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Eternal Security: Why True Christians Cannot Lose Their Salvation
Can a true Christian lose their salvation?
This is one of the most pressing—and often misunderstood—questions in the Church today. Some struggle with lingering guilt, others fear falling away, and still others have watched someone they love walk away from the faith.
But what does the Bible actually say?
The clear testimony of Scripture is that those who are genuinely saved—those who have been born again by the Spirit of God—cannot lose their salvation. True believers are not holding on to God by their own strength. Rather, God is holding on to them.
This truth is often referred to as the perseverance of the saints. It does not mean that Christians never struggle or sin. It means that God, in His faithfulness, preserves His people. Salvation is His work from beginning to end.
Biblical Foundations for Eternal Security
1. Jesus Promises to Keep His Own
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
— John 10:28
Jesus doesn’t give temporary life—He gives eternal life. His promise is absolute: never perish, no one can snatch them from His hand.
2. Salvation Is a Gift—Not a Work
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9
If salvation is a gift, it’s not something you earn—or can lose by poor performance. God doesn’t give the gift of salvation with a return policy.
3. The Holy Spirit Seals Believers
“In Him you also… were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”
— Ephesians 1:13
The Spirit’s seal is a guarantee of our inheritance. It’s God’s mark of ownership and His pledge to bring us to final redemption.
4. God Finishes What He Starts
“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…”
— Philippians 1:6
God is not in the business of starting projects He doesn’t finish. He brings true believers to spiritual maturity and final salvation.
5. Nothing Can Separate Us
“Nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 8:38–39
No sin, no trial, no enemy—nothing—can cut off the believer from Christ’s love. Our union with Him is secure.
But What About Those Who Fall Away?
This is an important and painful question. We’ve all seen people who once professed Christ but now live in opposition to Him.
“They went out from us, but they were not of us…”
— 1 John 2:19
Some people may profess faith, but they never possessed saving faith. They may have participated in church life or even ministry, but their hearts were never truly changed.
True believers may struggle, fall into sin, or experience doubt—but they do not ultimately abandon Christ. God disciplines His children and draws them back to Himself.
Common Misunderstandings
“So, can I just live however I want?”
Absolutely not.
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!”
— Romans 6:1–2
Eternal security is not a license to sin. True faith leads to a changed life marked by repentance and obedience. The doctrine of perseverance includes both God’s preserving grace and our Spirit-empowered perseverance in faith.
“What if I’ve really messed up?”
Even serious sin does not cancel salvation for the true believer. Consider Peter—he denied Christ but was restored. Contrast that with Judas, whose betrayal revealed a heart that was never truly regenerated.
What If I Don’t Feel Saved Anymore?
This is a common fear, especially in seasons of discouragement or sin.
Here’s the truth: your feelings don’t determine your salvation—God’s Word does.
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5
We’re called to examine ourselves—not obsess over feelings, but evaluate whether there is evidence of genuine faith: conviction of sin, love for Christ, growth in godliness, and endurance in trials.
When in doubt, go back to the cross. Rest not in your performance, but in Christ’s finished work.
Summary: God Keeps His People
True Christians cannot lose their salvation—not because they’re strong, but because God is faithful.
Salvation is not probation—it’s a promise. It’s secured by the blood of Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and completed by the Father’s sovereign will.
Recommended Resources for Further Study
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
