Can We Lose Our Salvation?

Scripture assures us that those saved by Jesus’ blood are on the path to eternal life. Romans 10:9-11 states, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” God’s terms for salvation are clear and unchanging.  Those with true faith need not fear judgment.

Salvation is conditional

But does this mean we cannot lose our salvation? The answer is no.  The New Testament frequently uses the word “if” regarding salvation. Romans 11:22 says, “…toward you goodness, *if* you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.”  Colossians 1:23 states Christ will present us blameless “if we continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast…” Hebrews 3:6 says, “…whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.”  Hebrews 3:14 adds, “…we have become partakers of Christ *if* we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”  Salvation is conditional on our continued faithfulness.

Apostates lose their salvation

Why are there repeated warnings if we cannot lose our salvation?  Romans 11:22 warns we can be “cut off.”  2 Peter 2:20-22 describes those who “escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” but become “entangled again” and “overcome.”  Their latter end is worse than the beginning.  This passage indicates that apostasy is possible.

Believers can “fall away”

Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks of those once enlightened and partakers of the Holy Spirit who “fall away.”  It says, “…it is impossible…to renew them again to repentance since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame.”  This confirms that even true believers can fall away.

Therefore, while we can be confident in our salvation, we must remain vigilant.  False teaching and our own choices can lead us astray.  We must “continue in His goodness,” “hold fast,” and “continue in the faith.”  Only through persistent faithfulness can we be assured of our salvation.