Part 5 Can a believer in Christ lose their salvation? - Section 1

�-�Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation? �" Section 1

 …You Decide

CHAPTER 10

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation? �" Section 1

Remember, losing one’s salvation means to lose the indwelling Holy Spirit along with the subsequent benefits, one of which is eternal life that refers to the believer going to heaven at physical death. If this benefit is lost this would mean that the believer would go to hell at physical death because of habitual sin.

Various verses of scripture will now be looked at from both viewpoints and hopefully you will be able to understand the basis for each perspective more fully. Some say that understanding this topic is easy because the scriptures are very clear, but I’m not sure if any topic is clear to a believer in an intellectual sense. If intellect were the only basis for understanding, it would be conceivable that all believers would have the same doctrinal belief system but, as we all know, this is not the case.

Looking at one verse or one word from a verse should not be the basis for determining a viewpoint on any biblical topic. In fact, there are many things that must be considered such as context�"who was saying what to whom and why? What are the different meanings for a particular word or words according to the Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament? What are the different verses that should be looked at which relate to the same topic in order to shed more light on a subject? And don’t forget to pray to God the Father to provide wisdom and understanding by means of the Holy Spirit, the teacher who Jesus promised, as we attempt to formulate our own perspective.

Each section that follows will present a table of information that includes a title, the verses to be covered, a description of their content, and the reasons for supporting each argument in regards to the question posed which is, can a believer lose their salvation?

The False Prophets: “I never knew you”

Suggested Reading: Matthew 7:15-23; 5:1

Jesus is teaching his disciples along with warning them that there will be false prophets, who will appear to be harmless, meek, or guileless (sincere, honest, straight forward), that will corrupt the purity of the faith by promoting false doctrines, claiming that their messages are from God. Inwardly though, they will be greedy for power, gain, or wealth.

You shall know them from the tongue of their heart. "A man's works," says one, "are the tongue of his heart, and tell honestly whether he is inwardly corrupt or pure." If the Holy Spirit directs their teaching, the effects in the lives of their listeners will be the spiritual qualities (fruit) of the Holy Spirit. The false prophets will appear to be Godly in their actions. They will speak God’s word, cast out demons, and perform wonderful works, but they will be complete strangers to God because they will fail to operate in his love. If we follow them, we will be easily carried off from the flock and the result will be that we will continue carrying our baggage of sin and worldliness, and not experience the changed life that produces fruit for God’s glory.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:15,21-23)

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation?

YES

• False prophets are believers who have become teachers of incorrect doctrine.

God evidenced his work in them by:

~        Speaking His message through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

~        Casting out demons and performing miracles.

~        Because they continually broke God’s laws, God said to them “I never knew you” (in other words, you have lost your salvation).

• They had to be believers because if they were demonically empowered they wouldn’t be casting out demons in Jesus name. This would indicate that the kingdom of Satan would be divided against itself in purpose and goals.
• And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (Mark 3:24)
• According to Acts 19:10-20, when the 7 sons of Sceva heard the apostle Paul use the name of Jesus in successfully casting out demons, they decided to do it too, but were unsuccessful, because only the power of God can cast out demons.

• These false prophets are believers who lost their salvation, because they didn’t do the will of the Father, which was to stay away from committing serious habitual sin.

NO

• False prophets are unbelievers who have become teachers of incorrect doctrine. They may speak God’s word but it has no abiding spiritual effect in those who hear it, because it is devoid of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, composed merely of historical facts.

• They are able to cast out demons and perform miracles because their essential character is Satanic, performing signs and wonders through evil supernatural force.
• According to 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, there will appear on the scene of human events a person known as the Wicked, who will perform the signs and wonders of Satan, their source of power being either Satan himself or demonic influence.
• 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
• Some would say that such deliverance would indicate that Satan would be operating against his own kingdom, so it cannot be attributed to him because there would be divided purpose and goals but in this context, the kingdom of darkness would appear to be casting out demons for the purpose of deception so that many would follow them.

• The Lord will say to these false prophets that he was never acquainted with them, not that at one time He did know them.
• And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:40)

I hope that you have become aware in this early process that the reasons for supporting either view on this topic can be extensive.

