Jon Gary Williams
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Article 0116 - Can A Christian Become Lost?

Can a Christian Become Lost?

Jon Gary Williams

It is commonly accepted by many in the denominational world that once a person is saved, they can never become lost. This doctrine, originating during the Reformation years, was made popular through the teachings of John Calvin, founder of what came to be known as the Presbyterian Church. This teaching, labeled "perseverance of the saints," is one part of Calvin's larger set of doctrines often identified as "Calvinism." It is also known by many as the "once saved, always saved" doctrine.

A host of passages make it clear that no such a doctrine is taught in the Bible. One of the best ways to expose this false teaching is to point out what the scriptures teach regarding what can happen to Christians who sin and do not seek forgiveness. Following are several such passages.
Christians Can...
  1. Cease to abide in Christ - (John. 15:6)
  2. Be cut off - (Romans 11:22)
  3. Be destroyed - (I Corinthians 3:17)
  4. Perish - (I Corinthians 8:11)
  5. Be castaway - (I Corinthians 9:27)
  6. Fall - (I Corinthians 10:12; Jude 24; Revelation 2:5)
  7. Fall from grace - (Galatians 5:4)
  8. Be moved from hope - (Colossians 1:23)
  9. Be deceived - (II Thessalonians 2:3)
  10. Depart from the faith - (I Timothy 4:1)
  11. Deny the faith - (I Timothy 5:8)
  12. Cast off the faith - (I Timothy 5:12)
  13. Err from the truth - (I Timothy 6:10)
  14. Be taken captive - (II Timothy 2:26)
  15. Neglect salvation - (Hebrews 2:2,3)
  16. Depart from God - (Hebrews 3:12,13)
  17. Be devoured - (I Peter 5:8)
  18. Be overcome - (II Peter 2:20-22)
  19. Be led away and fall away - (II Peter 3:17)
  20. Transgress and have not God - (II John 9)
  21. Be spewed out - (Revelation 3:16)
  22. Have names removed - (Revelation 22:19)
Christians Are Admonished To Remain Faithful
If a Christian Cannot Be Lost, There Is No Need For Such Admonition
II Corinthians 13:5
Philippians 3:13,14
II Peter 1:5-10
Examples Of Christians Falling

Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1-11
Simon - Acts 8:5-24
A Christian guilty of adultery - I Corinthians 5:1-5