Can You Lose Salvation? What Scripture Says About Eternal Security

Salvation is a gift—freely given by grace, received through faith. But once someone receives it, is it possible to lose it? The question of eternal security has been debated for generations across Christian traditions.  

As part of a Lutheran Church in the West Palm Beach community rooted in Scripture and historical theology, we take this question seriously, offering biblical clarity without glossing over the hard parts.

What Does “Eternal Security” Mean?

The term eternal security often refers to the belief that once someone is truly saved, they cannot lose their salvation under any circumstances. Some denominations teach this as a certainty. Others, including Lutheran theology, affirm that while God is always faithful, human hearts can still turn away.

God’s Grace Is Always Sufficient

Scripture emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... not by works, so that no one can boast.” This truth is central to Lutheran teaching. We don’t earn salvation. We can’t improve it. And we can’t make it more real by effort.

But grace is not a guarantee of automatic endurance. While God never gives up on us, the Bible warns about the danger of hardening our hearts.

Yes, Scripture Warns About Falling Away

Hebrews 6:4-6 offers a sobering picture. It speaks of those who have “tasted the heavenly gift” yet fall away. Jesus, in His parable of the sower (Matthew 13), describes seeds that grow quickly in rocky soil but wither under pressure or persecution.

These passages are not meant to frighten believers into anxiety but to encourage ongoing trust in Christ. Salvation is a relationship, not a transaction, and relationships can grow cold when neglected.

Assurance Comes from Faith, Not Performance

So where does assurance come from? If losing salvation is possible, can we ever feel secure? Lutheran theology says yes. Our assurance comes from the object of our faith, Christ, not the strength of our emotions or our track record.

Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. That includes doubts, failures, and even suffering. The comfort is not that we never stumble but that God always invites us back.

The Role of Repentance and the Holy Spirit

Salvation includes daily repentance and renewal. Martin Luther famously wrote that the Christian life is “a daily drowning of the old Adam.” We rely on the Holy Spirit to sustain our faith, not our own willpower.

When we stray, the Spirit convicts us—not to shame us, but to draw us back to grace. A soft heart is a sign that God is still working. Persistent rebellion, on the other hand, may signal spiritual danger.

What About Those Who Walk Away?

This is perhaps the hardest part. We've all known someone who once professed faith and now rejects it. Were they ever truly saved? Did they lose their salvation?

Only God sees the heart. But the Lutheran understanding avoids simplistic answers. Someone can genuinely believe and later fall away. Scripture affirms this reality while also urging us to pray, support, and invite them back, not judge them.

Why This Question Matters at a Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach

Understanding salvation isn't just academic. It shapes how we live, worship, and care for one another. A Lutheran Church family embraces the comfort of God’s promises and the call to remain in Christ. We take joy in the Word and Sacraments that nourish faith and remind us of our secure place in God's family.

If you’re struggling with doubts, wondering where you stand, or wrestling with past mistakes, you're not alone. Eternal security isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying rooted in Christ.

At First Evangelical Lutheran Church, we walk alongside one another in faith. Through worship, Scripture study, prayer, and community, we grow together and hold fast to the promise that God never stops pursuing His children.

Contact us today, ask your questions, and find a place where grace is not cheap but freely given.