not saving faith.

It can be seen that all the Scriptures that were presented in Part 1 can now be harmonized with the doctrine of ‘perseverance of the saints’. That is, all true believers will persevere and, therefore, not fall away. This assertion accords with what the rest of the Bible teaches. It is only those who are truly born again that will preserver in the faith.

Let us now turn to look at the harmonization of all Scriptures concerning this topic. Before we do, one very important fact needs to be established.

Not All Who Believe Are Really Saved

The fact that not all ‘believers’ are saved is the key to understanding the topic of perseverance of the saints. The following is a listing of Scriptures that prove that not all who believe are really saved:

Like Demons, many believe (James 2:14-26, Mk 1:24,34,5:7, Mat 8:29, Lk 4:34,41)
Many who say ‘Lord, Lord’ on the last day (Mat 7:21-23, Lk 13:23-30)
The seed on the thorny and rocky soil (Mat 13:3-9, 18-23, Luke 8: 13)
One can believe is vain (1 Cor 15:2)
The Samaritans & Simon, the Sorcerer (Acts 8: 12-20, especially w. 1 3,17)
The Multitudes who departed (John 6: 1- 15, 66)
John’s Disciples (Acts 19:1-8)
The Man who had his Father’s Wife in Corinth (1 Cor 5)
Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5: 1-1 1)
False Brethren (2 Cor 1126, Gal 2:4)
False Teachers in the Congregation (Jude 4, 2 Pet 2, 2 Tim 4:3-4, Gal 1%-9,2 John 7- I 1)
Those Who Have Climbed in Another way (John 10: 1-2)
Those Who Fall Away from the Faith (2 Thess 23)
Those who depart corn the Faith (1 Tim 4: 1-4, Heb 3:6-14, etc)
Those who are Divisive Men (Titus 3:9-11, Ro 16: 17-18)

The Unfruitful branch -John 15: 1-1 0 w/ Ro 11:13-24, Is 15, Ez 15)

An in-depth study of these Scriptures will not be undertaken. A couple of examples will serve to illustrate the truth that some who believe are not saved. First, we find in James 2: 14-26 that there are those with dead faith. These people are not truly saved. They have a faith (i.e. belief). But, it is dead. This may be an intellectual faith about Jesus but is not saving faith. Their faith proves itself false because there are no accompanying works. James 2 teaches that our works prove our faith. This perfectly accords with Part 2 of this essay. That is, all true believers will persevere and produce good works. They will be led by the Holy Spirit to produce good works. God is actively at work in them to produce fruit.

We see in Mat 7:21-23 that many on Judgment Day will come to Christ declaring that they did many great works in His name. Yet, Christ will tell them that He never knew them. Their faith was not saving faith. Perhaps they enjoyed religious types of activities, but they never received the faith of Christ in order to be saved.

In Luke 13:23-30, we see that many will call ‘Lord, Lord’. These are they that strove to enter by the wide gate, not the narrow. They indeed were interested in religion and Christ, yet they pursued salvation by works and not by the faith of Christ. Therefore, they are excluded from the kingdom.

These are but a few examples of people who have some type of human generated faith, but it is not saving faith. So, we see that the Bible teaches that there will be many in the churches that are not saved. They indeed are pursuing salvation by a works salvation program, which will never save.

How About Hebrews 6:4-8?

It is important to revisit this Scripture, which has been used by many to teach that salvation can be lost:

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (Heb 6:4-8)

As we previously discussed, this passage seems to teach that salvation can be lost. For, it says that those who have tasted of the heavenly gift and made partakers of the Holy Spirit cannot be restored to repentance if they fall away. They are likened to vegetation that is to be burned (i.e. in hell).

When we carefully look at this Scripture in its proper context, however, we find that it does not teach salvation can be lost at all. First, let us examine the context. The Book of Hebrews was written to Jews who had believed in the Lord. However, it was becoming apparent that some were reverting back to their old Jewish beliefs. The book mainly concerns itself with proving how Jesus Christ was superior in all aspects to the Old Covenant including the prophets, angels, the Aaronic priesthood, the sanctuary and ritual sacrifices, etc.

In Heb 5:10, we find the Lord beginning to speak about Melchizedek of Gen 14: 17-20. However, before He continued in that line of reasoning, it was necessary to pause and warn the Hebrews of falling away. In Heb 5: 1 1-14, the Lord rebukes the Hebrews. By this time they ought to be teachers, but rather they needed the basic doctrinal milk of Christianity. They were not ready for the solid food of types and figures of the Old Testament. In Heb 6: 1-2, the Lord tells us that the basics of the faith involve repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. In other words, the Lord teaches us that the basics of the faith that the Hebrews have not yet grasped include the doctrine of salvation (i.e. repentance and faith), sanctification (i.e. baptisms), ecclesiology, the study of the church (i.e. laying on of hands), and eschatology – the study of the last days (i.e. resurrection and eternal judgment). In other words, the Hebrews have not exhibited the doctrinal fruit of what would be expected of believers who were in the faith for as long as they were. In this rebuke, the Lord is building up to what follows in verses 4-8. In these verses, the Lord goes on to describe that those who fall away from the faith cannot be restored to repentance.

