Ep.1456: Can Christians Lose Their Salvation? (Part I)
Finding the scriptural truth about our ability to lose our standing in Christ
CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: Hebrews 10:26
Every professed Christian acknowledges that they have been saved as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice. The big questions come after that acknowledgment. How is someone saved, is there a cost for this salvation, or is it a free gift? What are we saved from? Is there a way to lose this salvation or is it an unbreakable and permanent protection no matter what we do? If we go to various denominations with these questions we will receive a wide variety of answers. The challenge is, all these answers do have somewhat of a basis in Scripture. What do we do now? We look at scripture as a whole and find the recurring themes that explain how all of these moving parts come together.
Two Phases of Salvation
Part I builds a clear foundation for understanding salvation by examining what it is, how it works and who receives it. We walk through key scriptures to explain the difference between salvation by invitation for true followers of Jesus now and salvation by just and merciful inclusion for the world in the future. It also highlights the cost of discipleship, the role of free will and why only spirit-begotten Christians are on trial for eternal life in the present age. This groundwork prepares listeners for Part II, where the warning passages and the question of losing salvation will be explored in depth.
Beyond just a moment of belief or feelings of strong emotion, salvation is a process rooted in God’s calling. Those drawn to Christ now are justified and invited to present their lives as a living sacrifice, walking a narrow path of growth and faithfulness. Non-Christians can't lose salvation because they have not yet received it; their opportunity comes later in Christ’s kingdom when accurate knowledge of God is provided and evil influences are removed. Only those who are spirit begotten and in covenant relationship with God can turn away from their calling in this age. Understanding these distinctions is essential before approaching the more challenging scriptures addressed in Part II.
Key Takeaways
- Salvation is deliverance from eternal death through Jesus’ sacrifice.
- God’s calling now is selective and leads to justification and discipleship.
- Present salvation requires offering one’s life as a living sacrifice.
- Only Christians who have received the holy spirit are on trial for eternal life today.
- The world’s salvation comes later under Christ’s kingdom conditions.
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