Salvation Security, and that Hebrews Passage

There are two views on losing salvation: You can, or you cannot. The Arminian view generally affirms that loss of salvation is possible, but there are variations. Then the Reformed (Calvinist) view is that the doctrine of election settles it, the elect cannot lose their salvation.

Some seem to believe that any unconfessed sin sends you to Hell (which is a very low view of the work of Jesus). That would cause fearful professing Christians. Another is that salvation can be lost by deliberate renunciation, but that downplays many verses to the contrary.

Rail trail bridge, Unsplash / Cowboy Bob Sorensen

Opponents of what is called eternal security (or somewhat disparagingly as "once saved, always saved") do indeed have some Bible verses that may at first glance appear to indicate loss of salvation is possible. Those are usually take out of context, whether immediate (surrounding verses) or a greater context.

Having come from an Arminian tradition and now accept eternal security, I am troubled by the inherent fear of being surprised by Hell that many folks have. They have no confidence in their salvation, which is very sad. Although someone may accuse me of arguing from silence, there are no verses saying that someone is "un-born-again" or that 2 Cor. 5:17, which says a believer is a new creation, somehow becomes reversed. Nothing plainly states that salvation can be lost or taken away. That is not arguing from silence, old son, that is conspicuous absence.

There is a glaring inconsistency involved. Most professing Christians admit that the Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace, not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). We cannot earn, buy, do religious activities, or anything else to get our salvation. So why do people think that they must do works to keep what is an irrevocable gift of God?

People who are saved may fall away from living an active Christian lifestyle and be out of fellowship with the Lord. I was that way for several years.

It is worth mentioning that if someone is unsure they will be in Heaven when they die, they may not yet be born again. That needs to be addressed right away.

A small passage, Hebrews 6:4-6, seems to indicate that loss of salvation is not only possible, but one is damned forever with no chance of repentance or forgiveness. Again, context! Such a view flies in the face of other verses.

There is a very helpful article that I learned about because a link to it was left as a comment on a post. The article begins with a review of salvation and concludes with the passage that has troubled many people. To do so, see "Falling Away? A Study of Hebrews 6."