While this topic is not one we enjoy considering, I believe that everyone that follows Christ has truly contemplated the state of their salvation. My understanding of Scripture and who God is (albeit a very small understanding) have led me to believe that true believers cannot lose their salvation. What is meant by saying that is if someone is truly a Christian they will not want nor lose their salvation. In the famous John 3:16 we are promised eternal life, and in order for it to be eternal it cannot have an end.
As human beings in a fallen world with a fallen nature still inside of us, we will sin; but it should not be a lifestyle if we believe ourselves to be Christian. Take for example, Peter, he was the one given the revelation of who Christ was and he still denied Jesus at his trial. In Luke 22:31-32, Christ tells Peter he is going to screw up (or backslide), but when you come back strengthen your brothers (a very loose interpretation). Even though we will have struggles and times where we make mistakes, MacArthur points out, “A true believer has an ongoing love for God that holds fast even in trials. And as we’ve noted previously, love for God shows itself through obedience to His Word (see 1 John 2:5-6; 5:1-3).”[1]
When dealing with the issue of apostasy I have to believe that these people never really knew Christ. As John says in 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.”(1 John 2:19 ESV). If you have truly had a life changing experience with Christ, just remembering what he has done will make it difficult to walk away from the life he has given you. So while we will make mistakes we can rest in knowing that we are safe in Christ’s hands (John 6:37-40). Once you have gained a greater understanding of your assurance of salvation, you can then appreciate the fact of your eternal security. It is comforting to know that when you can witness growth in your walk, you have evidence for yourself and those around you that you are growing in the grace of the Lord.
Bibliography
MacArthur, John. Saved Without a Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2006.
[1]John MacArthur, Saved Without a Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation. (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2006)170.
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