I would like to deal with the subject: Can you loose your salvation? There are many that have made a profession of faith and feel as though no matter how they live, they will go to heaven. The bible let’s know that there is no external force that can cause you to loose your salvation. So, why do so many take salvation for granted? If it were true that "Once you’re saved, your always saved," then there’d be no need forgiveness, repentance, temptation or trials. My prayer is that after reading this paper, your faith will be increased. The bible teaches us that faith comes by hearing so, let’s heart what the Word has to say regarding salvation. I will start by asking two questions. Answering these questions will get us to the place where we can begin to understand weather or not we can loose our salvation.

1) If a Christian can’t loose their salvation, why is Satan tempting them? (Mar 14:38)
2) If we can’t fall, then why does the bible warn us that we can? (1Cor 10:5-13)

I will not give my opinion now. Let’s go to the Word of God and see what the bible has to say.

(John 10:24-30 KJV)
[24] Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. [25] Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. [26] But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. [27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. [29] My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. [30] I and [my] Father are one

(Jhn 6:39 KJV)
[39] And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

Here, we see Jesus making a statement that "no man can pluck a true believer out of his hand." What is Jesus really saying? Nothing can turn you away from God if you are truly seeking God (His Sheep). The deceptions of this world will never overtake you; they may kill your body, but not your soul. A true Christian knows he must die to this world with its lusts and affections. This is how false doctrine and deception work. False doctrine gives life to a false Christ and believing in a false Christ corrupts your knowledge of him, which perverts your understanding and causes you to live a lie. True followers will seek for the truth with there whole heart. Nothing is more important to them than to know the truth of God’s Word. These will never live in deception, even though they may have been deceived, they will not stay there. God will make a way for them according to his purpose. They will find the truth and they will give their lives to LIVE THAT TRUTH. There are so many people that go to church faithfully but have never truly dedicated their lives to Christ, can preach a sermon with their eyes closed, but live as reprobates. I hope by this study we’ll learn the commitment that is required of us and know for ourselves weather salvation is unconditional.

(Hbr 3:12-13 KJV)
[12] Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. [13] But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

(2Pe 2:20-22 KJV)
20] For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. [21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. [22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Here we see that you have escaped the pollutions of this world through your knowledge of our Lord but became entangled again. How can this happen to a Christian? What is it that causes someone to turn back to his or her old ways? First of all, let’s look at two points from this scripture, the first is that they went back into the world and the world overcame them. Secondly, we see the answer to this problem in (verse 21) in which the person that had been overcome by the world turned from the holy commandments that was delivered unto them. The world can’t take anything from you that God has given you, but you can surely turn away. This is why Satan constantly tempts us to test our love for God and our willingness to follow His commandments. The Word of God warns us in:

(Act 20:29-30 KJV)
[29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. [30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

(Matt 10:37-38)
[37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

(1Cr 3:17 KJV)

[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are.

(Jud 1:3 KJV)
[3] Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

The apostles spoke of those who turn away lusting after the things of this world in:

(1Jo 2:15-17 KJV)
[15] Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

(Jam 4:4 KJV)
[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

(2Ti 4:10 KJV)
[10] For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

We see from the scripture above that Titus, Demas, and Crescens were fellow laborers of the gospel that traveled with Paul who forsook the faith choosing the world.

(Jhn 15:19 KJV)
[19] If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

We see here that you can have come to know Christ and still choose the pleasures of the world. While in these fleshly bodies, sin looks and feels good to us. Man, in and of himself cannot choose to live righteously according to God’s Word. This is the work of God that keeps us, even though we fall, we can’t stay there because God lifts us out, puts us back on the path of righteousness, and then keeps us. Man in and of himself can only choose to follow his nature which is to sin (Rom 8:7). This is why God seals us with his Holy Ghost which is the earnest of our salvation (Eph 1:14) (2 Cor 1:22) and deals with us through that Spirit. We have to listen to that Spirit; it directs our lives and keeps us on God’s path. This is the only lifeline God gives us to stand. The Spirit brings life to His Word in us, which as a result produces fruit in our lives. As with everything, we have a choice. We can choose to harken unto His voice or we can choose to ignore it. The choice is ours and this choice determines where we will spend eternity. The bible says in Matt 6:24 "you can’t serve two masters" therefore, choose wisely.

