Losing salvation is a significant and debated topic among Christians. While some believe salvation, once gained, cannot be lost, others refer to biblical teachings that suggest falling from grace is possible. These verses explore the conditions and warnings presented in the Bible regarding losing one’s salvation.
Bible Verses about Losing Salvation
Hebrews 6:4-6 – Warning Against Falling Away
“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” – Hebrews 6:4-6
Cross-References
2 Peter 2:20-22 – “If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.”
Hebrews 10:26-27 – A Warning about Deliberate Sin
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” – Hebrews 10:26-27
Cross-References
Numbers 15:30-31 – “But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or foreigner, blasphemes the Lord and must be cut off from the people of Israel.”
2 Thessalonians 1:8 – “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.”
Luke 12:47-48 – “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.”
Galatians 5:4 – Falling Away from Grace
“You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” – Galatians 5:4
Cross-References
Romans 9:31-32 – “But the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.”
2 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
John 8:31 – “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'”
Revelation 3:5 – The Book of Life
“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” – Revelation 3:5
Cross-References
Exodus 32:32-33 – “But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”
Daniel 12:1 – “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.”
Philippians 4:3 – “Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Matthew 7:21-23 – True and False Disciples
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” – Matthew 7:21-23
Cross-References
Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
1 John 2:4 – “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”
2 Peter 2:20-21 – The Danger of Returning to Sin
“If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.” – 2 Peter 2:20-21
Cross-References
Hebrews 10:38 – “And, ‘But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.'”
Proverbs 26:11 – “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.”
Matthew 12:45 – “Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
James 5:19-20 – Turning a Sinner from Error
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20
Cross-References
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Luke 15:4 – “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?”
Romans 11:22 – Lessons from Israel’s Rejection
“Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” – Romans 11:22
Cross-References
John 15:2 – “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
Isaiah 5:5 – “Now I will tell you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled.”
1 Corinthians 9:27 – Self-Discipline
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Cross-References
2 Timothy 2:5 – “Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
2 Timothy 2:12 – Enduring with Christ
“If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.” – 2 Timothy 2:12
Cross-References
Matthew 10:33 – “But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
Revelation 21:7 – “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”
Mark 8:38 – “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
John 15:6 – The Vine and the Branches
“If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” – John 15:6
Cross-References
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Romans 2:7 – “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
Romans 12:11 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Luke 9:62 – The Cost of Following Jesus
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'” – Luke 9:62
Cross-References
Philippians 3:13 – “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”
Genesis 19:26 – “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
2 Timothy 4:10 – “For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.”
1 Timothy 1:19 – Holding on to Faith
“Holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.” – 1 Timothy 1:19
Cross-References
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Hebrews 3:14 – “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”
Revelation 2:10 – “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
Jude 1:5 – A Reminder of Disbelief
“Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.” – Jude 1:5
Cross-References
Numbers 14:29 – “In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me.”
1 Corinthians 10:10 – “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”
Romans 11:20-21 – “Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.”
2 Peter 1:10 – The Call to Be Sure
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” – 2 Peter 1:10
Cross-References
Philippians 2:12 – “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
1 Peter 1:5 – “Who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
1 John 2:19 – Departure from the Fellowship
“They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” – 1 John 2:19
Cross-References
Matthew 24:10 – “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.”
1 Timothy 4:1 – “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
Acts 20:30 – “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”
Philippians 3:18-19 – Enemies of the Cross
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:18-19
Cross-References
Romans 16:17-18 – “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
James 4:4 – “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Hebrews 3:12 – A Warning to Believers
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” – Hebrews 3:12
Cross-References
Hebrews 3:13 – “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Deuteronomy 13:6 – “If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and worship other gods’ (gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known).”
Hebrews 12:15 – Missing the Grace
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15
Cross-References
Galatians 5:15 – “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Romans 11:19-20 – “You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.’ Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.”
Matthew 13:20-21 – The Parable of the Sower
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” – Matthew 13:20-21
Cross-References
Mark 4:16-17 – “Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”
Luke 8:13 – “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
1 Corinthians 10:12 – Warning Against Overconfidence
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” – 1 Corinthians 10:12
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Romans 11:20 – “Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Revelation 2:5 – Remember and Repent
“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” – Revelation 2:5
Cross-References
Deuteronomy 29:18-19 – “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.”
Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 – “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
Colossians 1:23 – Continuing in Faith
“If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” – Colossians 1:23
Cross-References
Hebrews 10:35-36 – “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Ephesians 3:17 – “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Romans 8:13 – Living by the Spirit
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” – Romans 8:13
Cross-References
Galatians 5:16 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Galatians 6:8 – “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
1 Peter 2:11 – “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
Hebrews 10:38-39 – A Call to Endurance
“And, ‘But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” – Hebrews 10:38-39
Cross-References
Habakkuk 2:4 – “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”
Romans 1:17 – “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'”
Galatians 3:11 – “Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because ‘the righteous will live by faith.'”
Hebrews 4:1 – The Promise of Rest
“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.” – Hebrews 4:1
Cross-References
2 Peter 3:17 – “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.”
Hebrews 2:1 – “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
Matthew 22:14 – “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
2 John 1:8 – Watch Out
“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” – 2 John 1:8
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 3:14 – “If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.”
Galatians 3:3 – “Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”
1 John 5:16 – Prayer for Life
“If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.” – 1 John 5:16
Cross-References
Matthew 12:31 – “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”
Jeremiah 7:16 – “So do not pray for this people nor offer any plea or petition for them; do not plead with me, for I will not listen to you.”
Revelation 22:19 – A Severe Warning
“And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” – Revelation 22:19
Cross-References
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”
Deuteronomy 12:32 – “See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.”
Proverbs 30:6 – “Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”
Matthew 25:29-30 – The Parable of the Talents
“For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 25:29-30
Cross-References
Matthew 7:23 – “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Luke 19:26 – “‘He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.'”
James 2:17 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
1 John 3:6 – Living in Him
“No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” – 1 John 3:6
Cross-References
1 John 2:29 – “If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.”
1 John 3:9 – “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.”
Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
Matthew 10:22 – Enduring to the End
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:22
Cross-References
Mark 13:13 – “Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:13 – “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
2 Timothy 2:3 – “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Final Thought
The discussion around the possibility of losing salvation highlights the complex relationship between grace, faith, and living a life that reflects adherence to Christian teachings. The scriptures suggest that maintaining salvation involves an ongoing commitment to faith, an awareness of sin, and a conscious devotion to live according to God’s will. It’s crucial to interpret these passages with a balanced understanding of God’s grace and the call for believers to persevere.
While some Christians find assurance in the security of salvation, others see these verses as a warning to remain vigilant in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, this debate encourages believers to reflect on their faith’s authenticity, pushing them to cultivate a deeper, more resilient relationship with God. As believers, it serves to remind us of our responsibility to uphold a sincere faith and love, witnessing God’s transformative power in our lives daily.