Is it possible for one to "fall away" or lose salvation once saved, and what does "falling away"?

Tharseo

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"Not judging by use of Gods Laws" is a better summation for:
Galatians 5:4
You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.

This would be for those who are persecuted and abandon faith:
Mark 4:17
And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

This says such falling away is permanent:
Hebrews 6:4-6
For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

This says that faithful believers can repair their lack of love in faith:
Revelation 2:4-5
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

This says "the proud" are in trouble. I consider these who judge others as the "proud" becasue they hold others lower than themselves due to their vile sins:
Romans 11:19-22
Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Matthew 24:10-13
And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

2 Peter 1:5-10
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.


I see two groups, the proud who judge others by the law, then die by the law they claim to be keeping and those who abandon faith when times are tough.

Then a third group who is leaning toward the law, but can be brought back to love under grace.

True. True. I am not challenging your views on these things. But the point is, sometimes you need to be precise and be cautious about how you apply the Scripture to answer a question, instead of throwing out what you know. Sometimes a certain teaching can seem contradictory to another. It is best not to confuse the person who asked.

What I am saying, is that the teaching of "no judging" is not suitable, and the teaching of "identifying false prophets" is more suitable to answer the question the OP asked.

Being a caring person, listen to what others say and think what the others need most, is more important than trying to pour out all the teachings you know to others. Explore the richness of The Scripture. Let not your knowledge of God be limited to certain teachings that you are familiar
 
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Tharseo

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Enduring to the end will be saved, prove that that is talking about eternal life and not an actual physical life saving from harm.

Actually, would you prove the opposite? How is this verse talking about "an actual physical life saving from harm"? Is it true that God promised a Christian will have an actual physical life saving from harm?

The Book of Hebrews is addressed to believers (Jewish) and is addressing falling away (discipleship) from the faith noting is said about loosing eternal life.

The Book of Hebrews speaks to Christians, for sure, Jewish or not. Falling away from discipleship/faith is essentially the same as losing eternal life.

So one verse that states a person can cross back over from life to death.

In 1 Corinthians 9:27, even Paul says that he could be disqualified.

Show one believer in the Bible who lost their eternal life.

Demas, see 2 Timothy 4:10. He was following Paul before, see Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24.
 
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SkyWriting

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True. True. I am not challenging your views on these things. But the point is, sometimes you need to be precise and be cautious about how you apply the Scripture to answer a question, instead of throwing out what you know. Sometimes a certain teaching can seem contradictory to another. It is best not to confuse the person who asked.

What I am saying, is that the teaching of "no judging" is not suitable, and the teaching of "identifying false prophets" is more suitable to answer the question the OP asked.

Being a caring person, listen to what others say and think what the others need most, is more important than trying to pour out all the teachings you know to others. Explore the richness of The Scripture. Let not your knowledge of God be limited to certain teachings that you are familiar

Thanks. My method is Berean more than anything since I've not listened to a sermon in the last decade or so.
 
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Tharseo

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So, it is those who who do not keep the commandments that have fallen (away) from Grace...?

Or who are the ones who have fallen away from the faith or have fallen from or turned their backs on Grace...?

God Bless!

I highly recommend you to study the Bible and find out what it says, instead of just listening to us. Listening to what other people say is not wrong, but everyone must be able to verify what others say with the correct usage of the Scripture. Otherwise, your faith is not a faith to God, but a faith built upon other people's faith. That is a dangerous thing for any followers of Christ, since what we built should be on Christ alone.

Acts 17:11
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
 
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Neogaia777

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I highly recommend you to study the Bible and find out what it says, instead of just listening to us.
Can't you guys tell me...? Or not...?

And I do know my bible and what the Bible says you know, but thanks anyway...

God Bless!
 
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Tharseo

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Thanks. My method is Berean more than anything since I've not listened to a sermon in the last decade or so.

Wow. I just quote the same passage and you brought that up. :)

But listening to what others say is also important. The Berean does not listen to the Scripture alone, but also Paul and Silas. Listening to sermons are quite essential, if they come from the servant of God. Not listening to them is an act of disobedience.
 
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Tharseo

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Can't you guys tell me...? Or not...?

Even if someone explains it to you for three days, it will not help you in any way.

The knowing of the truth requires you to do your homework and try to work out your own understanding first, before asking anyone. Asking for answers without a thoughtful study on the Scripture, is like feeding on what people give you, which could be toxic. You cannot just hope someone answers your questions and assumes the person speaks the truth.

