True Salvation Cannot Be Lost

The doctrine of eternal security, also known as the assurance of salvation, is a foundational truth that highlights the permanence of God’s saving work in the life of a believer. True salvation, once granted by God, cannot be lost or revoked because it is initiated, accomplished, and sustained by God Himself. The Bible repeatedly affirms that those who are truly born again are eternally secure in Christ. This is not based on human effort but on the unchanging promises of God and the finished work of Christ.
God initiates Salvation. Salvation begins with God, not man. Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” This divine calling ensures that those whom God draws will be brought into His kingdom. God’s work in salvation is not arbitrary or temporary; it is eternal. Philippians 1:6 declares, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God’s sovereign choice and initiation of salvation mean that it is not dependent on human effort or merit. If salvation depended on our ability to maintain it, we would all fail. Instead, it is entirely dependent on God’s grace, which is unchanging and irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

Jesus Secures and Protects the Saved
Jesus is the one who saves and secures those who come to Him. In John 10:28-29, Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” These words provide profound assurance that those who are truly saved are eternally safe in the hands of Christ and the Father.

The permanence of salvation is rooted in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying that the work of redemption was complete. His atoning death and resurrection secured eternal life for all who believe in Him. Nothing can undo what Christ has accomplished.

The Misunderstanding of Salvation
Many who argue that salvation can be lost often lack a full understanding of what salvation entails. Salvation is not merely a decision or an emotional experience; it is a complete transformation, a rebirth into the family of God (John 3:3). Those who are truly saved know what they have become—a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)—and are continually being transformed into His likeness.

On the other hand, those who believe salvation can be lost may not have truly experienced it. They may view salvation as something that depends on their own works or ability to remain faithful. However, Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast. A proper understanding of salvation brings confidence in God’s ability to preserve His people.

God’s discipline maintains His children. Even when believers stray, God remains faithful. Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” This discipline is not a punishment that removes salvation but a loving correction that brings His children back to Him. God’s chastisement ensures that believers do not enjoy practicing sin. Instead, they are convicted by the Holy Spirit and drawn to repentance.

Ultimately, the security of salvation rests on God’s unchanging character and promises. Jesus promised eternal life to those who believe in Him, and eternal life, by definition, cannot be temporary. Romans 8:38-39 reassures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus—not sin, not failure, not even death.

True salvation is a work of God from beginning to end. He initiates it, Christ secures it, and the Holy Spirit seals it (Ephesians 1:13-14). This divine work cannot be undone by human failure. Those who are truly saved have a deep assurance that they are held securely by God’s grace.

As believers, we can rest in the promise that “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Salvation is God’s work, and He never fails.