6. The Saved & Lost Doctrine

In the vast landscape of Christian theology, the Saved & Lost doctrine stands as a perspective that introduces a nuanced understanding of the believer's journey. This article seeks to delve into the theological framework that suggests a true-born again believer, initially saved by grace, can potentially become a lost sinner through a process known as apostasy. We'll explore the nature of apostasy, the sins that may contribute to it, and the steps one might take for restoration.

A born again believer can become a lost sinner again. Theological Tensions: Can a Born-Again Believer Become a Lost Sinner Again? Let’s have a look.

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Romans 14:19-23 NASB

[19] So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. [20] Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the person who eats and causes offense. [21] It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles. [22] The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves. [23] But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Navigating the Saved & Lost Doctrine: A Theological Exploration of Apostasy

Introduction

In the vast landscape of Christian theology, the Saved & Lost doctrine stands as a perspective that introduces a nuanced understanding of the believer’s journey. This article seeks to delve into the theological framework that suggests a true-born again believer, initially saved by grace, can potentially become a lost sinner through a process known as apostasy. We’ll explore the nature of apostasy, the sins that may contribute to it, and the steps one might take for restoration.

Understanding Apostasy

Apostasy, within the context of the Saved & Lost doctrine, refers to the deliberate and persistent turning away from one’s faith in Christ. While the foundational truth of salvation is acknowledged, proponents of this perspective contend that believers possess free will and can choose to reject the gift of grace.

The Role of Unrepentant Sin

The Saved and Lost doctrine often emphasizes the concept of unrepentant sin as a catalyst for apostasy. It is not merely the act of sin itself but the continuous, intentional, and unrepentant engagement in sinful behavior that raises concerns. Sins such as persistent disobedience, willful rebellion against God's commands, and a refusal to turn back to Christ are viewed as potential contributors to the process of becoming a lost sinner.

The Saved and Lost doctrine often emphasises the concept of unrepentant sin as a catalyst for apostasy. It is not merely the act of sin itself but the continuous, intentional, and unrepentant engagement in sinful behaviour that raises concerns. Sins such as persistent disobedience, wilful rebellion against God’s commands, and a refusal to turn back to Christ are viewed as potential contributors to the process of becoming a lost sinner.

Scriptural Support

Advocates of the Saved and Lost doctrine may turn to biblical passages such as Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-31, which highlight the seriousness of wilful sin and the potential consequences for those who persist in unbelief. These verses underscore the gravity of intentional rejection of faith and the challenges it poses to the believer’s salvation.

The Path to Restoration

For those who have embraced the Saved and Lost doctrine, the road to restoration involves genuine repentance and a return to Christ. Recognising one’s departure from the faith, confessing sin with sincerity, and making a renewed commitment to following Christ are seen as essential steps toward restoration. The doctrine emphasises the gracious nature of God, offering the possibility of salvation to those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him. (Refer to page two for how we became sinners)

Conclusion:

The Saved and Lost doctrine invites believers to engage in a thoughtful exploration of the complexities inherent in the journey of faith. As we navigate these theological waters, it is crucial to approach the topic with humility and an openness to the mystery that surrounds the intersection of divine sovereignty and human free will. The assurance of salvation remains a profound and multifaceted concept, encouraging believers to seek a deeper understanding of God’s grace and the intricate dynamics of the Christian journey.

Five Verses That Some Affirm Salvation Can Be Lost

Hebrews 6:4-6 (NASB): “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.”
Hebrews 10:26-27 (NASB): “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.”
2 Peter 2:20-22 (NASB): “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.”
Galatians 5:4 (NASB): “You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”
2 Timothy 2:12 (NASB): “If we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us.”

Five Verses That Some Affirm Salvation Can Never Be Lost

John 10:27-29 (NASB): “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
Romans 8:38-39 (NASB): “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NASB): “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.”
Philippians 1:6 (NASB): “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
1 Peter 1:3-5 (NASB): “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Is It Possible?

It is possible that both views are right. If you believe by faith that you can become a lost sinner in need of a saviour again, then maybe you can?
However, if you believe by faith that your salvation is secure in Christ forever. Then maybe it is?