One of the most dangerous teachings that divide us theologically is the false doctrine called “preservation of the saints.” John Calvin promoted this teaching, asserting that once God saves a person, there is absolutely nothing that a saved person (a Christian) can do not to be saved. In other words, there is no sin or anything you can do so wrong that can cause you to be lost and spend eternity in Hell. Once you are saved, then you are always saved.

Here’s the problem with this thought.

The Scriptures teach that a Christian can fall away from being a follower of Christ and therefore lose their salvation. Let me show you:

 

  • Hebrews 6:4-6 describes people who have become Christians in this way: They have been enlightened, have tasted of the heavenly gift, have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come. However, the next verse (verses 6) describes them in a way, saying they “have fallen away.” It does not say “if” they fall away, but the terminology indicates that it has already happened at the time of the writing. They clearly had been saved if they enjoyed all the blessings found in verses 4-5. Then they had “fallen away,” and therefore, for some reason or another, they were not willing to repent and now “crucify” the Son of God and put Him to “shame” all over again while they live in their sins. Therefore they are lost. The Hebrew author describes them in an analogy, saying that the soil that receives rain and produces fruit is a blessing from God. But the soil that produces thorns and thistles after the rain is worthless, and “it ends up being burned.”
  • In the book of Galatians, Paul is writing to encourage Christians not to “turn away” from the gospel of the truth. (See: 1:6-7, 3:1; 4:9; 5:7) Paul wanted these Christians to “keep standing firm” and not be “subject again” to the yoke (burden) of slavery of sin. If one can be a Christian and then at one time or another not “stand firm” and be a slave to sin,” then this person could be lost, which is the condition they were in before they became Christians. Right? Do you see my logic? Galatians 5:1-4 warns those who might go back to being a slave to sin might do so by “seeking to be justified by the law. If they turn back to the old law to find salvation, then they have “severed” themselves from Christ (see verse 4). If one is severed from Christ, one cannot be saved if they remain severed even though they were united earlier with Christ.
  • In 2 Peter 2, Peter is writing to Christians who had escaped the corruption in the world (1:4), escaped those who live in error (2:18), escaped the pollutions of the world (2:20), knew the way of righteousness (2:21) and once walked the right way (2:15). To put it clearly, these people were saved. But now they have entangled in sin again (2:20) and turn from the holy commandment (2:21). They are entangled and turning away after they had escaped. They were saved, and now they’ve returned to living as when they were not saved. Peter says that is worse for them now than in the beginning because they know better, have fallen away from God, and are no longer saved (2:22). They are like a dog who eats its vomit. Gross.
  • James warns Christians in 5:19-20 that some of them could “wander from the truth” and need a brother to turn them back (5:19). This wandering brother is a lost sinner who needs to be turned from the error of his way (5:20). If and when he is turned back then it will “save a soul from death.” Therefore, if this lost brother is not brought back, then his soul will not be saved. He is lost, and his soul is not saved.

Some may say, “That person who was “saved” wasn’t really saved” they just thought they were saved, and they are still lost.” Lean in and listen, folks; that’s circular reasoning at its finest (or worst). Something that the devil has conjured up to capture more souls for his Hell.

I believe that the Scriptures are clear. If a person:

  • Hears the message of Christ – Romans 10:17
  • Believes in Christ – Hebrews 11:6
  • Repents of their past sins – Luke 13:3
  • Confesses Jesus as Lord – Romans 10:10
  • Immerses in water for the forgiveness of their sins – Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38

then this person is saved walking in the light as He Himself is in the light, then the blood of Jesus continually cleanses them of their sins – 1 John 1:7

If a person leaves the light, then they are in darkness. Like before, they were Christians (Ephesians 5:8). If they are in darkness, they are lost.

Let’s be people who are Christians remaining in the light.

This may challenge some of our readers. If so, good. I hope so. But I hope it challenges you to do what is right and to teach what is right.

Once you are saved, you are not permanently saved. You have to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:2). If, as Christians, there is nothing we need to work out, what happens to the urgency and motivation to do what is right?

Please learn this and teach this.

I love you,

Alex