There are Christian pastors and teachers that teach that salvation can be lost. But what does the Bible have to say on the subject of once saved always saved.
The Biblical definition of salvation is that a person is saved from the punishment of their sins and has a home in heaven. Salvation comes through, faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and that Jesus is our sin bearer, anyone who calls upon his name will be saved. (Romans 10:13.) Salvation is a gift of God by His grace, not from your works, or good deeds. (Ephesians 2:8-9) The person that calls upon the name of Jesus is now "born again." (John 3:3.)
Most Christian Scholars that teach one can lose their salvation do so by quoting the following passages found in the Bible:
If any one 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 15:6
He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments and I will not blot his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Revelation 3:5
Let us begin with the passage from the book of Revelation. This passage is an excellent defense for the teaching once saved always saved. Read the passage, it says "he who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments and I will NOT BLOT his name from the book of life."
The question before us is this, what is the definition of an "overcomer?" the answer can be found in 1 John." Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? (1John 5:5.)
An "overcomer" is that person who is born of God or born again through faith in Christ. If you are that person then God will NOT never blot your name from the book of life.
Now let us look at the passage from John 15:6. This passage has caused a great deal of controversy over the years. There is no general consensus among Christian Scholars and commentary writers over the meaning of this passage. So does this mean that this verse clearly states that a Christian could lose his or her salvation as some teach? Absolutely not. To rely on an ambiguous passage of scripture to teach a Biblical Doctrine violates the sound principals of Biblical interpretation, one of which is "use scripture to interpret scripture, as I did earlier. I do have an opinion as to the meaning of this passage, but it would not be prudent for me to share it at this time.
Does the Bible clearly state that a Christian cannot lose their salvation? YES, there are many passages that give the born again Christian the assurance of salvation, beyond any doubt.
I will share just one passage at this time, this passage alone should put to rest any doubt about this matter.
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians1:11-14 NKJ
The "sealing" by the Holy Spirit is spoken of as past once for all. The witnessing to our hearts that we are the children of God. From the" Critical and Explanatory commentary on the Whole Bible."
The Bible clearly states that the sealing of the believer with the Holy Spirit is a onetime event, and that person who is sealed is forever a child of God. Salvation assured, never to be lost.
