Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation?

Introduction
This lesson addresses one of the most important questions in all of Christianity: Can a Christian lose their salvation? Many sincere believers have been taught the doctrine of “once saved, always saved.” While this teaching often appeals to passages like John 10:27–29, it is essential that we let the whole counsel of God speak. When we examine the totality of Scripture, we see repeated warnings to Christians—not unbelievers—about the danger of falling away. Today, we will look at key passages from both Jesus and the apostles that show the sobering reality that salvation can be forfeited through unfaithfulness.

A Misunderstood Passage — John 10:27–29
Jesus’ words in John 10 are absolutely true: His sheep hear His voice, He gives them eternal life, and no one can snatch them out of His hand. Neither government, nor armies, nor Satan himself has the power to forcibly take away our salvation. The question is whether we ourselves can abandon it. The rest of Scripture answers clearly: yes, we can give up our salvation by ceasing to abide in Christ.

Biblical Warnings Against Falling Away
In Luke 8:13, Jesus describes those who “receive the word with joy” and “believe for a while,” but in times of temptation “fall away.” These are believers who, for a season, truly follow Christ, yet choose to turn away.
In John 15:5–6, Jesus says that those who do not abide in Him are cast out as branches and burned. This is a judgment picture for those once in Christ who choose not to remain.
In 2 Corinthians 6:1, Paul warns Christians not to receive the grace of God “in vain.” Grace saves, but it can be forfeited if the believer turns from the faith.
Hebrews 2:1–3 warns Christians to pay close attention to the truth “lest we drift away.” Neglect of salvation leads to loss.
Hebrews 10:26–31 warns that willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth leaves no sacrifice for sins—only judgment. Such believers trample the Son of God underfoot and insult the Spirit of grace, bringing eternal punishment.
In 2 Peter 2:20–22, Peter describes those who have escaped the pollution of the world through Christ but become entangled again. Their end is worse than their beginning, like a cleansed animal returning to filth.

Examples of Christians Who Fell Away
Judas Iscariot chose to betray Christ.
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) were true believers who lied to the Holy Spirit and faced immediate judgment.
Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:19–20) suffered shipwreck of faith.
Demas (2 Timothy 4:10) forsook Paul, loving the present world more than the hope of heaven.

The Devil’s Target
Satan is not seeking the lost—he already has them. He prowls after Christians, those who have been saved, to devour their faith and lead them to ruin (1 Peter 5:8). This is why Scripture urges believers to be watchful, steadfast, and strong.

How to Guard Against Losing Salvation
We must be diligent (2 Peter 1:10) to make our calling and election sure. Eternal life is for those who persevere to the end.
We must assemble with and encourage one another (Hebrews 3:12–13; 10:24–25), guarding against sin’s deceitfulness.
We must pray continually for God’s strength to remain faithful in a sinful world.

Conclusion
The doctrine of “once saved, always saved” is not supported by the full teaching of Scripture. The Bible warns Christians of the danger of falling away. We must be diligent, steadfast, and watchful so that we may enter the everlasting kingdom of our Lord.

Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation? Sermon Outline:

• Introduction

  • Define the question and why it matters (John 10:27–29)

  • Explain the common teaching of “once saved, always saved”

  • Present the approach: examine full biblical testimony

• Misunderstood Passage: John 10:27–29

  • No one can forcibly take salvation away

  • The believer can voluntarily give it up

• Biblical Warnings Against Falling Away

  • Luke 8:13 — Believing for a while, then falling away

  • John 15:5–6 — Failing to abide in the vine results in being cast out and burned

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1 — Receiving grace in vain

  • Hebrews 2:1–3 — Drifting away through neglect

  • Hebrews 10:26–31 — Willful sin after salvation brings judgment

  • 2 Peter 2:20–22 — Returning to sin after cleansing

• Examples of Christians Who Fell Away

  • Judas Iscariot — Betrayal of Christ

  • Ananias and Sapphira — Lied to the Holy Spirit

  • Hymenaeus and Alexander — Shipwreck of faith (1 Timothy 1:19–20)

  • Demas — Forsook Paul, loved this world (2 Timothy 4:10)

• The Devil’s Target

  • 1 Peter 5:8 — Satan seeks Christians to devour

  • Why warnings are given if loss is impossible

• How to Guard Against Losing Salvation

  • 2 Peter 1:10 — Be diligent to make calling and election sure

  • Hebrews 3:12–13; 10:24–25 — Assemble, encourage, and guard against sin

  • Continual prayer for God’s strength

• Conclusion

  • Once saved always saved is unscriptural

  • Christians must remain vigilant and faithful

Call to Action
Each of us must honestly examine our lives in light of these warnings. Salvation is a precious gift, but it must be guarded with diligence. Temptation, neglect, and willful sin can cause us to drift from the Lord. Commit yourself today to steadfast faithfulness, to assembling with fellow believers, and to daily prayer for strength. The crown of life awaits those who remain faithful until death.

Key Takeaways

• A Christian can choose to abandon salvation (Luke 8:13; John 15:6)

• Scripture warns repeatedly against falling away (Hebrews 2:1–3; 10:26–31)

• Historical examples in the New Testament prove loss is possible (Acts 5:1–10; 2 Timothy 4:10)

• Satan targets Christians, not unbelievers (1 Peter 5:8)

• Faithfulness, diligence, assembling, and prayer are essential to perseverance (2 Peter 1:10; Hebrews 3:12–13)

Scripture Reference List

• John 10:27–29 — No one can forcibly take salvation from us

• Luke 8:13 — Believing for a while and falling away

• John 15:5–6 — Failure to abide results in judgment

• 2 Corinthians 6:1 — Grace can be received in vain

• Hebrews 2:1–3 — Danger of drifting away

• Hebrews 10:26–31 — Willful sin leads to punishment

• 2 Peter 2:20–22 — Returning to sin after cleansing

• Acts 5:1–10 — Ananias and Sapphira’s sin and judgment

• 1 Timothy 1:19–20 — Hymenaeus and Alexander’s shipwrecked faith

• 2 Timothy 4:10 — Demas forsook the work for worldly love

• 1 Peter 5:8 — Satan seeks to devour believers

• 2 Peter 1:10 — Diligence to secure calling and election

• Hebrews 3:12–13; 10:24–25 — Encouragement and assembling safeguard faith

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO