If youre once saved are you always saved?

Question

I've heard that a couple of times from christians and am interested to know what different opinions are on that?

sooo that means if i accept j.c and his salvation or whatever...and then i decided to...not "walk with" or "turn away" from the lord....

than i'll still go to heaven?????

Barry that would be...saved from Hell I suppose....

Answer 1

"Sorry it's long, but I thought this was a great explanation"
First of all, slogans like "Once Saved, Always Saved" are always regrettable because they polarize an issue, causing them to be touted or denounced vehemently not on the basis of truth as truth is, but only as it is represented in the stark world of sloganeering.

Take for instance, the present slogan—Once Saved, Always Saved. This is based upon the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, but skews the doctrine by only representing a portion of its teaching. In fact, the slogan doesn't give us enough information to properly judge its merits. As well, the slogan is tautological in its simplicity, so that in being inherently true on its face, it is unable to say anything of value. One might as well say, "Once one has eternal life, he shall always have eternal life." This is obvious by the very definition of eternal life; and so, the slogan teaches us nothing of value. It is likely that this slogan (like most slogans) was created for a very particular purpose, but has long since (again, like most slogans) outgrown that purpose.

Instead, let's look at the doctrine to which the slogan makes reference.

When we speak of the perseverance of the saints, we are, in the first place, speaking not of any power within the grasp or intention of men who believe but rather of the strength of God's own redemptive and recreative work. Because men are saved by grace and not works, the sinful works of men are no great obstacle if God wishes to recreate a man into the image of his Son. The effect of Christ's blood in redemption is complete. So powerful is the blood of Christ that all sins of those that God ordains it to cover are washed in their entirety. As well, when God deems to recreate a man in the image of Christ, he begins the creative work and is faithful to complete it in his time despite the work's potential inclinations to the opposite.

When we speak of perseverance, we are really speaking of God's faithfulness rather than man's. As well, we are not speaking of any statement or decision a man could make. Part of the flaw in the slogan's respect is the preponderance of the contemporary understanding of being "saved." While salvation is a very biblical notion and Scripture does point out that man must be saved, believers too often view this as an effect of a profession of faith rather than the result of God's work of grace. The distinction is palpable. Obviously, anyone can make a profession of faith and live for a time with external evidence of the work of redemption in their lives and yet still be without the work of grace. Though, we might refer to them in our ignorance as the saved, they are anything but. Their profession and life are counterfeits of the life of the honestly saved. The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints declares that those who are of this kind were never recipients of the persevering work of God's grace, were not sealed by the Holy Spirit, and did not receive at anytime the cleansing, redemptive, and recreative work of Christ.

The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints maintains that those who overcome the world—those who abide in Christ—until they die and are taken up to heaven are the saved. They are the ones who persevere. Any who do not persevere simply were not saved for they did not experience the saving grace of God, were not conformed to the image of Christ, and were not forgiven of their sins. Therefore, it stands to reason that they as well never possessed eternal life—for eternal life is eternal.

The plain fact is that Scripture encourages believers to work in righteousness as they reflect the glory of their Lord. And Scripture offers security for those who have this work of grace alive in them. Those who claim belief but do not live righteously are persuaded to fear for their place and are invited to pursue God with all their hearts, minds, and souls that they might rest in the security of God's grace.

In light of 1 John 1:9's admonition to confess sin for faithful and just forgiveness, the question is often asked whether a true believer, unconfessed, might not be in danger of perdition. Yet, while confession of sin before God is integral to the obedient Christian life and no true Christian will go for too long in aggressive rebellion against the confession of sin, believers are always going some duration without confessing their sin. Even if it is only the time period between the sin and one's immediate regret for and confession of that sin, there is still a period of unconfessed sin. We do not believe that this unconfessed sin can keep the true child of God from receiving that which God has claimed is his inheritance and has sealed in him with the Holy Spirit. We do believe that unconfessed sin will forge a breach in one's earthly experience of the joys of heavenly life, but not that unconfessed sin can mar the surpassing grace of God. If this were so then every believer would be in danger of perdition at the time of his death for even as Christians, we recognize that we sin constantly in thought and deed.

Answer 2

According to the Baptists, who are the ones who teach, "once saved, always saved," if you ever decide to "not walk with," or "turn away" from the Lord, then you were never saved in the first place.

I'm Assembly of God (pentecostal) and we believe that there are two evidences of salvation. The first is the internal evidence of the direct witness of the Holy Spirit. "For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children." Romans 8:16 The second evidence of Salvation is the outward evidence of a life of true holiness and righteousness. "Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:24 "And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God." Titus 2:12. In other words, if you're truly saved, you'll know it because you will be one with God and you'll want to live a life of obedience to Him.

The direct answer to your question, no matter who you ask, is "no." If you claim you are saved, but then turn your back on God, you do not get to go to heaven. Salvation is NOT fire insurance.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Answer 3

Growing up a Baptist, I was raised with this "once saved, always saved" belief. Then, I attended the Nazarene church as an adult (I now attend a non-denominational church). I now believe that Salvation is a gift from the Lord. It is ours for the taking if we will only believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and ask Him to come into our hearts and guide us to be the person that God wants us to be. It does not mean that if we backslide or don't go to church regularly, or even walk away from God for awhile that we will go to hell. If that was the case, then Christ died for nothing because if it was that easy to lose our salvation, what would be the purpose in Jesus dying for us? I do believe however, that if we turn from God - reject Him - deny Him as God, then we are giving that gift back to God. God knows we are not perfect - that's why He sent His Son to save us - because we CAN'T earn our salvation on our own - it's impossible. Still, I think that He understands when we walk away for a time or allow our relationship with Him to grow cold. It is when we decide to reject Him, deny Him and decide that He is nothing to us, that I believe He will take that as our decision to give this gift of salvation back, and we lose our chance to go to Heaven. Thankfully, if we confess our sins, we can make it right with God. Just don't think you can do it tomorrow, because for many people, tomorrow doesn't come and they are standing face to face with God before they have had the chance to make it right.

Answer 4

Ephesians 2:8-9 "for by grace are ye saved, not of yourself, but it is a gift of God, not of works, least any man should boast". Once you're saved, you'[re a child of God and you can't loose your salvation. Jesus died once, for our salvation. Once you're saved, you will go to Heaven, BUT if you backslide, Jesus is always there waiting for you to come home to Him. Once you are saved and you sin, and you pray and ask God for forgiveness, he wipes the slate clean and doesn't remember our past, present or future sins, but He will judge them, so its not like you can get saved and then rob a bank, ha ha. I hope this helps. Read the book of Romans and Acts in your KJV Bible, its very helpful on salvation. To be saved only takes a few minutes, you must first believe that Jesus alone can save you, and then ask Him to save you and admit that you are a sinner, its the most important decision you're ever make, one that is eternal, life in Heaven or torment in Hell.

Answer 5

Michelle: Your point is not valid in that Jesus was not born
when the old testament was happening, so He didn't die
for anyone's sins back then and He didn't teach the way of
life, so noone was born again or "saved" back in the O.T.

Hetty Boo: You are really vacillating! You don't HAVE TO BE a christian if you don't want to. You can't be in and out. One day will come when you will know in your heart who Jesus is, then all these questions won't mean a thing. You will KNOW who you are and where you're going after death. But why does it always be what's after death...why not living a great life right here?

Answer 6

Yep.

The process of becoming saved is called JUSTIFICATION.
The penalty for sins committed are removed. Romans 4: 7f. 2Corinthians 5:19.
The condemnation is gone. Romans 8: 1, 33f.
There is peace with GOD. Romans 5: 1. Ephesians 2: 14-17.
One is restored to GODS favour. Romans 4: 6 1Corinthians 1: 30. 2Corinthians 5: 21.
The believer is now clothed in a righteousness not his own, provided by Jesus, and is therefore acceptable to fellowship with GOD.


There is now "heirship" to eternal life. Titus 3: 7.
Righteous living becomes possible. Philippians 1: 11. 1John 3: 7.
The JUISTIFIED person is assured that he or she will be SAVED from the coming wrath of GOD. Romans 5: 9. 1Thesalonians 1: 10.
The person is assured of GLORIFICATION (Going to Heaven). Matthew 13: 43. Romans 8: 30.
Galatians 5: 5.
The moment a person believes in Jesus The Christ that person is SANCTIFIED.


Notice in The Bible that the believers are called SAINTS? ALL believers are saints. That is because they have been sanctified. It does NOT mean perfect! 1 Corinthians 1: 2. Ephesians 1: 1. Colossians 1: 2. Hebrews 10: 10. Jude 3.


In 1Corinthians we have proof that one can still be "fleshy" and be SAVED or Sanctified.
Christ Sanctified the SAVED by the shedding of HIS own blood. Hebrews 13: 12.
The new believer is now COMPLETE in HIM. Colossians 2: 10.

Heirs to the Holiness NOT THROUGH ANY EFFORTS OF THEIR OWN.

Answer 7

Because God is all knowing and knows the end from the beginning he knew who would believe in him before they were born, even from the beginning of the world. They are the ones who will go to heaven when they die. Not everyone who says that they believe in Jesus actually does believe in him unto salvation though. There will be many who will pound on the door once it is shut and bolted, metaphorically speaking, and he will tell them to "depart from me ye workers of iniquity." They thought they were going to heaven but they didn't live like they were.

Answer 8

If your heart is right before God, you are saved. Lets say you later get entangled in sin, you are still saved.
1 Cor. 3:14-15 says:
"If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

These verses are referring to the works we do while in our earthly bodies.
We cannot lose salvation, however, we can come under the direct chastisement of God Almighty for our habitual or willfull sin.
Thanks be to Christ Jesus, he died one time, to cover all our sin, Past, Present and Future.
God Bless You....Peace.

Answer 9

Yes. Once you are saved, your salvation is eternal. However, no-one is saved until enter heaven. Earthly life is the road to salvation for some, and the road to hell for others, but it is not salvation itself. The Bible makes this clear when it tells us, "he who endures to the end, he shall be saved".
.

Answer 10

Oh my, you're opening an oppertunity for a HUGE arguement. Basically, the way I believe, is that as long as you make an effort to continually seek God, God will never turn his back on you. And when you do slip up and sin (which we all do time after time every day), God is always going to be there with His arms open wide when you come running back to Him.

Answer 11

this is a very hotly debated topic amongst Christians... some say yes while others will say no... I believe that you can't loose your salvation because salvation is not a result of my works it is a gift from God... if we could loose our salvation that would mean that we had to work to be saved or to keep our salvation. The Bible is very clear that salvation does not happen because of anything that we do... see Ephesians 2:8-9