                               The next section has to do with Judas Iscariot. Surely he lost his salvation, right?

Called Unto Him His Twelve Disciples:  “gave them power”

Suggested Reading: Matthew 10:1-8

Jesus called his twelve disciples together (learners; one who follows a teacher and learns his wisdom), and gave them power (authority to command) against unclean spirits, to cast them out (when they told them to depart, they obeyed), and to heal all manner of sickness and disease.

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these…Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. (Matthew 10:1-2,4)

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation?

YES

• The 12 apostles were given power against unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and disease because all of them believed in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. However, Judas, one of the 12, betrayed him and instead of going to Paradise at physical death he went to a place of torments.

NO

• All 12 apostles were given power against unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and disease.
• We don’t know how many of them believed in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, at this time.
• In Matthew 8:23-27 the disciples entered into a ship with Jesus and a storm ensued. Fearing for their lives, they awakened Jesus who was sleeping. He got up and rebuked the winds and sea, and there was great calm. They marveled, saying, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Not only were the Jews becoming more aware of Jesus because of the miracles He performed, but also his disciples began questioning his identity.  

• Judas went to a place called torments because he never believed in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah.
• Even though Judas was given the authority against unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and disease this didn’t mean that he believed in Jesus.

                                 What we will look at next is one of the primary scripture sections used by those who advocate that a believer can lose their salvation.

There Shall Be Great Tribulation: “endure unto the end, the same shall be saved”

Suggested Reading: Matthew 24:1-31

As Jesus left the temple in Jerusalem with his disciples he told them that it would be destroyed in the future (the Romans would destroy it in 70 AD). The disciples then asked him what would indicate his return, and when would the world end? Jesus responded by telling them of the things that will occur, advising them to beware of those who will claim to be the Christ and deceive many. He spoke of international wars, civil wars, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes in different places. Believers will be afflicted (punished) and put to death; and many will stop believing in Him, even turning one another over to the authorities. Iniquity or wickedness will be everywhere and brotherly love will no longer be a characteristic of those who follow God. However, those who endure to the end will be saved.

Once the gospel of the kingdom is preached in the entire world, the end will come. Jesus warned of an abomination of desolation that would take place in the temple, and when this occurs people should flee to the mountains. There will be great suffering, the extent of which has never been known throughout human history, and unless the number of days was shortened, no one would remain alive.

Many believe that Jesus’ return to the earth (second coming) at the end of the Tribulation Period was prophesied in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:25; 8:23-25; 9:20-27; 12:1-2,7,11). This is a prophecy of 70 weeks, each signifying 7 years and denoting a total of 490 years. It is believed that this prophecy began with a decree that allowed the Jews to return to their homeland following their captivity in Babylon. This prophecy included the fixed year for the Messiah's death and resurrection and revealed the sequence of events and the dates for the Messiah's return, which will bring an end to human rule on earth, ushering in the government of God that will rule over the entire earth during the 1000 year Millennial reign of Christ. When Jesus died, only 69 weeks, or 483 of the 490 years, were fulfilled, so there is one prophetic week remaining unfulfilled. Many suggest that this final week, or 7 years, refers to the last seven years that will take place at the end of this age (Church Age) referring to the time as the Tribulation Period occurring before Christ’s second coming. (Revelation 4-20:4).

During this time the abomination of desolation mentioned by Jesus will occur as a world leader goes into the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and places an image there to be worshipped by all of the peoples of the earth. Anyone who chooses not to worship this image but lives as a witness for Christ will be hunted down and killed. Finally, Christ will return to the earth and intervene preventing the entire annihilation of those who believed in Him and providing retribution toward their enemies. He will set up His earthy kingdom on earth where he will reign for 1000 years (Millennial Reign) with Jerusalem as the capital city.

Some believe that just before this 7-year period begins the church will be removed from the earth by means of an event known as the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), with the focus of the Tribulation being on those Jews who choose to believe in Christ. Others believe that the Church will not be removed from the earth, and believers will be the ones persecuted during this time.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation?