There are six characteristics of those who fall away and will suffer hell:

Enlightened
Tasted of the heavenly gift
Partakers of the Holy Spirit
Tasted the good word of God
Tasted the powers of the age to come
Fallen away

The reason that some have used this passage to teach that salvation can be lost is because the first 5 characteristics seem to describe a person who is a true saved believer. However, when we carefully examine the Scriptures, we find that these characteristics do not necessarily describe one who is saved. It is important, first of all, to recognize that the normal terms that describe salvation are not used in these descriptions. That is, terms such as born again, redeemed, reconciled, saved, born of the Spirit, or adopted are not used in this passage. This should be an immediate warning to us that this passage may not necessarily refer to those who are saved.

However, let us examine the first 5 descriptions:

Enlightened – This term (Gr: photizo) occurs 13 times in the New Testament. Although, it can refer to those who have heard the Gospel, it does not necessarily only apply to those who are being saved. In John 1:9, we see that the Scripture teaches that Jesus enlightens all men. That is, He has manifested the Gospel throughout the world. The Scriptures affirm that many who are called by the Gospel, but only few are chosen (Mat 22:14). That is, many are benefactors of hearing the Gospel, but it is only a subset of those who have truly been born again by exercising saving faith. As we previously studied, many believe who are not genuinely saved.

Tasted of the Heavenly Gift – While it is most assuredly true that the heavenly gift referred to here is salvation, the crux of the matter is the word ‘tasted’. A study of the usage of gift in the New Testament quickly reveals that ‘gift’ relates to grace and salvation. However, the word tasted (Gr: genomai) occurs 15 times in the New Testament. In many cases, it simply refers to ‘experienced’ (e.g. tasted death as referring to one who has died). Therefore, the term ‘tasted the heavenly gift’ in Heb 6:4 would mean one who has experienced the heavenly gift. It is important to note that the Scripture does not say this one has received or possessed the heavenly gift. It says one has experienced it. When one is in the church and is amongst other true believers, it is in this sense that once has experienced what salvation is all about. Surely, this one has seen the amazing work that God does in the believer, transforming him from a scoundrel who is carnally minded into one who is desirous of spiritual things and is being made more holy day by day. It is in this context that an unsaved person can taste, or experience, the heavenly gift.

Partaker of the Holy Spirit – The word partaker (Gr: metochos) is used 6 times in the New Testament. It carries the meaning of having fellowship with or being a partner with. For example, Lk 5:7 refers to James and John being partners in the other boat with Simon. That is, they were in separate boats, but they were working together. It is in this sense that we can understand ‘partaker of the Holy Spirit’. Those who are unsaved in the church are in fellowship with other true believers. These other believers have varying gifts of the Spirit. Therefore, even those who are unsaved in the church are partakers of the Holy Spirit when they receive and are in fellowship with those who minister their spiritual gifts to them. This Scripture does not say that the Holy Spirit indwells them.

Tasted the Good Word of God – Those who are unsaved in the church still experience the word of God. They are under the teaching of their pastor and teachers in the church. They may even study or read the Bible on their own. They surely have experienced the great moral truths of the Bible. Therefore, ‘tasted the good word of God’ in no way asserts that these individuals are saved. It merely teaches that those who are unsaved in the church receive the blessings and benefits of godly truths from the Bible.

Tasted the Powers of the Age to Come – The powers (Gr: dunamis) normally refer to those special gifts bestowed on the early church. Things such as tongues, healings, miracles, and other signs and wonders were inoperation during the days of the apostles of the early church (Heb 2:4, 2 Cor 12: 12, Ro 15: 19, Acts 2: 19,22,43, 4:30, etc). Therefore, even those who were unsaved in the early church experienced these remarkable gifts. They may actually have had healings in their body or been witness to great signs and wonders. However, nowhere does this term imply that they were necessarily saved. In fact, Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8: 13) tasted (experienced) the powers of the age to come and desired these &s. Yet we find in the Bible that he was unsaved (Acts 8:20-23).

