Biblical Support for the Possibility of Losing Salvation
The possibility of losing salvation is a debated topic among Christian traditions, with some arguing that it is possible to fall away from faith and others asserting that true believers are eternally secure. Biblical support for the possibility of losing salvation is rooted in various passages that warn against apostasy and the consequences of turning away from God.
One key passage is Hebrews 10:26-29, which is not directly cited but is referenced in the context of Ezekiel 18:23 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown [7]. This passage warns that if believers sin willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment. Other biblical texts that support the possibility of losing salvation include 1 Corinthians 8:11, where Paul warns that a weak brother for whom Christ died can perish due to the actions of another believer [5, 8].
The concept of backsliding is also relevant, as it involves turning away from God and departing from the simplicity of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3; Galatians 3:1-3; 5:4,7) [4]. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists various consequences of backsliding, including guilt, punishment, and increased proneness to sin [4]. Furthermore, the biblical account of those who suffered martyrdom or apostasy, such as Ahithophel and Judas, serves as examples of the severe consequences of turning away from faith [1].
In contrast, some traditions emphasize the assurance of salvation, citing passages like 1 Peter 1:9, which speaks of receiving the end of faith, even the salvation of souls [2, 3]. However, the possibility of losing salvation is supported by the warnings against apostasy and the consequences of sin found throughout the New Testament.
The interpretation of these passages varies across Christian traditions. For instance, Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, notes that 1 Corinthians 15:18 suggests that those who have fallen asleep in Christ can perish if their hope is without foundation [6]. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, representing a Presbyterian tradition, interpret 1 Corinthians 8:11 as indicating that a brother for whom Christ died can perish [5].
The biblical support for the possibility of losing salvation is thus rooted in a range of texts that caution against turning away from faith and highlight the consequences of sin and apostasy. While different traditions interpret these passages in various ways, the warnings against losing salvation remain a significant theme in Christian scripture and theology [4, 5, 7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Despair — Produced in the wicked by divine judgments -- De 28:34,67; Re 9:6; 16:10. Leads to Continuing in sin. -- Jer 2:25; 18:12. Blasphemy. -- Isa 8:21; Re 16:10,11. Shall seize upon the wicked at the appearing of Christ -- Re 6:16. Saints sometimes tempted to -- Job 7:6; La 3:18. Saints enabled to overcome -- 2Co 4:8,9. Trust in God, a preservative against -- Ps 42:5,11. Exemplified Cain. -- Ge 4:13,14. Ahithophel. -- 2Sa 17:23. Judas. -- Mt 27:5.”
- I Peter “I Peter 1:9 (KJV) — Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Peter 1:9 — Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Backsliding — Is turning from God -- 1Ki 11:9. Is leaving the first love -- Re 2:4. Is departing form the simplicity of the gospel -- 2Co 11:3; Ga 3:1-3; 5:4,7. God is displeased at -- Ps 78:57,59. Warnings against -- Ps 85:8; 1Co 10:12. Guilt and consequences of -- Nu 14:43; Ps 125:5; Isa 59:2,9-11; Jer 5:6; 8:5,13; 15:6; Lu 9:62. Brings its own punishment -- Pr 14:14; Jer 2:19. A haughty spirit leads to -- Pr 16:18. Proneness to -- Pr 24:16; Ho 11:7. Liable to continue and increase -- Jer 8:5; 14:7. Exhortations to return from -- 2Ch 30:6; Isa 31:6; Jer 3:12,14,22;”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 8:11: shall . . . perish--The oldest manuscripts read "perisheth." A single act seemingly unimportant may produce everlasting consequences. The weak brother loses his faith, and if he do not recover it, his salvation [BENGEL] (Rom 14:23). for whom Christ died--and for whose sake we too ought to be willing to die (Jo1 3:16). And yet professing Christians at Corinth virtually tempted their brethren to their damnation, so far were they from sacrificing aught for their salvation. Note here, that it is no argument against the dogma that Christ died for a”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 15:18: They also which are fallen asleep - All those who, either by martyrdom or natural death, have departed in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, are perished; their hope was without foundation, and their faith had not reason and truth for its object. Their bodies are dissolved in the earth, finally decomposed and destroyed, notwithstanding the promise of Christ to such, that he would raise them up at the last day. See Joh 5:25, Joh 5:28, Joh 5:29; Joh 11:25, Joh 11:26, etc.”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 18:23: (Ti1 2:4; Pe2 3:9). If men perish, it is because they will not come to the Lord for salvation; not that the Lord is not willing to save them (Joh 5:40). They trample on not merely justice, but mercy; what farther hope can there be for them, when even mercy is against them? (Heb 10:26-29).”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 8:11: Shall the weak brother perish - Being first taught by thy conduct that there was no harm in thus eating, he grieves the Spirit of God; becomes again darkened and hardened; and, sliding back into idolatry, dies in it, and so finally perishes. For whom Christ died? - So we learn that a man may perish for whom Christ died: this admits of no quibble. If a man for whom Christ died, apostatizing from Christianity, (for he is called a brother though weak), return again to and die in idolatry, cannot go to heaven; then a man for whom Christ died may perish everlastin”