YES

• Those believers (Christians or Jews) who do not endure (growing cold and apostatizing) to the end of the Tribulation Period will not be saved�"another word they will lose their salvation.

NO

• Those, who do not receive the mark of the beast and are a witness for Christ bearing afflictions and persecutions to the end (the close of their life), the same shall be saved (delivered). This not talking about salvation, but deliverance.
• And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)

                        Most of us have read about the parable of sowing the seed. Let’s see how this relates to this topic.

Sowing Seed:  “in the time of temptation fall away” 

Suggested Reading: Luke 8:1-15

One of Jesus’ parables was about the sowing of seed, and the conditions that affected its ability to take root and bear fruit.

In the first instance the birds of the air devoured the seed.

Secondly, the seed fell upon a rock, and withered away because there was no moisture.

Third, the seed fell among the weeds, which choked it out and prevented growth.

Fourth, the seed fell upon good ground and sprang up and bore fruit.

Jesus’ disciples asked him to explain the parable to them, and he said the seed is the word of God and each instance refers to people’s responses, when they heard it.

Initially, the word momentarily influenced those who heard it, but the devil took it from their hearts and they did not make a decision to believe in Christ in order to be saved.

Second, the word was heard and believed, but the person fell away when temptation or testing occurred.

Third, the word was heard and believed, but was choked out by cares, riches, and pleasures. There was no repentance and, therefore, no growth to maturity.

Fourth, there were those who heard the word, believed it, and retained it faithfully; seeking wisdom, holiness, and righteousness. Spiritual growth occurred because of the firmness of their heart.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (Luke 8:11-15)

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation?

YES

• In the first instance, the people did not believe in who Jesus is, so they were not saved.

• In the second and third groups, they believed but either testing or the cares of this world caused them not to continue on in their spiritual walk. As a result they fell away, or deserted, and the indwelling Spirit departed�"so they lost their eternal life.

• The last group heard the word and appropriated it for themselves, bearing spiritual fruit that was evidence of their spiritual walk.

NO

• In the first instance, the people did not believe in who Jesus is so they were not saved.
• In the second and third groups, they believed but either testing or the cares of this world caused them to fall away from their spiritual walk.

~        A person’s walk is different than a person’s standing with God.

~        A As believers they are new creatures in Christ, and if they choose not to continue to walk by faith, God will discipline them, but who they are in Christ does not change�"they retain salvation.

• The last group hears and appropriates the word for themselves, bearing spiritual fruit that is evidence of their spiritual walk.

                          What does it mean in regards to losing one’s salvation that someone’s name is written in heaven?

Appointed 70 Others:  “your names are written in heaven”

Suggested Reading: Luke 10:1-20

Jesus had appointed 70 others besides the apostles to go into the villages and towns to prepare the way for His coming. They were sent out two at a time in order:

~To teach them the necessity of concord among the ministers of righteousness.

~That in the mouths of two witnesses everything might be established.

~That they might comfort and support each other in their difficult labor.

They were to: heal the sick; proclaim that the kingdom of God is come near to them; have authority over demons; not be harmed by poisonous snakes or harmful powers; rejoice, not because the demons were obedient to them, but because their names were written in the book of heaven.

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:9,17,19-20)

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation?

YES

• Their names are written in the book of life because they have obeyed the commands of Christ, but if they were to decide to stop obeying Him and go back to their former life of habitual sin, they would lose their salvation

NO

• Jesus said not to rejoice in their authority but in the fact that their names were written in the book of life in heaven. He said nothing about their names being taken out of the book of life if they went

back to their former life and lived in habitual sin.

• The words “are written” are described in the Koine Greek as being in the perfect passive indicative, the tense being Perfect, the meaning of which presents the action of the verb as having reached its termination and existing in its finished results.

~        The indicative is a mood that refers to the way in which the action is conceived with reference to reality. In this case this is the mood of absolute certainty or facts.

~        The word passive refers to voice, which denotes that the subject receives the action of the verb.

�-�   Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in

     heaven. (Luke 10:9,17,19-20)

�-�  Another word the 70 disciples have received with absolute certainty that their names are written in the book of heaven. This is seen as completed or on permanent record from the point of  view of present time. We could also say that their names have been written, they stand written, and nothing can undo them.

