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| Once saved always saved? |
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Thank you, Helen, for suggesting this topic!
As stated by Aslan (a literal depiction of the Lion of Judah) from C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series: "Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia."
Do we also apply this logic to our salvation in Christ? Can those who've accepted Christ as Lord and Savior ever lose their salvation?
As stated by Aslan (a literal depiction of the Lion of Judah) from C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series: "Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia."
Do we also apply this logic to our salvation in Christ? Can those who've accepted Christ as Lord and Savior ever lose their salvation?
This topic reminds me of the Parable of the Sower (see Matthew 13). The parable describes four scenarios:
In scenario 1, the seeds represent those who hear the message of the Kingdom of Heaven but don't understand, and evil "snatches away what has been sown in (their) heart".
Scenario 1 reminds me of a number of those who were "raised in Christian households" but their Christianity played little to no part in their upbringing, or their parents were not a healthy influence. Whichever the case, a number of kids would grow up with no real understanding or application, or even stop believing all-together, as this flawed world shapes their understanding of life. Unfortunately this is all too common in today's world. Having a dysfunctional family (and having known past friends with similar issues), I've witnessed this sort of thing almost all the time.
In scenario 2, the seeds represent those who, at first, quickly respond to the message with gladness but have no root, so when trouble arises they immediately drop out.
Scenario 2 reminds me of those who respond to what they read/hear enthusiastically one day, but then the moment something bad happens they forget about everything they heard and immediately resort to rage, spite, panic, or despair. It's as if they still do not understand the message like in the first scenario, or that they seem to like what they hear but don't actually apply it to themselves and just forget about it as if it never happened. (Example: Agreeing with messages about "loving our enemies" and yet continuing to use spiteful language during disagreements.)
Note that this is not the same as needing time to learn and apply what's been learned, but rather the unwillingness to learn at all.
In scenario 3, the seeds represent those who care too much about the world and "the deceitfulness of riches" to let the message take root in their lives, and so they remain spiritually unfruitful.
Scenario 3 reminds me of those who care too much about their place in the world and what the world thinks of them. Things like fame or popularity, wealth, pleasing the masses, and/or personal gain taking priority over integrity and morality (or, in some cases, even self-respect), this is what many would label as "sellouts". Even worries over one's own self can be a motive for making wrongful choices, especially when it means having no faith or trust in God. Many celebrities and those who are popular may be in danger of this scenario.
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26 ESV)
And in scenario 4, the seeds represent those who understand the message and are actively willing to follow and serve for God's glory. Their heart is all for God, and in their actions they are spiritually fruitful.
The point I'm making here is that God knows the hearts of each and every person, including those who claim to be believers and hearers of the word. While our salvation isn't works-based, our actions and motives serve as evidence of our faith. Anyone can claim to be Christian, but not all of them are following Christ.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:21-27 ESV)
Perhaps the issue isn't whether or not a person can lose their salvation but rather if they really were saved by grace through genuine faith in the first place. As the Good Shepherd said:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28 ESV) **
- Seeds that fell along a path and were devoured by birds,
- Seeds that fell on rocky ground with little soil, that quickly sprang up but became scorched by the sun's heat,
- Seeds that fell among thorns and were choked by them,
- Seeds that fell on good soil and became fruitful.
In scenario 1, the seeds represent those who hear the message of the Kingdom of Heaven but don't understand, and evil "snatches away what has been sown in (their) heart".
Scenario 1 reminds me of a number of those who were "raised in Christian households" but their Christianity played little to no part in their upbringing, or their parents were not a healthy influence. Whichever the case, a number of kids would grow up with no real understanding or application, or even stop believing all-together, as this flawed world shapes their understanding of life. Unfortunately this is all too common in today's world. Having a dysfunctional family (and having known past friends with similar issues), I've witnessed this sort of thing almost all the time.
In scenario 2, the seeds represent those who, at first, quickly respond to the message with gladness but have no root, so when trouble arises they immediately drop out.
Scenario 2 reminds me of those who respond to what they read/hear enthusiastically one day, but then the moment something bad happens they forget about everything they heard and immediately resort to rage, spite, panic, or despair. It's as if they still do not understand the message like in the first scenario, or that they seem to like what they hear but don't actually apply it to themselves and just forget about it as if it never happened. (Example: Agreeing with messages about "loving our enemies" and yet continuing to use spiteful language during disagreements.)
