Is “Once Saved Always Saved” Biblical?

Yes, many believe that “once saved, always saved” is upheld by various biblical teachings. Key verses often cited include John 10:27-30, where Jesus assures believers of eternal security: ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.’ This passage emphasizes the security of believers in Christ.

When we are born again, the Spirit of God comes to dwell within us. According to Ephesians 1:13, “we are sealed with the Spirit”, indicating that God’s presence remains with us permanently. However, there is considerable debate among theologians and Christians about whether salvation is truly eternal. Despite this debate of “once saved always saved”, there are three main reasons we support the belief that once we are saved we saved forever:

Once Jesus dwells within us, the Bible assures us repeatedly that God will never “leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). This promise guarantees our eternal salvation; once we are born again, God’s commitment to us is unshakeable.

Despite this, some pastors teach that salvation can be lost. This raises questions: Is it a matter of maintaining control, encouraging moral behavior, or ensuring church funding and job security? Could it be that they believe God might reconsider and withdraw His Spirit from those who are born again?

The Apostle Paul sought to reassure us that losing our salvation is not a possibility. In Romans 5:15-19, Paul contrasts the impact of Adam’s actions with the grace Jesus offers, emphasizing that Jesus’ provision for all humanity far outweighs Adam’s transgression. In Romans 6, Paul reassures the Roman Christians that they have died to the sin associated with being “in Adam.” This doesn’t mean that we no longer struggle with sin; rather, it emphasizes that, despite our ongoing struggles, we have transitioned from being ‘in Adam,’ where sin and death reign, to being ‘in Christ,’ where the law of the Spirit reigns and includes new life in Christ (Romans 8:1-2)

Key Verses on Eternal Security

Paul emphasizes our victory over sin throughout Romans 6:

• Romans 6:2: “We died to sin.”
• Romans 6:6: “So that the body of sin would be rendered powerless.”
• Romans 6:7: “No longer a slave to sin.”
• Romans 6:11: “Count yourselves dead to sin.”
• Romans 6:14: “For sin shall not be your master.”
• Romans 6:17: “You used to be slaves to sin.”
• Romans 6:18: “You have been set free from sin.”
• Romans 6:20: “When you were slaves to sin.”
• Romans 6:22: “You have been set free from sin.”
• Romans 8:2: “You have been set free from the law of sin and death.”

These verses should unequivocally reassure a born-again Christian. Will you ever be an unbeliever again? Will Jesus Christ ever leave you? Absolutely not! You have received the very life of Christ and have been marked by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). You will not be judged but have crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24)

Bible Verses That Prove Once Saved Always Saved

• Hebrews 6:18: “It is impossible for God to lie.”
• Hebrews 7:25: “He is able to save completely.”
• Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you or forsake you.”
• Ephesians 1:13-14: “Having believed, you were sealed.”
• Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been saved” (Past tense).
• John 3:16: “You have eternal life and will not perish.”
• John 5:24: “You have crossed over from death to life and will not be judged.”
• John 6:37-40: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away; I shall lose none of them.”
• John 10:28: “No one can snatch them out of my hand.”
• John 10:29: “No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
• John 11:25-26: “Whoever believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
• 1 Peter 1:4-5: “We have an inheritance which can never perish, spoil, or fade.”
• 2 Timothy 2:13: “If we are faithless, He will remain faithful.”
• Titus 1:2: “God does not lie.”
• Romans 8:35-39: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”
• Romans 11:29: “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”