Table of Contents
Can Salvation Be Lost?
The Bible confirms that salvation can be lost. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit… If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:5-7).
The disciples of Christ are represented as the branches of the vine. He who professes to be in Christ is expected to bring forth fruits appropriate to his profession. These fruits are called “the fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9), or “fruits of righteousness” (Philippians 1:11; Hebrews 12:11). These fruits are evident in the character and the life of the believer. When these “good fruits” (James 3:17) are absent it becomes necessary to cut the fruitless branchs.
The character is “purged” by the tests and trials of life. The Father, the heavenly Husbandman, looks over the process. And though the “chastening” may seem to be hard, “nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).
Daily Relationship With Christ
A continuous abiding in a living connection with Christ is important for growth and fruitfulness. Occasional focus on religion is not sufficient. To abide in Christ means that the soul must be in daily, constant communion with Him and must live His life (Galatians 2:20).
“The carnal mind … is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). It is impossible for men in their own strength to escape from sin and to bring forth fruits of godliness. Wherever men hold to the idea that they can save themselves by their own works they have no protection from sin. Jesus said, “without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
And “if a man abide not,” he will be cut from the vine. The “once in grace always in grace,” is therefore, denied by this state. The Bible teaches that it is indeed possible for those who have been in Christ to lose their salvation when they lose connection with Him (Hebrews 6:4–6). Thus, Salvation is conditional upon abiding in Christ until the end.
For more on this topic, check: Can a Christian lose their salvation?
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