And I do know my bible and what the Bible says you know, but thanks anyway...

Could you analyse other people's views in accordance to the Bible? Mind you that even the devil use the Bible. People who use the Bible do not necessarily speak the truth. If not, I recommend you not to read any further in this thread.
 
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JacobKStarkey

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Denominations come away from scriptures on the OP's issue and question with different answers.

For me, I don't worry about it at all. I accept Jesus Christ as my lord and saviour and have for many decades. Thus, I try to serve Him to my best ability every single day. When I fail, I repents and pray for forgiveness.
 
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Tharseo

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Denominations come away from scriptures on the OP's issue and question with different answers.

For me, I don't worry about it at all. I accept Jesus Christ as my lord and saviour and have for many decades. Thus, I try to serve Him to my best ability every single day. When I fail, I repents and pray for forgiveness.

True. In fellowship with Christ is so much more important than the knowledge of any doctrine.
 
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Loyce KG

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Demas fell away. Judas fell away. The prodigal son fell away. Ananias and Sapphira in a sense, fell away. One cannot fall away from something that he/she was never a part of. Only genuine believers can fall away from the faith.
Judas was never a true believer;
Is it possible for one to "fall away" from, or lose salvation once saved, and what does "falling away" mean...? What does it look like...?

Can we define who is one who is, or has, "fallen away"...?

Discussion...?

God Bless!
One can't lose salvation because we are abed by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a work of God and not ourselves lest anyone should boast(Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a gift of God and God's gifts are irrevocable (romans 11:29).

Falling ways is referenced in Hebrews 6:6 and reading the scripture in context, it doesn't refer to true believers. The chapter starts with imploring believers to move from the ordinary milk to meat. The next scriptures are surely meat and many of us have misinterpreted them. In Hebrews 10, we see an illustration of believers "Falling into the hands of the Living God". In Hebrews 6:4-8, it's about falling away. It is possible for one to be numbered among and obtain a part in the ministry (Acts 1:16) . They can be considered among believers yet they are truly not. Judas was one of them and Satan entered him(took possession) of him to show whose he truly was.
And it was impossible to renew him back to repentance.
 
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Neogaia777

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Even if someone explains it to you for three days, it will not help you in any way.

The knowing of the truth requires you to do your homework and try to work out your own understanding first, before asking anyone. Asking for answers without a thoughtful study on the Scripture, is like feeding on what people give you, which could be toxic. You cannot just hope someone answers your questions and assumes the person speaks the truth.



Could you analyse other people's views in accordance to the Bible? Mind you that even the devil use the Bible. People who use the Bible do not necessarily speak the truth. If not, I recommend you not to read any further in this thread.
I guess that's OK, they are kind of more rhetorical questions anyway...

God Bless!
 
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d taylor

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Actually, would you prove the opposite? How is this verse talking about "an actual physical life saving from harm"? Is it true that God promised a Christian will have an actual physical life saving from harm?



The Book of Hebrews speaks to Christians, for sure, Jewish or not. Falling away from discipleship/faith is essentially the same as losing eternal life.



In 1 Corinthians 9:27, even Paul says that he could be disqualified.



Demas, see 2 Timothy 4:10. He was following Paul before, see Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24.

Their are many times throughout the Bible of God saving believers from harm, Daniel in the lions den, God saved Paul many times and there are also examples when a believer sins and God takes their life, they do not loose their eternal life but they loose their physical life here on earth ananias and sapphira any many believers lost their physical lives at the Lords supper (1 Corinthians 11) but they did not loose their eternal life.
1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Paul is speaking of rewards, in 1 Corinthians nothing is mention of racing to obtain eternal life.

Deserting Paul is not equal to loosing eternal life.
 
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Bible Highlighter

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I think you are underestimating the deception that Satan will bring onto the world during the great tribulation.

What you are saying is essentially that it is impossible for someone that believes in Jesus to take the mark. This doesn't line up with scripture, for example, why would Jesus say that "He who endures till the end will be saved" if someone who is already saved can't lose it? There would be no point in saying that, unless there is a possibility of someone who believes there are saved, can still lose it at a later point.

Also, the book of Hebrews is clear how hard it is for someone to return to Christ after they have rejected Him. (Hebrews 6:4) Notice, these are people that "tasted" the heavenly calling, yet fell away. How can someone taste the heavenly calling if they didn't at one point believe?

