Introduction: The Division Over the Requirement for Salvation

Does the Bible teach faith-alone or works-based salvation? There is a division among Bible believers concerning how we get saved, or what the requirement for salvation is.

Some people believe salvation is only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is the work of God from start to finish. It is given as a gift to the sinners who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior completely apart from their work.

These believers are given eternal life, sealed with the Holy Spirit, kept by the power of God, and preserved in Jesus Christ (John 10:27-28; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 2). I believe this is the biblical teaching.

However, others believe that good works must be combined with faith in Christ for salvation. That is, your obedience to God’s commandments is part of what gets you saved and keeps you saved. Therefore, if you fail to keep the commandments, you will lose your salvation.

Many of those who hold to this ‘faith and works’ salvation don’t have any biblical basis, they just believe and repeat what someone else told them. But there are those who reference some Bible verses to prove their point. On the surface, it may seem as though they have a point, but a diligent look at the context always reveals their errors.

In this study, I want to examine seven of those passages (in context), explain what they really mean, and find out whether they teach that believers in Christ can lose their salvation or not.

Bible Passages Often Used to Support Works-based Salvation

1. James 2:14-26 – “faith without works is dead”

If you miss the context of James 2, which many people often do, it may sound like James is teaching that salvation is not by faith alone. For instance, look the following verses:

James 2:20 (KJV) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 2:24 (KJV) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

It is easy for someone to run with this if they are already convinced their works are necessary to receive salvation. But James Chapter 2 does not address the subject of how to be saved. You can apply it to how you live the Christian life, but he wasn’t telling the people how to get saved.

In fact, James was addressing those who claim to be saved about how they ought to live their lives. It also serves as a warning to those with mere profession of faith – twice in the passage, James says “a man say.” Notice the following verses for instance, and you will see the emphasis:

James 2:14 (KJV) What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

James 2:18 (KJV) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

James 2:20 (KJV) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

The profession of faith doesn’t always amount to the possession of salvation. In other words, not everyone who claims to be saved are genuinely saved. Only God knows the true Christians, but sooner or later, their fruit will reveal their reality.

On the other hand, true believers are not vain in their identity. The biblical truth is that they will be zealous of good works. God has given them new nature, new heart, and new desires. He will also empower them to obey the truth. Both salvation and sanctification are the work of God in their lives (Philippians 2:12-13).

Comparing James 2 With the Rest of the New Testament Epistles

God is not the author of confusion, the entire Book of Galatians and many chapter in Romans and other New Testament Epistles are written to tell believers that works are not a requirement for salvation. Look at the following verses where the Bible specifically states that works are excluded from the requirement for salvation:

Galatians 2:16 (KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Romans 3:27-28 (KJV) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

2. Hebrews 6:4-6 – “If they shall fall away”

A group of people are addressed in these verses as follows – they:

1. were once enlightened
2. have tasted of the heavenly gift
3. were made partakers of the Holy Spirit
4. have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come

And it follows in verse 6 that “If they shall fall away,” “it is impossible…to renew them again unto repentance.” On the surface, it may sound like these people lost their salvation. But that conclusion is not based on the context of the passage but on two assumptions:

1. The people referenced in the passage are saved.
2. “If they shall fall away” means they lost their salvation

However, none of the above four descriptions suggests that they have believed or trusted in Christ for their salvation. Someone can be “enlightened” in terms of their exposure to the gospel message, share in the blessings of the believers including even been a beneficiary of miraculous events and still not be saved.

In addition, even if we assume they are saved, and “fall away” means they lost their salvation, the passage says “it is impossible…to renew them again unto repentance,” meaning, it is impossible for them to be saved again.

But if you listen to those who believe Christians can lose their salvation, they also believe that they can get it back if they repent. Well, this passage contradicts that claim. Either way you look at it, it does not support works-based salvation or losing your salvation.

What the Passage Really Means

The simple message of these three verses is that after being exposed to the truth of the gospel, enjoying the fellowship and blessings of the believers, they still fail to trust in Christ for their salvation, it is impossible for to be saved. The reason is given in Hebrews 6 verse 6 and similar warning is given in Hebrews 10:

Hebrews 10:29 (KJV) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

The Two Groups Addressed in the Passage

Hebrews 6:4-6 is not focused on the true believers. Notice and compare the pronouns “those,” “they,” and “them” in Hebrews 6:4 and Hebrews 6:6 to “we” and “you” in Hebrews 6:3, Hebrews 6:9. There are two groups here: those who are saved and those who are not.

You will notice how the pronouns changed from “those,” “they,” and “them” in verses 4 and 6 to “you” in verse 9: “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you…”. My point is: Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks of those who are still on the fence while the attention turns to the true believers in verse 9.

3. Hebrews 10:26 – “if we sin wilfully…no more sacrifice for sins”

Here is the full verse: “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” Hebrews 10:26 (KJV).

The assumption here is like that of Hebrew 6: that this verse addresses the believers and that willful sin makes you lose your salvation. But before we go too far, let’s answer one question from that passage: What does it mean “if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth”?

Some people think it means if you commit sins after you are saved, you lose your salvation and cannot get it back. If that is true, then we are all condemned because everyone sins willfully. If you’re a Christian and you admit that you still commit sins (that’s all of us) what percentage of those sins is not willful?

We know our sins are wrong and sinful, but we still do them anyway. That makes them willful acts. Somebody says, “but you don’t always think about it, sometimes you just do it before you think about it.” Yes, but many times we think about them before we do them.

What the Passage Means in Context (Not Works-Based Salvation)

The verse does not suggest that those who “sin wilfully” are saved. It says after they “have received the knowledge of the truth.” The context of sinning willfully is resisting or rejecting Jesus Christ after you’ve received the knowledge of the truth (the gospel).

You can hear the gospel, you can even be among the preachers of the gospel, and still be lost. You are not saved until you trust in Christ – stand in His grace and depend on Him alone for your salvation.

When a person hears the gospel and refuses to believe, verses 26 and 27 conclude that “there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” but “of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”

The warning in the passage is that there is no other sacrifice or atonement that can bring forgiveness than that of Jesus Christ. Therefore, those who reject it will face the fiery indignation of God. See 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9.

4. John 15:2 – “that beareth not fruit he taketh away”

John 15:2 (KJV) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

The shallow understanding of this verse is to conclude that the “branch…that beareth not fruit“ and are taken away are those who lost their salvation. And the branch that “beareth fruit” are the believers who have good works. But this interpretation does not fit into the context of the passage for the following reasons:

I. It Sacrifices the Harmony of Scripture.

If the above interpretation holds, then it contradicts many other parts of the New Testament where the Bible teaches that true believers in Christ are kept and secure in Christ. Look at these from just a few Chapters away from our verse:

John 5:24 (KJV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 10:28-29 (KJV) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

See also: John 3:15; 4:14; 5:24; 6:37,39-40; 14:19; 17:12; 18:9; Romans 5:2,9,17; 8:1,29,33-39; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 3:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:5; Hebrews 7:25; 1Jo 2:19; 5:13,18; Jude 1,24.

II. It Disregards the Meaning of the Word Translated “he taketh away”.

This is the Greek word aírō (αἴρω, pronounced ah’-ee-ro) which in this context means ‘to lift up’ or ‘to take up.’ So, it does not refer to condemnation.

The word is sometimes translated to “take away,” or “taken away” (see John 1:29; 11:39), but more often translated to “bear” or to “take up” (John 5:9, 10, 11, 12; 8:59).

III. It Misses the Keyword “in me” in the Verse – “Every branch in me“.

This refers to those in Christ, the true Christians. It is worth mentioning that time and again, the Bible says these are kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5) and preserved in Jesus Christ (Jude 1:1). Listen to the words of Christ concerning them:

John 17:12 (KJV) While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Now compare the above with verse 6 of the same Chapter:

John 15:6 (KJV) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

It is clear that those in verse 6 are not saved people. It is possible for the counterfeits to blend with true believers. And it may even be hard to tell the difference between them. But eventually, their fruit will expose them for who they are. This is addressed in our Chapter and other parts of Scripture:

Matthew 15:13 (KJV) But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Many times, they just leave when the environment becomes too uncomfortable for them or when it becomes too hard to conceal their real motives or identity.

1 John 2:19 (KJV) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

The Bible is replete with warnings of the judgment coming for those who are not in Christ despite their religion and supposed good works. These efforts do not save, only faith in Jesus Christ saves.

Matthew 3:10 (KJV) And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (KJV) In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

IV. The Focus of the Passage is Fruitfulness in the Christian Life (John 15:4-5,8).

Take a close look at verse 2 again and you will notice that the purpose of listing up the branch “that beareth not fruit” is so that it bears fruit. And the purpose of “purging” or “pruning” the “branch that beareth fruit” is “that it may bring forth more fruit.”

There is simply no way loss of salvation can fit into the context of John 15:2 when it pertains to true believers in Christ. But the Bible never promises the salvation or security of those who “abide not” in Christ – compare John 15:2 to John 15:6.

5. Romans 11:22 – “on them which fell”

Romans 11:22 (KJV) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

As usual, the assumption here is that “them which fell” lost their salvation. However, the context of this chapter is the promised restoration of Israel (the remnant – Romans 11:26). God is using their errors and fall (Romans 11:21) to warn the Gentiles.

But what exactly did the Jews, the natural branch of the olive tree, do to get broken off? Romans 11:20 spells it out: “because of unbelief they were broken off.” It also follows in verse 23 that “if they abide not still in unbelief,” that is, if they repent and turn to God in faith, they will be saved too.

When it comes to the Christians however, they have already trusted (believed) in Christ. They already abide in faith (see “thou standest by faith” in Romans 11:20). This is the basis for believers’ salvation and security.

6. 1 Corinthians 9:27 – “I myself should be a castaway.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The question here is: does “castaway” refer to loss of salvation? Is Paul, whom God used to reveal eternal salvation by grace alone, worried about losing his salvation? Well, that is what some people want us to believe. But that interpretation does not fit the context of this passage.

The passage is about exercising self-control in the Christian life and in the gospel ministry. There are a lot at stake if we allow ourselves or our bodies to get in the way. So, Paul keeps his bodies, desires, etc. under control – “bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27). In verse 26, he uses the life of athlete s(runners, wrestlers) to illustrate the discipline required to carry on the ministry.

Any contestant that fails to meet the required training is disqualified from participating in the tournament, let alone winning any medal or trophy. The word “castaway” here is the Greek word adókimos (ad-ok’-ee-mos) which means “unapproved” or “disapproved.” We find the antonym dókimos in 2Timothy 2:15 where it is translated “approved.”

The proper application of this passage is that a believer can suffer disqualification from ministry and/or loss of reward on the last day due to failure to exercise self-control and running the race contrary to the rules. Notice how this is expressed in the context of 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 and illustrated later in 2 Corinthians 10:1-12 with regards to Israel’s failure.

This is Not About Works-Based Salvation or Losing Salvation

In 1 Corinthians 9:26, Paul affirms that he is not running this race “uncertainly” “as one that beateth the air.” So, he is not in doubt about being with Christ at the end of the race. He is certain, “confident” as in 2 Corinthians 5:5-8. The true believer cannot fall or be rejected, listen to Paul’s own testimonies concerning this:

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

7. Luke 9:62 – “hand to the plough, and looking back”

Luke 9:62 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

I don’t see how or why anyone will use the verse to teach the loss of salvation. The context makes it clear that Jesus Christ was addressing people who were still deciding whether to follow Him immediately or wait till later.

Verse 62 is Christ’s response to the man in verse 61 who says “Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.” If you we’re to apply this today, it will concern those who are still on the fence, deciding whether to trust in Jesus Christ or not.

The sad thing though is that they have been exposed to the gospel, the good news of what Christ did to save the world. They “have known the way of righteousness” and yet continue in unbelief. This does not in any way describe a true Christian.

Listen to a similar message in 2 Peter with a focus on the lost false teachers:

2 Peter 2:20-22 (KJV) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

It is important to read and interpret the Scripture in context so as not to take it out of context.

How To Avoid the Error of Misapplying the Scripture

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I want to share a few tips help you handle the Scripture and rightly divide:

1. Follow the Rules of Bible Interpretation

I will simplify this by saying read the Bible in context. Try not to draw conclusions after reading only a verse or two. Read up to four verses before and after the verse in focus. Sometimes, it may take reading the whole chapter. As you read, consider the original audience and the situation being addressed.

For instance, if you read Luke 9:61 before trying to interpret Luke 9:62, you will discover that the man in verse 62 has not followed Jesus Christ, he was still on the fence.

2. Know that the Bible Does Not Contradict Itself

There are no contradictions in the Bible. God is not the author of confusion. If our interpretation of a verse in the Bible contradicts another verse, the problem is with our interpretation and not the Scripture.

Therefore, use the scripture to interpret the scripture, no verse in the Bible is in isolation from the others. A good reference Bible will help you do this well.

3. Interpret Difficult Passages in Light of the Easy Ones

There are a few verses in the Bible that may be difficult to understand for some people. However, no matter how difficult they are, your interpretation must not contradict the clear message of other verses in the Bible.

I will take John 15:2 as an example of this: taking “he taketh away” to mean loss of salvation goes against many clear New Testament verses that teach that the believers are kept and preserved in Christ (see 1 Peter 1:5 and Jude 2).

Conclusion: A True Christian Cannot Lose Salvation

The biblical salvation is permanent. If a true Christian can lose his salvation, it invalidates the true meaning of salvation. Salvation is the gift of God; you don’t receive it by works and the gift is irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

A born-again Christian cannot become unborn. The redeemed believers cannot become unredeemed. Eternal life cannot become temporary life. The God who promises eternal salvation cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

The Common Objections to Eternal Security

Two common objections are often raised against the belief that a Christian cannot lose salvation:

• What about Christians who live a sinful, unrepentant lifestyle?
• What about Christians who reject the faith and deny Christ?

The problem with these objections is that not everyone who calls himself a “Christian” has indeed been born again. The Bible makes it clear that a true Christian will not continue in an unbroken pattern of sin (1 John 3:6).

We also see in Scripture that anyone who departs from the faith demonstrates that he was never truly in the faith (see 1 John 2:19). He may have been religious, he may have put on a good show and be convincing, but he was never born again by the power of God.

What About YOU, the Reader?

What is more important than where others stand is where you stand. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for your salvation? Are you depending on Him alone as the means to get the forgiveness of your sins? If not, you can do that today.

We need to be saved because of our sins and the consequences of sin. Christ suffered those consequences and now invites you to trust in His death, burial, and resurrection for your salvation. Believe in what He did for you, and you will be saved.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (KJV) Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

That is all you need to believe and you will be saved.

Thank you for reading!