There are two basic positions when it comes to eternal security. Some teach that once a person is saved, they cannot lose their salvation no matter what. And then there are those who contend that salvation is conditional and therefore can be lost.
The Bible does not teach both positions. Only one can be right. So which is right?
I firmly believe that salvation can be lost. I do not take this position for any reason other than the fact that the Bible teaches it. Many verses could be considered to solidify this point, but for the sake of brevity (and to provoke discussion and debate), I will only mention one here.
"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)
James is speaking to brethren, to Christians. He implies that a brother can wander away from the truth and be considered a "sinner" whose soul is in death (see Rom. 6:23).
Those who are faithful are encouraged to go after these erring brethren. Why? So that a soul might be saved from death. Clearly, a person can depart from the faith and be alienated from God, lost in their sins.
This one passage denies the "Once Saved, Always Saved" position. Can a person who is saved sin so as to be lost? James, a man inspired by God, says "yes!"
This is what the Bible says and we must hold fast to it. It's not negative. It's truth!
What are your thoughts?
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