This teaching of 'once saved always saved' is a very dangerous teaching because someone could take the mark of the beast and still believe that they are saved because of this teaching. That is playing with fire, my friends. Don't fall for that lie.

Jesus never teaches that, rather He says we must abide in Him so we don't get cut off and thrown in the fire, and we must keep our lamps burning so we are not like the foolish virgins who weren't prepared for their husbands return.

If not, we will be found sleeping when our Lord comes a knocking.

In peace

There are many Scripture verses clearly showing us that a believer can fall away due to sin. However, the sin of taking the mark (i.e. worshiping the beast) is not one of them.

Revelation 13:8 and Revelation 17:8 says that those who worship the beast never had their names written in the book of life since the foundation of the world.
 
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Neogaia777

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live right with God and it wont be a question, is the best answer I ever herd.
What is the best way to truly do that...? and be doing it right and doing it God's way...? and what happens if we do not fully live up to it in the end, ect...?

God Bless!
 
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Is it possible for one to "fall away" from, or lose salvation once saved, and what does "falling away" mean...? What does it look like...?

Can we define who is one who is, or has, "fallen away"...?

Discussion...?

God Bless!

Here are several lists of verses that makes it absolutely clear that believers can fall away from the faith:

Here is a General List of Verses on How Believers Can Fall Away:

1 Samuel 16:14
1 Samuel 31:4
Ezekiel 18:24
Hebrews 3:12-14
Hebrews 4:11
Hebrews 6:4-9
Hebrews 10:26-30
Hebrews 12:15
1 Timothy 1:18-20
1 Timothy 4:1-7
Galatians 3:1-5
2 Peter 2:20-22
2 Peter 3:17
Matthew 13:18-23
1 Corinthians 10:12
2 Thessalonians 2:3

Now, do not misunderstand me, believers cannot lose their salvation, but they can forfeit their salvation (i.e. they can willingly throw it away by rebelling against God). In fact,

Here is a list of believers who have forfeited their salvation:

Saul (1 Samuel 16:14) (1 Samuel 31:4)
Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Judas Iscariot (Psalm 41:9) (Luke 6:16) (Acts 1:25)
Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:17-18)
Unnamed Christians destroyed by false teaching (2 Timothy 2:17-18)
Many Unnamed Disciples (John 6:66)
Some Younger Christian Widows (1 Timothy 5:14-15)
Some Christians Eager For Money (1 Timothy 6:8-10)
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts of the Apostles 5:1-11)

And here is a list of potential fallen believers:

The Servant Who is Not Looking For Him (Luke 12:45-46)
Recent Convert Who is a Potential Spiritual Leader (1 Timothy 3:6)
The Unforgiving in Heart (Matthew 6:14-15)
Luke Warm Unrepentant Believer (Revelation 3:14-22)
Fruitless Christians (John 15:1-10) (Matthew 25:14-30)
Widows That Live in Pleasure (1 Timothy 5:5-6)
Believers Whose Seed Fell Upon the Rocks (Luke 8:13)
Believers Whose Seed Was Choked by Thorns (Matthew 13:22)
Gentile Believer Who Did Not Have on a Wedding Garment (Matthew 22:1-14) (Revelation 19:7-8)
The Potential Fellow Believer Who Erred From the Truth & Was Converted Back
(James 5:19-20)

For Jesus is the Light and we are to shine the Light of Christ within our lives. For there are those who think they can serve Jesus and also live for oneself, sin, and evil; But this is wrong, though. "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" (John 3:20-21).
 
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d taylor

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No where in the Bible is their a verse or an example of a Believer loosing their eternal life. No where.

Saul went to be with Samuel
19 Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.

If a person believes they can loose their eternal life (salvation).
Then their object of faith must be looking to their own self and not to the eternal life giving Jesus, The promised Messiah from The Old Testament.

Once a person looks to The Messiah (Jesus) and trust in Him for His gift of His eternal life, they cross over from death to life. Never to cross back over to spiritual death.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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I'm less interested in what happens to or with them, but much more with "who they are", ect...? How to identify such ones...? Where would you find them, ect...?

God Bless!
We can safely say Bart Ehrman has fallen away. Maybe follow his path to discover what it looks like to turn away from the truth yet teach it at the same time.
 
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Tharseo

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I guess that's OK, they are kind of more rhetorical questions anyway...

God Bless!

No they are not. It is a matter of life or death. It affects how you act. Do you act righteously in the fear of God, or just being a "casual" Christian who does not closely follow the commandment of Christ, thinking you are already saved anyway?
 
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