Four Reasons Someone Might Lose Their Eternal Salvation: And How You Won’t Be One of Them!

The concept of eternal salvation is one of the most significant topics in Christianity. It is a gift from God, given through faith in Jesus Christ, but it is also something that requires our commitment and vigilance. There are certain actions and attitudes that can place someone at risk of losing their eternal inheritance. In this article, we explore four key reasons someone might jeopardize their salvation, focusing on the dangers of denying Jesus, being ashamed of Him, blaspheming the Holy Spirit, and living a continual, unrepentant sinful lifestyle.

1. Denying Jesus

The first and perhaps most serious way a person can lose their salvation is by denying Jesus. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 10:33, “Whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” This is a grave warning. However, we must also remember that Jesus is merciful. Peter, one of His closest disciples, denied Him three times, yet he was restored when he repented and confessed his love for Jesus three times during breakfast on the beach (John 21:15-17). If you ever find yourself in a moment of weakness, like Peter, do not delay in returning to Him. Repent quickly, confess your faith in Jesus again, and He will welcome you back with open arms. This is why the Apostolic letters emphasize the importance of not falling away—staying steadfast in faith is essential for retaining our eternal inheritance.

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2. Being Ashamed of Jesus

The second reason is being ashamed of Jesus, which is described as cowardice in Revelation 21:8. Jesus makes it clear in Luke 9:26: “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” This is a stern reminder that following Jesus requires boldness and courage, not just in private but in public as well. To stand firm in faith, we must be proud of our relationship with Jesus and ready to proclaim it, even when the world might mock or reject us. If fear has ever caused you to hide your faith, consider this an invitation to ask God for strength and courage to be a bold witness for Him.

3. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit

Perhaps the most dangerous of all is blaspheming the Holy Spirit, which Jesus warns about in Mark 3:29: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” This warning is severe because it involves calling the works of the Holy Spirit the works of the devil. Whenever there is clear evidence of the Holy Spirit’s power—such as people being healed or delivered from bondage—believers must be very careful about what they say. We may not always understand what we see (for instance, people crying out as demons are cast out), but remember that the ways of the Holy Spirit can be offensive to our flesh. If Jesus is being glorified and the fruits of the Spirit are evident, we should praise God and remain humble, even when it’s outside our comfort zone.

This warning still applies to all Christians today. Slandering or accusing genuine followers of Jesus of being of the devil when they are clearly operating in His power is a grave error. There is also a distinction to be made: not everyone who demonstrates signs and wonders is from God. As the gifts and callings of God are irrevocable, some may operate in such gifts but lack a heart that glorifies Jesus. These can be identified as “anti-Christs” or “anti-anointed ones.” True believers, however, use their gifts to glorify Jesus and lead others to Him, not to themselves.

4. Living a Continual, Unrepentant Sinful Lifestyle

The fourth reason that can jeopardize someone’s salvation is living a continual, unrepentant sinful lifestyle. This could include anyone who practices sin openly and unrepentantly, such as a homosexual priest or a pastor who talks a good talk, but willfully and unapologetically watches pornography with zero conviction any more. The Bible makes it clear that those who live in such a way without repentance show no evidence of genuine faith or salvation. Remember without faith it is impossible to please God.

In my view, if there is no conviction or remorse when someone sins, it raises serious questions about whether that person truly knows God. True salvation involves not just a confession of the mouth but also a sincere belief in the heart. Romans 10:9 tells us, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Both conditions—confession and heart belief—must be met for genuine salvation.

A Call to Examine Our Hearts

If you find yourself struggling with any form of sin or feel a sense of guilt and conviction when you fall short, know that this is a sign of the Holy Spirit working within you. The good news is that God is merciful and always ready to forgive those who turn to Him in repentance. Ask for a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit to help you walk in righteousness. One of the most vital gifts the Spirit provides is the gift of self-control, which empowers believers to live holy and upright lives.

As we approach these end times, it is crucial to examine our hearts carefully. Is there any pride, hidden sin, or anything displeasing to God within us? Let us humble ourselves and ask for His forgiveness, seeking His strength to live in a way that honors Him. Remember, it is not about perfection but about a heart sincerely committed to God and willing to turn back to Him whenever we stumble.

If you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart today, take a moment to pray and ask for God’s mercy. Ask Him to reveal any areas of pride or sin that need to be addressed. As you do, trust that His grace is sufficient to cover every sin and that His love is always there to guide you back to Him.