Once Saved, Always Saved?

“Once saved, always saved” is unequivocally false, evidenced by the sheer existence of the Devil. The Devil was cast out of Heaven by God because Satan led a rebellion against God. In doing so, he lost his salvation and gained an eternity of banishment into the pits of Hell with fire and brimstone. Logic alone will show that if a high ranking angel lost his salvation, thus we as mere humans can too lose our salvation by the choices we make. Scripture states that our behavior can prevent us from Heaven. This is in black and white in any Bible:

“[1] Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; [2] and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek 20:41]

[3] But sexual immorality and all [moral] impurity [indecent, offensive behavior] or greed must not even be hinted at among you, as is proper among saints [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith]. [4] Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God]. [5] For be sure of this: no immoral, impure, or greedy person—for that one is [in effect] an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God [for such a person places a higher value on something other than God].

[6] Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin]. [Lev 18:24, 25] [7] So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin]. [8] For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] [9] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), [10] trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him—your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. [11] Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character]; [12] for it is disgraceful even to mention the things that such people practice in secret. [13] But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible. [14] For this reason He says,

‘Awake, sleeper,

And arise from the dead,

And Christ will shine [as dawn] upon you and give you light.’ [Is 26:19; 51:17; 52:1; 60:1, 2]

[15] Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], [16] making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:1-17 AMP).

So the question goes beyond whether one believes in “once saved always saved.” The question is whether one believes in the Bible? A Christian always believes in the Bible. If one doesn’t, then you cannot be a Christian. The crux of the matter is just not regarding the spreading of false teachings, but in giving a green light to commit willful sin, which indeed will terminate your Christianity. Willful sin is knowing it is a sin and you have the ability to stop but refuse to do so. Many times it is because sin feels good or is convenient. Purposefully not abiding by God's rules is a slippery slope. When one can't distinguish you from an unbeliever due to your actions, there lies a big problem. If a person won't abide by God's Word, then it is like a soldier who refuses to listen to his commanding officer. What use is the soldier to the commanding officer on the battlefield? The soldier would surely deem the platoon to failure. The Bible is not mum on the consequences of disobedience to the laws of God.

Unforgiveness is a big topic in the Bible, and should never be let into anybody’s heart, let alone a Christian. If you can’t forgive your fellow brethrens, how can God forgive you of your sins, which is the basis of being saved in the first place through grace?  So a person who once emulates Jesus in all His ways then proceeds to later endear themselves in evil ways, will forever be saved? How can some one still be saved if they then later reject the person who saved them? Where is the logic in that? It makes no sense. This false teaching renders the 10 Commandments useless. Why have a list of laws to obey if it doesn’t matter whether you adhere to them or not? Why make such a law when it would be useless anyway?

This horrific line of thinking, “once saved, always saved,” is peddled by those who want to keep indulging in sin and still be Christian. Paul invalidated this thinking when he wrote his letter to the church in Corinth. “[9] I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate with [sexually] immoral people— [10] not meaning the immoral people of this world, or the greedy ones and swindlers, or idolaters, for then you would have to get out of the world and human society altogether! [11] But actually, I have written to you not to associate with any so-called [Christian] brother if he is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater [devoted to anything that takes the place of God], or is a reviler [who insults or slanders or otherwise verbally abuses others], or is a drunkard or a swindler—you must not so much as eat with such a person. [2 Thess 3:6]” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11 AMP). They want to justify their sin and not feel bad about themselves sinning. They want to eat all their cake and still eat it later. This way of thinking will only breed damnation and nothing else. Therefore, bid no one your attention, who spews this wretched, vile, abominable ideology.

1. Ephesians 5 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com. https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/EPH.5.AMP.

2. 1 Corinthians 5 | AMP Bible | YouVersion. (n.d.). In www.bible.com. https://www.bible.com/bible/1588/1CO.5.AMP.