                                John 3:16 is one of the most recognized verses in the bible as relating to salvation.

                                How could someone interpret it to mean that a believer could lose their salvation?

Whosever Believes In Him: “should not perish”

John 3:16

   Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, who came to see Him at night. In this dissertation, Jesus is talking to him about salvation. Jesus said that His Father was so desirous of the world’s happiness that He gave freely and without merit his Son so that whosoever believes in Him (in who he is and what he has done) should not perish (final destiny in hell apart from God), but have everlasting (a new quality) of life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation?

YES

• Yes. The words “should perish” with the negative can also mean might or may perish.
• What this is saying is that a person who believes in the Son might or may lose their salvation.

NO

• No. The words “should perish” with the negative are in what is called the aorist middle subjunctive.
• The middle voice tells us how the subject is related to the verb “should perish”. Another word they will either perish themselves or not.
• The aorist tense tells us what kind of action is being expressed by the verb. This tells us that this idea of perishing will be determined at a point in time.
• The subjunctive mood tells us that the way in which the action of the verb is conceived with reference to reality is possible. Another word whether a person perishes is based on their decision to believe in the Son.

                            Is a Christians’ eternal standing conditional?

The Jews Sought To Kill Him:  “is passed from death unto life”

Suggested Reading: John 5:1-24

Initially, the Jews wanted to kill Christ because they believed He had violated the Sabbath. Now they tried even harder to kill him because He made himself equal to God, proclaiming that He was also God come in the flesh. This suggested to them two gods, indicating polytheism. However, those who believe in Jesus and on the Father who sent Him, will have eternal life or happiness, having passed from spiritual death into spiritual life.

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)

Can A Believer In Christ Lose Their Salvation?

YES

• Those who believe in Christ will receive everlasting life, but one’s eternal standing is conditional, based on whether the believer continues to follow Christ after salvation. Not to do so incurs condemnation or judgment and loss of salvation. 

NO

• Those who have chosen to hear Jesus message, the inference being that as a result they have believed in him as Messiah, along with believing on the Father who sent him, they have already begun to live the life that will never end, and shall not come under judgment, but are passed from spiritual death into spiritual life.
• The words “is passed” are in the perfect active indicative. The perfect tense presents the action of the verb as having reached its termination and existing in its finished results

~        The indicative is a mood that refers to the way in which the action is conceived with reference to reality. In this case this is the mood of absolute certainty or facts.

~        The word active refers to voice, which denotes that the subject produces the action of the verb.

~        The condition for being passed from spiritual death to spiritual life is the person’s belief in the one who is sent and on the one who has sent Him. This passing is seen as completed or is on permanent record from the point of view of present time.

In the preceding sections, we looked at: false prophets; the 12 disciples; the seven year tribulation period; the parable of sowing seed; the 70 others; John 3:16; and Jesus making himself equal with God; as to whether salvation could be lost. In some cases this determination was made based on whether the people believed in Christ as their Messiah. In other cases the determination was made if people engaged in habitual sin following their belief in Him. And still in another case, the context of the scripture regarding the referenced dispensation (e.g. 7 year tribulation period) helps us to understand the meaning of certain words and whether they refer to losing one’s salvation or deliverance. Finally, the tense of certain verbs could help determine whether one’s salvation was permanent or conditional. When doing a study on this or any topic it is apparent there are a lot of things to consider.

Before we continue on in this study and look at more sections of scripture, you might be thinking, how did I the author, come up with the responses to the question “Can a believer lose their salvation?” The responses that I recorded were taken from a culmination of information gathered from: on-line articles, books, bible commentaries, biblical dictionaries, concordances, lexicons, discussions with those in leadership and those who were not, etc. Not every pastor or person who teaches on this subject will provide the exact same responses as presented in this paper. However, I do believe that many of their responses would be similar.

Hopefully when this study has concluded you will have read most of the scriptures which are used by those in church leadership that  support their view that a believer can lose their salvation or support their view that a believer cannot lose their salvation.

So let’s continue to look at more scriptural sections which pertain to this topic.

 

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