Note that this is not the same as needing time to learn and apply what's been learned, but rather the unwillingness to learn at all.
In scenario 3, the seeds represent those who care too much about the world and "the deceitfulness of riches" to let the message take root in their lives, and so they remain spiritually unfruitful.
Scenario 3 reminds me of those who care too much about their place in the world and what the world thinks of them. Things like fame or popularity, wealth, pleasing the masses, and/or personal gain taking priority over integrity and morality (or, in some cases, even self-respect), this is what many would label as "sellouts". Even worries over one's own self can be a motive for making wrongful choices, especially when it means having no faith or trust in God. Many celebrities and those who are popular may be in danger of this scenario.
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26 ESV)
And in scenario 4, the seeds represent those who understand the message and are actively willing to follow and serve for God's glory. Their heart is all for God, and in their actions they are spiritually fruitful.
The point I'm making here is that God knows the hearts of each and every person, including those who claim to be believers and hearers of the word. While our salvation isn't works-based, our actions and motives serve as evidence of our faith. Anyone can claim to be Christian, but not all of them are following Christ.
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:21-27 ESV)
Perhaps the issue isn't whether or not a person can lose their salvation but rather if they really were saved by grace through genuine faith in the first place. As the Good Shepherd said:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28 ESV) **
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Do you believe that it's possible for Christians to lose their salvation? Why or why not? What bible verse(s) support your answer?
Have you seen instances of the Parable of the Sower (any of the four scenarios) played out in today's world? During your lifetime/experience?
Do you believe that you are saved? On what basis?
If not, would you like to know how you can be saved?
Do you believe that it's possible for Christians to lose their salvation? Why or why not? What bible verse(s) support your answer?
Have you seen instances of the Parable of the Sower (any of the four scenarios) played out in today's world? During your lifetime/experience?
Do you believe that you are saved? On what basis?
If not, would you like to know how you can be saved?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding salvation. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
When approaching this topic, please be sure to bear in mind context. Please be sensitive and considerate regarding mental health issues like depression and suicidal thoughts, or other personal struggles that a person may be dealing with. Remember that God knows the hearts of every person, and that having such struggles or being prone to mistakes may not necessarily bring salvation into question.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding salvation. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
When approaching this topic, please be sure to bear in mind context. Please be sensitive and considerate regarding mental health issues like depression and suicidal thoughts, or other personal struggles that a person may be dealing with. Remember that God knows the hearts of every person, and that having such struggles or being prone to mistakes may not necessarily bring salvation into question.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to Helen for suggesting this topic.
**EDIT: Supplementary Thoughts (extended commentary) now available. Click here.**
Cover image courtesy of luizclas.
(Written on December 01, 2019.)
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This is a topic that from time to time causes much debate, stir, and even controversy. My view is simple. The question about whether a believer may lose salvation must be absolutely moot in my life, because I desire and seek to become more like Jesus each day (and less like me). If I do this, I will never have to worry or consider whether I can lose my salvation. This is not to minimize theological debate and inquiry; but only to emphasize that time is short and we should focus on the saving of souls.
ReplyDeleteJesus' examples & parables are always prescient, and always applicable to humanity. We come across people in various states of the Parable of the Sower everyday. Just like Jesus, we must have compassion on those living outside of the good soil. They need the peace found only in Christ.
I am saved by faith alone, in Christ alone, by trusting in His finished work on the cross as the perfect and only sacrifice for my reprehensible sins.
Great post as always. Blessings and peace to all.
Fleecy, Scripture assures me that NOTHING can separate me from God. Romans 8:34-39 is one of the strongest that comes to mind. John 10:27-29. The Seed Sower parable is one I studied for a long time. Only one will go to heaven. I invite you to study Hebrews with me on The Bible Bus with Dr. J. Vernon McGee. He says the Holy Spirit is our bus driver. We will pull into the 6th chapter of Hebrews on Dec. 13th. We're in chapter two tomorrow. It takes 5 years to go through the Bible with him.Great question. I think each person needs to be sure about their salvation. If they search for Him, He will respond. Hope you're feeling better today, sweet sister.
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