"MessageOfTheCross asked
Is it possible for a Christian to lose his salvation? Under what conditions, if any, can one's salvation be forfeited? Millions of Christians live their lives as close to these questions as they can, gambling on the goodness and mercy of God to save them, continually, in their sin rather than from it. Millions more spend their faith on works attempting to offer a better sacrifice, but in reality bypass the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is truth that the work of salvation our Lord Jesus did for mankind is irrevocable. It is final and a finished work. it is also truth that it is through faith we have access to the grace of God. It is equally truth that the grace and Truth declared to us by Jesus require us to shun ungodliness and any inordinate worldly pleasures. When we, in the integrity of our heart, are following God in spirit and in truth as Jesus shows us, and we sin ignorantly, the scripture says in Romans 8: 1 that there is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Jesus said, when we continue with him, we shall know the truth and the truth shall make us free. once we continue to walk with him in faith, the power of the Holy Spirit will lead us to overcome the flesh. God judges the heart and not physical appearances.
However, when we sin presumptuously, the scripture says in Ezekiel 33:11 that the righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression. if he commits sin, all his righteousness shall not be remembered but for his iniquity that he has committed, he shall die. In this case, there is nothing like once saved, always saved. What happens is that while in sin, we remain under the care and protection of God as his offspring, as we see him clothing Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness after sin was committed but they suffered the consequences of their action. He makes rain fall on everyone irrespective of our deeds.
Upon sincere repentance, which entails ordering our thoughts and steps aright, we receive his mercy of forgiveness that ensures the end thereof is blessed provided we continue on the right part -- as in the case of King David and the Prodigal son. The Prodigal son was received because he made a U turn to return home and leave his prodigal lifestyle. He repented.
In St Paul's letter to Timothy, he mentioned at least 2 disciples who professed their faith in Christ but later went astray- Hymenaeus and Philetus for example. Paul said of them, I have delivered them to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. The advise to us is that let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he falls (Corinthians 10:12).
The Lord knows those who are his and all who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil (2 Timothy 2:19)
St Paul told Timothy to avoid greedy motives, pursuing instead righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and the gentleness that befits a man of God. (These are works of faith.) To love is a work of faith for a believer. Our faith must produce godly results and our work must be predicated on faith.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD.