Bulletin Articles
Can A Child of God Be Lost Eternally?
This question has been asked quite often among believers. This is something that everyone must ask themselves. The Bible is very clear on the answer to this question, but let’s look at some broad outlines for this…
Followers of Christ are exhorted to be faithful till death (Rev 2:10). We are told to not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21). It’s important that we overcome evil so that our names aren’t blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 3:5). If we add the things that Peter spoke of in 2 Peter 1:5-11, you will never be barren, you will never stumble, and an entrance will be supplied to you into the everlasting kingdom.
The bible does teach there will be some who will fall away. Jude verses 20-21 talks about keeping ourselves in the love of God. Why should we be concerned about staying in God’s graces, if not for that fact that we can lose it? Gal. 6:1 talks about restoring someone who is overtaken in sin, someone who has fallen away. James 5:19-20 talks about turning someone back who has wandered from the truth, saving his soul from death. It’s clear that no one can depart from something that they were never apart of, or from a truth they never embraced. Those who err from the truth are lost, unless they repent from the error of their way, and turn back to the Lord, walking in His footsteps.
It's clear that a child of God can be lost. The proof is very clear. So, the question that remains is…
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH CONFUSION?
Many assume that God’s love and concern for His people will never allow them to be lost. God is love. The bible clearly teaches that (1 John 4:7-11). Nothing can separate us from His love, except ourselves (1 John 5:3). But God is a God that demands obedience (James 4:7). We cannot be saved without Christ, and Christ never promised to save the disobedient (Matt 7:21-23, Heb. 5:9).
We are saved by faith, but you can depart from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1). You can deny the faith and become worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5:8). It’s up to the individual Christian to walk in the light (1 John 1:7). Our salvation is conditional. We have to work on keeping it (Phil. 2:12).
Look at the history of Israel. They believed and were saved (Exo. 14:30-31). They all were baptized into Moses, all ate spiritual food and drink (1 Cor. 10:2-4). These were God’s chosen people, called out of Egypt to represent Him in this world. But, because of their sin and disbelief, those who sinned were destroyed (1 Cor. 10:5-10). These same scriptures apply to Christians (verses 11-13).
Look at examples in the New Testament of individuals who fell from grace. Judas, one of the apostles of Jesus (Acts 1:25). Ananias and Sapphira died in their sins (Acts 5:1-10). Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:13-24). If Simon didn’t repent, could he be saved eternally? Could he have made it into heaven with his sins?
Christians are working toward a home in heaven. You cannot get baptized and expect to not do anything in the kingdom. We have to work (James 2:14-26). Eternal life is something we reap after we sow to the Spirit (Gal. 5:6-8).
To answer the original question, can a child of God be lost eternally? Yes! The bible does not teach a once saved, always saved doctrine. Anyone who teaches that does not understand the bible. We can read throughout the bible about those who would be called apostates, those who have fallen away. If you fall away from grace, God still offers His forgiveness. Ask for forgiveness, and turn back to Him while you still have the opportunity. (Heb. 3:7-19)
