Debunking the Myth: Once Saved, Always Saved

There seems to be a great misunderstanding in the Christian community about the phrase, “once saved, always saved.”

The phrase refers to the belief that once a person “receives” salvation, he cannot lose it.  This belief is based upon one of two assumptions.  The first is echoed in Jesus’ words in John 10:27-29.  “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

The second assumption people use to support “once saved, always saved” is a distortion of Calvinism.  Calvinism, of course, holds the view that true Christians are unconditionally elected unto salvation by God.  Therefore, they conclude that since salvation is entirely based upon God’s choice, if one is chosen, one cannot become “un-chosen.”  Thus, once he was saved, he will always be saved.

The idea of “once saved, always saved” seems to be particularly attractive to those with family or loved ones who have strayed from the Lord.  I often hear people saying, “We’re so thankful that Billy prayed to receive the Lord when he was twelve, so we know he’s saved!”  What they really mean is, “We know Billy is living like the devil, but we’re counting on that prayer to get him into heaven.”

Jesus makes some clear descriptions about the sheep that won’t be snatched out of His hand.  First, they “hear” His voice.  I don’t have time to quote all the Scriptures that relate “hearing” with obedience, but it’s unquestionably what Jesus means.  So, the sheep that don’t have any fear of being snatched from the Shepherd’s hand are obedient sheep.  The second description is that they “follow” Him.  “Follow” is a present tense verb in the Greek which denotes a continuous process of following Jesus.  He isn’t referring to sheep who constantly wonder away.

Yet, most of the time I hear “once saved, always saved,” it is in reference to a person who has wondered away from the Lord.  Thus, I don’t think we can quote a passage like this for comfort.  In fact, it teaches the opposite . . . it teaches that if anyone is not “hearing” and “following,” he better watch out!  The safety is only for those who are “hearing” and “following.”

Now, in regard to Calvinism, I believe “once saved, always saved” is a distortion of the doctrine.  Yes, Calvinism clearly teaches that individuals are unconditionally elected unto salvation.  Yes, it is appropriate to then extract the truth that if one is unconditionally elected, then one cannot un-elect oneself.  However, the final point of Calvinism’s five points is the “perseverance of the saints.”  This means that those whom have been chosen for salvation by God will continue in their faith and fruitful work until called Home.  Nowhere does Calvinism teach that once one is saved, one can coast the rest of life and live in any manner.  In fact, Peter exhorts us in 2 Peter 2:10 to “be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.”

Yet, here’s the sticky point . . . since Calvinism teaches that true saints will persevere in the faith until the end, the true test as to whether one is truly saved is if he/she perseveres until the end.  This side of the finish line, there is no way for me to know for sure whether I’ve been truly elected by God.  I can’t live 80 years as a saint and then live my final five years living like the devil.  It is only when I’ve completed my course of faith that I know I have been chosen.

So be careful with the phrase “once saved, always saved.”  The phrase is true if it is understood correctly.  However, it can be fatal if it offers false hope to one who has drifted from the Lord and remains unrepentant!