Tough Questions:
Is it Possible to Lose Your Salvation?

September 25, 2005 - Rev. Kevin Kelly

John 15:1-8; Colossians 1:21-23; Matthew 24:11-13

Barna surveys found that 26% of those who claim to be "born again" believe it does not matter what faith a person has because religions teach pretty much the same thing. In more recent surveys, it was discovered that 50% believe a life of "good works" will get a person into heaven. In addition, a large portion of the "born agains" (35%) reject the existence of the Holy Sprit as a living entity and 45% deny Satan's existence while 33% accept the concept of same-sex unions and 10% believe in re-incarnation. This may be a good time to ask not only "can one lose one's salvation" but "what is the church's understanding of Christian conversion (salvation)." –The Mystery and Meaning of Christian Conversion by George Morris

1. What does it mean to be "born again", "saved" or "converted"? When did you begin to sense God's grace at work in your life? How did you respond? Rebel? Submit?

2. Describe in your own words the way God's grace functions in Christian conversion. Did you experience salvation as an emotional moment that you can remember down to the minute and second it occurred? Or, was your experience much more gradual with moments of conviction until finally you confessed your sins and received forgiveness? Many Christians focus solely on the moment of conversion yet forget that conversion/salvation occurs as both moment and process throughout one's spiritual journey. How do you interpret the following in Philippians 2: 12-13: 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, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
What does Paul mean when he says "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? God is the originator and initiator, the source and goal of Christian conversion. If God is the sole source of our salvation—unearned, underserved, unmerited, etc.—how do we work out our salvation?

3. If Christian conversion or salvation is both a moment and process, then how does this change your understanding of "unconditional/eternal security"? Read John 15:1-8. What is Jesus teaching us here concerning our relationship with himself? Is Jesus teaching an on-going relationship of submission and dependence? Some have a spiritual experience in which they state that they are saved. Yet, they leave the church, live a life of disrepute, and do not demonstrate any inward and outward transformation. They continue to live in the "security" of a decision made but do not reflect a change of heart and life. Sin continues to reign in their life. Reflecting back on John 15:1-8, Colossians 1:21-23 and Matthew 24:11-13, how can we interpret their spiritual progress? How does this type behavior (I'm saved, therefore protected from my actions) cheapen God's view of sin? Having this view fails to deal with our responsibility in salvation.

4. How would you describe the proper relationship in salvation between inward experience and outward expression in the church and the world?

5. Some may argue that those who focus on salvation as a process live a life of insecurity. Yet, this is not true. The Holy Spirit works in our life to transform us into the image of Christ when we yield to the Spirit's work and power. ^NIV Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. The Spirit convicts us when we "roam" in life and negate our spiritual growth. However, if you have no desire to further conform to the image of Christ then you will lose this witness of the Spirit in your life. Our privileged position of participating in eternal life is directly dependent on our continuing to abide in Christ. Are you abiding in Christ right now? How? How do you sense God's assurance that you are a child of God?

Remember, salvation is totally God's idea and initiative. God reaches out to us even before we are aware of his love. God initiates conversion, but calls us to be responsible in living a life that is reflective of the great gift of salvation offered in Jesus Christ.