Can someone who has been sealed by the Spirit fall away from it? Yes, they can fall away. The bible responds to this question in:

(Rev 22:18-19 KJV)
[18] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: [19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

(Rev 3:5 KJV)
5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

First of all, this proves that you have to overcome [the world] or your name can be blotted out of the book of life. Aren’t false prophets adding and taking away from God’s Word, teaching a false Christ and deceiving the masses? The book of Revelations reveals Christ to the whole world and brings more understanding to the rest of scripture. If you distort that truth, especially with the knowledge that you are doing it, you’re aiding Satan’s war against God. See, if you take the book of Revelations away from the rest of the bible, your understanding will be obscure. God chose a remnant that will inherit His kingdom before the foundations of the world and He knows who will stay faithful and those who will depart from the faith. Because you were called to do a work doesn’t mean you are guaranteed salvation. Remember, many are called but few are chosen. (Matt 22:1-14)

(2Ti 1:8-9 KJV)
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; [9] Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

(Eph 1:4 KJV)

[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

This scripture should explain things even better:

(Heb 10:26-31 KJV)
[26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, [27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. [28] He that despised
Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: [29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? [30] For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. [31] [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(Hbr 6:4-10 KJV)
[4] For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, [5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, [6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame. [7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: [8] But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned. [9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. [10] For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

(Hbr 10:38-39 KJV)
[38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. [39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

(Jhn 8:31-32 KJV)
[31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; [32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

What does it mean to fall away? The parable below explains this point:

(Luk 8:11-14 KJV)
[11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. [12] Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. [13] They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. [14] And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection. [15] But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.

Here we see there are 3 types of believers:

1) People who plant their seed on the rocks (Hear the word with joy and for a while believed, when temptation comes they’re overtaken by the pleasures of this life.)
2) People whose seed fell among the thorns (They heard the word but are choked with the cares and pleasures of this life baring no fruit.)
3) People who plant their seed on good ground (Keep the word and bring forth fruit with patience.)

The Seed is the Word of God and the people by the wayside are the unbelieving world.

After examining this parable, we can see that those who fall away are people that hear the word with joy for a while but, when they are tempted with the pleasures and riches of this life, they are choked and overtaken, as a result they fall away not producing any fruit.

There is a difference between backsliding and falling away. What is the difference?

Backsliding is when a person who follows Christ turns away from Him. To the backslider, God is no longer the main focus of his life. Without God leading them, the person suffers a lapse morally and reverts back to his old way of life.

(Isa 59:12 KJV)
[12] For our transgressions are multiplied before thee and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions [are] with us; and [as for] our iniquities, we know them;

An example of backsliding is when Peter denied Jesus 3 times with oaths and curses saying, "I say unto thee that I know no the man." Even though Simon Peter had backslidden we see Peter weeping bitterly in remorse and days later we see him at the tomb of his Master. We may slip but we will not stay there.

(Pro 24:16 KJV)
[16] For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Falling Away is to revolt or rebel, from which we get the word apostasy; a definite rejection of God; or the final rebellion against God.

An example of Falling away is Solomon even though Solomon was the wisest he allowed his heart to be turned away at the end of his run and built temples to other gods for his wives. This let’s us know that the prize is not given to the swift or the strong but them that endure until the end.

(1Ki 11:9 KJV)
[9] And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

What is this Fruit that we should bring forth with patience? Let’s let the scriptures answer this question:

(2Pe 1:4-10 KJV)
[4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. [5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; [6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; [7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. [8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. [10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

This fruit is our "WORKS" that we must add to our faith, which is the evidence that shows our faith until God call us home to be with Him (James 2:14-26). The bible explains that you must endure until the end and you must keep the faith. Also, we see that some will not endure sound doctrine because of their own lust; they’ll turn away and choose to believe the lie.

(2Ti 4:7-8 KJV)
[7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

(Mar 13:13 KJV)
[13] And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

(2Ti 4:3-4 KJV)
[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

(Rom 1:20-32 KJV)
[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

So after seeing what the bible has to say, I am ready to answer the question "Can you loose your salvation?"

The answer to the question above is "NO; YOU CAN’T LOOSE YOUR SALVATION". You can’t loose anything you have not yet received. God paid the price for our salvation by dying on the cross and shedding his blood for our sins. He alone can choose who He will accept or reject. God has given everyone the freedom to choose to love or to reject His word. To be saved we must die first (physically), before we can be quickened (1 Cor 15:36) (1 Pet 3:18). Our salvation will be complete when we put off this body of sin and God gives us a glorified body. This will only happen after we are judged, then our salvation will be complete. Some even blame God for their departure from the faith. Why should God keep someone who in their hearts really doesn’t really want to be kept? God looks at the heart to see if you truly love Him (1 Sam 16:7). We are not robots, you must "Choose this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15).

I hope this helps.

Mike