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In this article, we will explore these three views, providing context, insights, and actionable lessons that can help shape a clearer understanding of salvation. We’ll also dive into some challenging scriptures that might change how you view this important topic.
View 1: You Cannot Lose Your Salvation
The first view is one many Christians hold dear: that salvation is permanent. The idea here is that once you are saved, God will never lose you. Romans 8:38-39 says, “Neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God.” Scriptures like John 10:28, where Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand,” further affirm this view. God’s predestination, discussed in Romans 8 and Ephesians 1, underlines that salvation is determined by God before the creation of the world.
Another pillar supporting this view is the role of the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is a seal, a guarantee of our inheritance. Ephesians 1:13-14 highlights this, stating, “You were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” If the Holy Spirit resides within a believer, it is argued that salvation cannot be lost.
The final pillar suggests that God keeps us from failing. 1 Peter 1:3-5 speaks of God shielding us until salvation is fully realized. Jude 24-25 and Psalm 37:23-24 also emphasize God’s protection over His people’s salvation. This assurance points to the idea that believers will not lose their salvation because God actively preserves it.
Actionable Lesson #1: Trust in God’s Eternal Commitment This view encourages us to rely on the steadfast love and commitment of God. Knowing that our salvation is secure in His hands should bring comfort, allowing us to focus on growing in our relationship with Him rather than fearing the loss of salvation.
Despite the compelling arguments for eternal security, there are numerous scriptures that suggest salvation can be lost. While this view may be unsettling to some, it is essential to engage with these challenging verses.
2 Peter 3:17 warns believers to “be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.” In John 15:4-6, Jesus warns that if believers do not remain in Him, they risk being “thrown into the fire.” These scriptures suggest that perseverance in the faith is necessary for salvation to be maintained.
Many passages speak of the condition of remaining faithful. For instance, Romans 11:20-23 states, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God… kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” Jesus also reiterates this in Matthew 24:13, “He who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
The Bible warns against apostasy, or the abandonment of faith. Hebrews 6:4-6 describes those who “have fallen away” after experiencing the grace of God, saying it is impossible to bring them back to repentance. The notion that a person can fall away from the faith suggests that salvation is not an automatic guarantee.
Actionable Lesson #2: Stay Rooted in Faith This view challenges us to remain vigilant in our faith. It encourages Christians to continuously nurture their relationship with God and to resist the temptations that could lead us astray. Spiritual growth and perseverance are essential in the Christian walk.
The third view attempts to reconcile the two perspectives by acknowledging the complexity of the issue. This view suggests that while salvation is a gift from God, Christians still have free will, and they can choose to walk away from the faith.
God is a relational God, and while He guarantees the security of our salvation, He does not force us to remain in that relationship. Just as in a marriage, a person can choose to leave their spouse, so too can a believer choose to forfeit their salvation. This view aligns with passages like Hebrews 3:12, which warns against “turning away from the living God.”
The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) beautifully illustrates this idea. The son initially leaves the family, squanders his inheritance, and lives a life of sin. However, upon his return, the father welcomes him back with open arms, signifying that even when we choose to walk away, God is always ready to receive us if we return.
Actionable Lesson #3: Embrace the Freedom of Choice This view reminds us that our faith is not a passive experience. We have the freedom to choose our relationship with God daily. The emphasis is on personal responsibility, where we must guard our hearts and continue to seek God’s presence, knowing that we are always welcome back should we stray.
Understanding salvation requires a deep dive into scripture and a willingness to embrace the complexities of the Christian faith. Whether you believe salvation is eternal or conditional, the key is to remain in relationship with God, continually seeking Him with an open heart.
