Can a Believer Become Apostate and LOSE THEIR SALVATION?

The answer is yes. You see, attaining immortality & eternal life is a two-phase process: We receive eternal life in our spirits when we accept the gospel—God doesn’t force us—and this is completed at the bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:42-54). Between these two phases it’s possible for a believer to abort his/her salvation (2 Timothy 2:12; Titus 1:16).

To explain, Christ taught eternal security in John 10:28-29, but this is obviously contingent on continuing in faith, as observed by Colossians 1:23 and several other verses. After all, if it takes faith to be saved, one can no longer be saved if s/he comes to a point where they no longer believe. The Bible teaches that it is through faith and perseverance that we inherit what is promised, including eternal salvation, not faith for a while and then giving up (Hebrews 6:12; Luke 8:13).

Here are some relevant passages for believers to consider in their studies: Galatians 5:19-21, Hebrews 10:25-27, 2 Peter 2:20-21, Romans 11:19-24, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Hebrews 3:6, 3:12 & 6:4-6, James 5:19-20, Jude 1:5, Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13, Luke 8:13 & 13:5-9, and John 15:1-6. In short, eternal security is indeed a biblical doctrine, but unconditional eternal security is not. “Do not be deceived” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Anyone who studies eternal security must consider every one of those passages, which were written by the Holy Spirit (aka God), and include them in whatever conclusion they draw. The person who refuses to do so isn’t “rightly dividing” the Word of Truth since they’re omitting relevant passages (2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:16-17).

Obviously, the most important thing is for each believer to make sure that he or she is walking in faith with the LORD and “keeping with repentance” when they miss it (Matthew & Luke 3:8). Such believers indeed have eternal security.
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Once Saved Always Saved?