Can Christians lose their salvation, their faith in Christ, their rewards promised by God? Some say yes while others disagree relying on Eternal Security. This week’s message is based on scripture and my personal interpretation of the word of God. I am referring to the possibility that anyone can in deed lose their salvation and the rewards promised by God based on a decision to abandon faith in Jesus Christ.
With the certitude that the bible is perfect and true, and that it does not contradict itself, we begin with the following verse:
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:40)
This verse is clear and obvious; “believe” and “eternal life ” are linked and in perfect harmony with God’s promise. Unfortunately human beings are known to sway like tree branches, believing one thing today and another the next. In this message, free will is exposed as a double edged sword.
Here are a few examples of swaying among believers:
“Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)
The apostle Paul clearly warns the Corinthians their salvation is conditional to holding firmly by the word. By “received” and “have taken a stand” Paul establishes his audience includes faithful believers who are commanded to live according to the gospel if they are to reap the rewards promised by God. This verse shows for the Corinthians, salvation was in deed conditional.
Another example of weak faith can be found in the parable of the sower. As seeds are sowed, they are compared to the word of God.
“Those (seeds sowed) on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.” (Luke 8:13)
A clear example of the enemy preying on the weak and, biblical proof people can believe a while but eventually give in to the world and abandon their faith. The bible warns believers that shallow rooted faith can in deed be lost. God’s word also calls us to “watch out” for our rewards, the harvest of our works.
“Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 1:8)
Another warning to those who faithfully believe in Jesus Christ can be found in Romans 11. The apostle Paul writes about God’s kindness to those who continue in his kindness and more importantly, Paul writes about the fact branches (or people) can be cut off from the tree of eternal life. Thankfully through God’s grace, the same people can be brought back into God’s light.
“But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.” (Romans 11:20-23)
Scripture testifies it is possible to be cut off from the vine. Otherwise the numerous warnings found in the bible would be meaningless. We cannot ignore the fact our otherwise “secure position” can be taken away should we stop believing in Jesus Christ.
“He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” (2 Peter 3:16-17)
Always remember our salvation is based on a decision, a choice we consciously make to accept Christ as our lord and savior. I pray you will continue to faithfully seek God’s rewards and that you will never abandon your faith.
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
Those who believe and continue to believe will inherit the kingdom of God. Those who do not believe are lost and heading to hell. Those who believed but fell away will be cut off from the tree of life. Through God’s grace, anyone who does not believe can be grafted onto the tree while those who have been cut off from the vine can be grafted back onto the tree provided they once again believe, repent and continue in his kindness.
Faith, salvation and God’s rewards can be lost. The good news is they all can be found again. What is critical is what we believe when we die or, when Jesus returns. Christ tells us to ready ourselves, that He will be coming like a thief in the night completely and absolutely unannounced.
Be ready. Continue to believe and, immerse yourself in His word according to His ways. Should you fall, truthfully and honestly repent and ask for God’s mercy. My advice is don’t fall, don’t sway and hold on to the eternal prize with dear life renewing your faith and picking up your cross daily.
Do you find yourself weakened by the enemy? Do you fear you may have been cut off from the vine? Are you struggling with habitual sin? Call on us for prayer and guidance. We have your best interest at heart and will gladly discuss ways to help you get grafted back onto the tree of life and equip you with tools that will allow you to continue in God’s kindness. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For your strength, your forgiveness
And for allowing us to worship you.
Lord we pray you will continue to lead our footsteps
And help us be more like You
So that we may fulfill your mission for us in this life
And rejoice with you in the next.
God we pray you will keep our hearts pure
And allow us to focus on your promise,
We ask you to solidify our bond to the tree of life
So that we may never be separated from the vine.
We thank you Lord for looking after us,
After our families, our friends,
And answering the prayers of those in need.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
