Can I Lose My Salvation?
The question “Can I lose my salvation?” is one that troubles many believers. If you're a Christian who has struggled with sin or failure, you may wonder whether you've fallen too far or disqualified yourself from God’s grace. But what does the Bible actually say?
Understanding Salvation Biblically
Salvation is not something we earn — it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is granted by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. From a Reformed perspective, salvation involves justification, sanctification, and ultimately glorification — all of which are accomplished by God.
Jesus said in John 10:28:
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
That’s a powerful promise — eternal life is exactly that: eternal. If it could be lost, it would not be eternal.
The Doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints
In Reformed theology, this question is answered by the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. This means that those who are truly saved will continue in faith and will never finally fall away. They may stumble, struggle, or doubt, but God preserves them until the end.
Romans 8:30
“Those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
This golden chain of salvation shows an unbreakable link between the beginning and the end of God’s saving work.
What About People Who Fall Away?
Some point to people who once professed faith but later denied it. The Apostle John addresses this in 1 John 2:19:
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.”
This verse reveals that those who truly belong to Christ will remain. Those who fall away show that their faith was never genuine to begin with.
Voices from the Reformed Tradition
John Calvin wrote:
“The perseverance of the saints rests upon the unchangeable decree of election.”
R.C. Sproul emphasized:
“If you have it, you never lose it. If you lose it, you never had it.”
John MacArthur adds:
“True salvation cannot be lost because it is not based on human effort but on God's sovereign grace and power to keep us.”
Voddie Baucham reminds us:
“Our assurance doesn’t come from our performance but from the finished work of Christ and the promises of God.”
Assurance and the Believer
If you’re worried that you’ve lost your salvation, ask yourself: Do I trust in Christ alone? Do I grieve over sin and desire to follow God? These are evidences that the Spirit is at work in your life.
Final Thoughts
Can a true Christian lose their salvation? No. If you are in Christ, you are secure — not because of how strong your grip on God is, but because of how strong His grip is on you.
Rest in this: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Call to Action
If you have doubts or fears about your salvation, don’t run from God — run to Him. Repent of your sin, trust in Christ, and rest in His promises. Let His Word be your assurance. And if you know someone who struggles with this question, share this article with them as encouragement.
📖 Salvation is secure in Christ. Trust in Him today.