The question of whether a Christian can lose their salvation is a significant theological debate that often divides Christians. While God’s grace is central to the gospel, the Bible also contains numerous warnings about the need to persevere and be vigilant to avoid falling away. This article will explore why the belief that “we are under grace, so we don’t need to worry about sin” is only half of the truth and how Scripture indicates that it is possible to lose one’s salvation.
The Correct View of Grace
Grace is indeed the foundation of the Christian faith. We are saved not by our own works or efforts but by the grace of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” However, this does not mean we can take sin lightly or assume we have no further responsibility.
Paul emphasizes in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Although we live under grace, this is not a license to continue sinning. God’s grace calls us to live as Jesus did—without sin.
Grace and Sanctification
In addition to justification, which involves the forgiveness of sins, God’s grace also leads to sanctification. Sanctification is the process through which we are gradually conformed to the image of Christ. In Titus 2:11-12, it says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” True grace transforms a believer’s life. It calls us to put away our old sinful ways and live a new life that honors God. This transformation is a sign that we have truly experienced God’s grace.
The Necessity of Perseverance
The Bible frequently stresses the importance of perseverance in the faith. Jesus Himself says in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” This suggests that faith is not a one-time event but requires ongoing commitment and loyalty.
Paul also highlights the need for perseverance in Philippians 2:12-13: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” This verse shows the cooperation between God’s grace and the believer’s responsibility to actively work out their faith.
Warnings About Falling Away
There are clear warnings in Scripture that falling away from the faith is possible. One of the most compelling passages comes from Hebrews 6:4-6: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance.” This indicates that apostasy is a real possibility. Even after experiencing God’s grace, a person can choose to turn away from the faith and, in doing so, lose their salvation.
Another passage can be found in 2 Peter 2:20-21: “For if, after they have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.” This suggests that those who are freed from sin and then return to their old sinful ways are in a worse position than before they knew Christ.
This is a serious warning that it is possible to lose one’s relationship with God by returning to a life of sin. Though grace saves us, sin remains dangerous and harmful, even for believers. Sin can not only disrupt our earthly lives but also weaken us spiritually and can even alienate us from God if we choose to walk in it thinking and saying that it doesn’t bother God. If you say it doesn’t matter, we are already forgiven, then you do not understand the gospel and you have not yet received a revelation of the fear of the Lord!
Hebrews 10:26-27: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.”
1 John 3:6-9: “No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known Him. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.”
The Importance of Responsibility
Paul gives a personal example of the need to remain vigilant. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, he writes, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” This shows that even Paul, despite his zeal for preaching the gospel, was aware of the need to keep his faith alive and not become entangled in sin. He highlights here the necessity of personal discipline and responsibility in the Christian life.
A Warning from the book of Revelation
The book of Revelation also gives a powerful warning regarding perseverance. Revelation 3:5 says, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” This verse implies that one’s name could be erased from the Book of Life if they do not persevere in faith. It stresses the importance of overcoming sin and staying faithful to Christ until the end.
Grace and Perseverance Go Hand in Hand
The belief that we are under grace and therefore need not worry about sin is only half of the truth. Grace is indeed an undeserved gift from God, but it also calls us to a life of sanctification, obedience, and perseverance. The Bible warns about the dangers of falling away from faith and indicates that it is possible to lose salvation through disobedience and a hardened heart.
Salvation is a gift of grace, but it also requires active faith, a life of repentance, and a continual battle against sin. The true gospel encompasses both grace and the call to remain faithful to Christ until the end.