Can We Lose Salvation?

Can We Lose Salvation?

Introduction
This lesson continues from last Sunday’s study on the possibility of losing salvation. Scripture repeatedly warns that a Christian—a genuine believer—can fall away. These warnings are not theoretical; they are real and urgent. But today’s focus is not only on the danger of falling but also on the possibility of restoration. When one leaves Christ, they are separated from God because of sin. Yet when that lost soul turns back in repentance, heaven rejoices. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 reveals God’s heart toward the wandering and sets the foundation for this lesson.

The Reality of Falling Away
Jesus described the seriousness of unfaithfulness in Luke 12:42–48. The servant who failed in his duty was condemned, even though he once belonged to the household. Peter also gave a strong warning in 2 Peter 2:20–22. He spoke of those who had escaped the world through Christ, only to return to sin, ending in a worse condition than before. These texts confirm that a Christian who abandons Christ faces spiritual death. Isaiah 59:2 reminds us that sin separates us from God, and if left unresolved, it destroys the soul.

The Process of Falling Away
A Christian usually does not turn away from God overnight. It is often a slow process. Second Peter 3:17 warns believers to beware lest they fall from their own steadfastness. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:17–19 of those who set their minds on earthly things, becoming enemies of the cross. It may begin with neglecting prayer, Bible study, or the fellowship of Christians. Slowly the heart grows distant until sin hardens it. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:136, “Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law.” Falling away breaks the heart of faithful Christians and causes grief in the church.

Responsibility and Restoration
Though a Christian can fall, they can also return. Restoration requires a personal decision. Hebrews 6:4–6 teaches that no outside force can compel repentance; the sinner must choose it. In Luke 15:11–20, the prodigal son “came to himself.” No one forced him. He had to recognize his lost condition and choose to return. This shows that every person is accountable before God for their own decisions. Yet in other parables, such as the lost sheep and the lost coin, someone went to search. Every case is different, but in all, the turning back depends on the sinner’s choice.

The Steps Back to God
The way of restoration is revealed in scripture. In 1 John 1:8–10, Christians are told to confess their sins, for God is faithful to forgive. In Acts 8, Simon the sorcerer, though once saved, sinned again. Peter told him to repent and pray for forgiveness, warning that his heart was poisoned by iniquity. Restoration for the Christian requires repentance, confession, and prayer. Unlike an alien sinner who must believe, repent, and be baptized, the erring Christian must turn back through repentance and prayer. This is the path back to salvation.

The Joy of Restoration
James 5:19–20 assures us that when one turns a sinner from the error of his way, a soul is saved from death and a multitude of sins is covered. Jesus said in Luke 15:7 that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. To restore the lost is one of the greatest joys in the kingdom of God.

Can We Lose Salvation? Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Continuation of the lesson on the possibility of losing salvation

• Focus: danger of falling and the hope of restoration (Luke 15:1–7)

The Reality of Falling Away

• Luke 12:42–48 – The unfaithful servant condemned

• 2 Peter 2:20–22 – Christians returning to sin are worse off

• Isaiah 59:2 – Sin separates from God

The Process of Falling Away

• 2 Peter 3:17 – Warning to remain steadfast

• Philippians 3:17–19 – Earthly mindedness leads to destruction

• Gradual neglect of prayer, study, and fellowship

• Psalm 119:136 – Tears shed for disobedience

Responsibility and Restoration

• Hebrews 6:4–6 – No one can be forced to repent

• Luke 15:11–20 – The prodigal son came to himself

• Luke 15:8–10 – At times the lost must be sought, as with the lost coin

• Restoration always requires personal choice

The Steps Back to God

• 1 John 1:8–10 – Confession of sin

• Acts 8:12–24 – Simon the sorcerer repented and prayed

• Distinction: alien sinner obeys the gospel, fallen Christian repents and prays

The Joy of Restoration

• James 5:19–20 – Saving a soul from death

• Luke 15:7 – Joy in heaven over one sinner restored

Call to Action
If you have wandered from God, today is the time to come back. Confess your sin, repent from the heart, and pray for forgiveness. God is faithful and ready to receive you. If you know someone who has strayed, reach out with love and encouragement. There is no greater joy than seeing the lost restored to Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Christians can lose salvation if they return to sin (2 Peter 2:20–22).

• Falling away is usually a gradual process (Philippians 3:17–19).

• Restoration requires confession, repentance, and prayer (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22).

• Each person is accountable before God for their own choices (Hebrews 6:4–6).

• Heaven rejoices when the lost are restored (Luke 15:7; James 5:19–20).

Scripture Reference List

• Luke 15:1–7 – The lost sheep, joy over restoration

• Luke 12:42–48 – Warning to the unfaithful steward

• 2 Peter 2:20–22 – Danger of returning to sin

• Isaiah 59:2 – Sin separates from God

• 2 Peter 3:17 – Beware of falling from steadfastness

• Philippians 3:17–19 – Enemies of the cross

• Psalm 119:136 – Grief for disobedience

• Hebrews 6:4–6 – Seriousness of falling away

• Luke 15:11–20 – The prodigal son’s decision

• Luke 15:8–10 – The lost coin and searching for the lost

• 1 John 1:8–10 – Confession of sin required

• Acts 8:12–24 – Simon the sorcerer’s repentance

• James 5:19–20 – Turning back a sinner saves a soul

• Luke 15:7 – Heaven rejoices over repentance

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO