The patriarchs lived by faith and died in faith. Considering themselves strangers and exiles in the world, they wholeheartedly sought the heavenly country that God had promised them. It would have been a dangerous thing for the patriarchs to constantly think about their old country from which they went out, for the opportunity to return was always with them.
This is the case with our conversion as well- to constantly think about our old lives, or to downright live a life full of compromise and love for the world and sin is a spiritual peril. (Prov 26:11) But it leads us to the question of whether a Christian can lose his salvation. Is it possible to lose your salvation because of a sin you commit? Yes and no. As John MacArthur once said, “If you could lose your salvation, you would.” This is the power of sin. It has a replaying effect in our lives, and without God’s grace and overcoming power to sustain us, we would surely fall away.
By God’s grace, once you’re saved, you’re always saved. This major doctrine of the perseverance of saints is foundational to biblical faith, and it is one of the core issues that distinguishes between Calvinism and Arminianism. Whereas Calvinists believe their salvation depends wholly on the grace of God, Arminians focus on human choice and power, believing that man is able to choose or oppose God’s salvation. Arminianism is based on a man-centered salvation, and tragically, most churches in America follow this erroneous doctrine.
Though the doctrine of the perseverance of faith has been abused by nominal Christians since the church of Acts, it is a good and precious doctrine that gives all glory to God for our salvation. Our salvation does depend on human will- it depends on the grace of God. When the Bible speaks of those who have fallen away from the faith, or when we ourselves witness people whom we have considered brothers and sisters in Christ apostate, we must consider whether they were ever genuinely converted, because those who are saved by God’s grace will endure.
What is true conversion? Christians were spiritually dead in the grave, with no desire to be saved. By God’s grace, we were raised up with Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again for our justification. Salvation is not based on our activity, knowledge, or effort- by God’s grace alone, we were convicted by the Holy Spirit to repent and bear the fruit of sanctification. (2Sam 12:13) This is God’s way of salvation. It stands on His promise, His work, and His grace that is fulfilled and sealed by Jesus Christ. We are saved because God has placed us in Christ. Opposite from all other religions and man’s fallen way of thinking, those who are humble and completely dependent God alone are the ones who are truly strong. (Rom 8:32)
How do I know my salvation will not be lost? Those who hear and believe the gospel have eternal life. We don’t deserve this gift of salvation from God, but Jesus humbled Himself and laid down His life so that we would be lifted up with Him. As we focus on God’s love and grace, we will grow in humility, sanctification, and love for Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. (1Cor 1:27) God began this work of faith in us- He will maintain it and help us endure to the end. (2Tim 4:6-8)
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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