A question about the doctrine of “Once Saved Always Saved”

They we’re not saved

@farmingandJesus 1 John 2:19 answers that question this way: they were never saved. That is why they walked away.

If receiving the Gospel doesn't permanently alter the course of your life, your profession of faith is empty and meaningless.

The doctrine of “Once Saved, Always Saved” (OSAS) is inconsistent with Scripture, as the New Testament provides clear examples of individuals who once walked faithfully with God but later fell away. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit… if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance.” This passage highlights that it is possible to backslide to the point of losing salvation. Many misinterpret Scripture to support OSAS, often adding to or taking away from its true meaning. However, when the Word is rightly divided through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it becomes evident that salvation requires ongoing faith and repentance. As Paul urges in Philippians 2:12, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” For some, fear of punishment or a desire to justify a sinful lifestyle leads them to embrace OSAS. This doctrine can serve as a means to avoid confronting sinful behaviors, such as unforgiveness, mistreatment of others, or ongoing rebellion against God’s standards. But Scripture is clear: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8). True faith involves a transformed life, marked by obedience to God’s will and genuine repentance.

It’s the saddest moment when I meet someone in this cloudy faith or look back at some. We see those that were never called but they truly believe they are saved. I have a tendency to look longer in the mirror after these sermons or talks.

I’m a Lutheran. But when I encountered a “back slidden” Christian (I’ve been there). I told them the ‘Pentecostal -(Assembly of God)“ and the Calvinist position. And I point out to them in both cases the back slidden Christian is in serious danger⚠️ ⛔️ ‼️ Either never saved or lost in any case, and on their way to hell.

You nailed it, well preached.

Whether or not you believe in unconditional security *in principle*, it seems that in some way you must believe in *effective* conditional security, in that it's always possible despite what anyone may think that you/someone else who leaves the faith will not enter God's kingdom.

When you are truly and spiritually born again with the Holy Spirit inside you, you are written down in the book of life and sealed forever. When Jesus died for you and God saved you, He knew EVERY sin you were going to commit from now until the time you die. And yet He still died for you. Therefore, there is nothing that we can do to lose that salvation. Is that person walking away or is that person backsliding? Only God knows.