In summary, we have seen that Web 64-8 teaches us that those who are unsaved in the church and have experienced first hand all the great things of Christianity can never be restored to repentance. That is, for one who has seen all these great things and intentionally rejects them, they are the same as if they were present in Christ’s pre-crucifixion ministry and agreed to crucify Christ. There is no way to, humanly speaking, change their minds. They have seen all the great things of Christianity. Yet, they cannot be restored. However, we see that in Heb 6:3, the Lord teaches us that:

And this will we do, if God permit Heb 6:3

That is, the basics of Christianity (see Heb 6:l-2) can be administered to those who have fallen away if it is the will of God. It is only God who can change the heart of man. Man, in the natural, will reject God. Even if he sees great signs and wonders, he intellectually knows the plan of salvation, he has experienced the great things of the Scriptures and the great fellowship of other believers, he will never want to truly follow God (Ro 3:9-23). It is only when God converts that the unsaved church member can become saved. Therefore, we see that Heb 6:4-8 is a great testimony to the sovereignty of God and the depravity of man. It is only God who can regenerate man and bring one to salvation. For the one who sees all the great things of Christ and Scripture and then falls away, he demonstrates man’s depravity and is no different than those who crucified Christ.

Other Hebrews Warning Passages

The other warning passages in Hebrews (i.e. Heb 2: 1-4, 3:6-14, 10:26-3 1, 12:25-29) can all be understood that it is only the unsaved who will fall away, neglect salvation, and sin willfully. Consider, for example, the following:

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Heb 2:1-4)

Here, one could assert that this passage teaches loss of salvation (i.e. how shall we escape judgment if we neglect such a great salvation). However, bearing in mind Heb 6:4-8, we can easily understand this passage to teach that for those who drift away and neglect salvation are those who were not saved to begin with. They are those who are devoid of the Spirit. God is not working in them to make them stand and to persevere. In verse 4, the seriousness of their rebellion is seen in that they have been witnesses to the great apostolic miracles, signs, and wonders. This testifies to the depravity of man. Even if he were shown the great things of God, he still rebels from God.

An examination of Heb 3:6-14, 10:26-31, 12:25-29 will not be undertaken. Careful study of these passages reveal that those who fail to heed these warning passages were not saved to begin with. This brings us to some significant questions.

Significant Questions

Why is it that these warning passages in Hebrews are in the Bible? Why is it that the passages that teach that endurance is required are in the Bible? If it is indeed true that salvation cannot be lost, why did God bother warning us not to fall away, since this is impossible in the first place?

The answer to these questions can be answered in two ways. First of all, these warning passages teach us that those who sin willfully and fall away or do not endure to the end are not saved. Therefore, we should not fool ourselves into believing that a true believer can do great sin and apostatize and really be saved. True believers must not likewise become emboldened to sin seeing that those who sin in that manner will face damnation. This leads to a very important reason these passages are in the

Bible:

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:12-13)

Here we find that we must constantly exhort one another not to fall into the deceitfulness of sin. We do not know in the church who is truly saved and who is not. Nor, are we to judge anyone’s heart since this is God’s work (1 Cor 4:5). However, we are to encourage another not to sin, lest any of us turn out to prove ourselves an unbeliever. Moreover, the Scripture commands us to examine ourselves to see whether we are truly in the faith (2 Cor 13:5, Ps 119:59, Mat 26:22, 1 pet 1:17, Gal 6:4, etc). That is, we must constantly compare ourselves to the warnings the Lord has put in the Bible.

When we are tempted to give up on the Christian life, we must remember the words of the Lord: that it is only those who endure to the end who will be saved. Therefore, the Lord exhorts us if we f d away, then we were not saved to begin with. But, on the other hand, for those who are truly saved, have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2: 16) and dwell in the Spirit (Ro 8: 1-9), they will take heed of the warnings in the Bible as obedient children (1 John 2:3-6, 1 Pet 1: 1-2, etc). They will persevere.

Summary

Salvation cannot be lost. Although there are many Scriptures that seem to teach that one who is in the faith can fall away, careful scrutiny and interpretation of these verses reveals something entirely different. These verses teach that the one who falls away was not saved to begin with. These verses also serve as an important warning to Christians to persevere. Although true Christians will heed the warnings of Scripture to persevere, it is by the Scripture that God has chosen to instruct us in obedience (1 Thess 2: 13, John 17:17).

On the one hand, all true Christians should rest sure on the promises of God and the witness of the indwelling Holy Spirit. However, they should also be diligent to carefully examine themselves to test if they are truly in the faith. The following is a summary of the Scriptural teaching concerning the fact that salvation cannot be lost and the fact that true Christians will persevere:

The Bible warns all believers to not depart from the faith (willful sin), which results in damnation.
But, God is at work in all genuine believers (Christians) resulting in a strong desire to be obedient to the Bible.
Although Christians still occasionally sin due to being in the unsaved flesh, they will not practice a sinful lifestyle. They will be convicted of sin because of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
God uses His warnings in the Bible to teach Christians to be holy and persevere. The Holy Spirit witnesses with the Christian’s spirit and leads them into persevering holiness.
Those who do fall away were never saved, but only had human-generated, non-saving faith. They did not have the indwelling Holy Spirit. In fact, the Bible teaches us that there are many ‘believers’ who are not saved.