Lose Salvation?

First, it’s important to define a “Christian.” A Christian is someone who has fully trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior and possesses the Holy Spirit (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8–9).

Given this definition, can a Christian lose Salvation? This question is crucial, and we can explore it by examining what happens at Salvation:

A Christian is a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) A Christian is fundamentally transformed. For them to lose Salvation, this new creation would need to be undone.
A Christian is redeemed. (1 Peter 1:18–19) Redemption means God paid the price for our Salvation with Christ’s blood. Losing Salvation would imply that God revoked His purchase.
A Christian is justified. (Romans 5:1) Justification means being declared righteous by God. To lose Salvation, God would have to retract this declaration.
A Christian is promised eternal life. (John 3:16) This promise is not a mere possibility, but a certain reality that ensures we will spend eternity with God. For this to change, we would have to redefine what “eternal” means.
A Christian is marked and sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14). The Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance. Losing Salvation would require God to withdraw this seal and promise.
A Christian is guaranteed glorification. (Romans 8:30) Those justified are also glorified. If Salvation could be lost, then this promise would be invalid.

Ultimately, the Bible supports the idea that a Christian cannot lose salvation. God’s gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), and the essence of Salvation cannot be undone.

Objections arise concerning Christians living in sin or renouncing the faith. However, true Christians do not live in a state of unrepentant sin (1 John 3:6), and those who depart from faith show they were never truly saved (1 John 2:19).

The Good Shepherd searches for the lost sheep and, “when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home” (Luke 15:5–6).

The lamb is found, and the Shepherd gladly bears the burden; our Lord takes full responsibility for bringing the lost one safely home, showing us His unwavering care and love.

Jude 1:24–25 further emphasizes the goodness and faithfulness of our Savior: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”