Pastor Frank DeFusco
The question on whether a person, once saved, could at some time in the future lose their gift of salvation, has been asked and argued about for ages by both skeptics and Christians alike. That’s because there are a few verses in scripture that seem to indicate so. Take for instance Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus proclaims that not everyone who says that Jesus is Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven even if they prophesy, cast out demons, or perform miracles in His name. Thus, Jesus tells them, “I never knew you.” And in Hebrews 10:26, the author writes that if a person willfully sins after receiving the truth, then there is no more sacrifice for their sins. They also point to Revelation 3:16, where Jesus warns the church in Laodicea that their faith is lukewarm, so they must repent, or be spit out. These are all ominous warnings that could cause even the mature Christian to feel insecure. But all these verses must be seen in the context that they were recorded.
In Matthew 7, Jesus is warning about false prophets who aren’t bearing fruit for the Kingdom, but for themselves, and weren’t performed through the will of God. So, Jesus says, “I never knew you.” Remember, Judas was sent out, healed people and cast out demons, yet betrayed Jesus. Even the False Prophet will perform signs during the Tribulation. In Hebrews 10:26, those who willfully sin is proof that they were not Spirit-filled, and their hearts hadn’t been transformed. In Revelation 3, the name “Laodicea” translates to “people/laity-led, and not Christ-led, though they did many good works. So beware, works and miracles alone do not signify that someone is saved. For as Jesus stated to Nicodemus, “you must be born again,” of the Holy Spirit. Now, for the “Good News”, as found in John 5:24, where Jesus says that whoever hears His word, and believes God has sent Him, will have everlasting life, is free from condemnation, and is passed from death to life. You will not, and cannot suffer a second, death.
In 1 Corinthians 15:1-3, Paul states that they stand in the gospel that they received, by which they are saved, unless they believe in vain. In Ephesians 1:2-7, Paul states that we were predestined, adopted into the family of God, and redeemed through faith in His Son. In John 10:28-29, Jesus says that His sheep were given to Him by God, the Father, and that no one could take them out of their hands. So, who are we to say that we can extract ourselves. Bible scholar John McArthur says, “If you could lose your salvation, you would.” That statement rings true because our flesh is weak. And Bible scholar Voddie Baucham says, “The only way you can stop being a Christian, is if God stops being God.” Thus, we are “sealed eternally with the Holy Spirit of promise.” (Eph. 1:13). Amen!
Pastor Frank teaches two Bible Studies a week (Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 4 p.m. in the Ranch House). Please call 610–428-7244 if you have questions.