Can a Believer Lose Salvation? A Critical Analysis of Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Olouma's Response!
- Nkengacha Marcellous Agendia
- Sep 11, 2024
- 13 min read
The question of whether a believer can lose salvation has sparked theological debates for centuries. Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, known as Fada Oluoma, in his thought-provoking post, presents an argument suggesting that while aspects of salvation (like justification and redemption) are secured, eternal life can still be lost depending on one's actions.
While this article critically analyzes his perspective, it is important to note that this is merely an opinion with no intention to undermine Fada Olouma's thoughtful contribution. His approach to the topic is appreciated for its depth and insight. However, this article will seek to offer an alternative view, demonstrating that salvation is a permanent, unbreakable relationship with God, as taught in the Scriptures. Based on biblical teaching, a direct “no” to the possibility of losing salvation is both theologically sound and biblically consistent.
First read Fada Olouma's post here
Understanding Salvation: A Comprehensive Perspective
Fada Olouma begins by stating that salvation is a composite term, consisting of redemption, justification, sanctification, and culminating in eternal life. While it is correct that these are aspects of salvation, his separation of eternal life as something distinct and potentially losable contradicts the cohesive biblical teaching that salvation, once granted, is an eternal guarantee for the believer.
Scripture presents salvation as a unified gift from God, where all its components—including eternal life—are irrevocably linked. The idea that believers could lose eternal life undermines the perfection of God’s work and the security of His grace.
God’s Work is Perfect and Eternal
The idea that believers could lose salvation implies that God's work is imperfect or incomplete. However, Scripture consistently teaches that God’s work, especially in salvation, is perfect and eternal.
Ecclesiastes 3:14: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him."
If salvation is truly considered as the work of God (through His Grace), it carries with it the inherent qualities of eternity and completeness. This divine aspect of salvation emphasizes the unchangeable and everlasting nature of God's redemptive plan for humanity. The concept of eternal salvation implies that once an individual is saved by God's grace, it is a permanent state that cannot be revoked or undone. This permanence provides a profound sense of security and assurance to believers, knowing that their salvation is not dependent on their own efforts or merits, but rather on the unfailing love and faithfulness of God...
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Moreover, the completeness of salvation signifies that it is a holistic transformation that encompasses every aspect of a person's being - spiritual, emotional, and physical. It is not merely a superficial change or temporary fix, but a profound and lasting renewal that restores the broken relationship between God and humanity. This completeness of salvation brings about healing, restoration, and reconciliation, enabling individuals to experience true freedom and wholeness in their lives.
Therefore, the eternal and complete nature of God's work of salvation underscores the depth of His love and the richness of His mercy towards humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of God's character and His unwavering commitment to redeem and restore His creation.
Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
The work of salvation, once initiated, is a profound and transformative process that is ultimately guided and fulfilled by the divine hand of God. This journey of redemption and restoration encompasses a deep and intricate unfolding of spiritual growth, renewal, and reconciliation. It is a journey marked by the unyielding love and grace of God, who tirelessly works within the hearts and lives of individuals to bring about their ultimate wholeness and redemption...
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God's commitment to the completion of this salvific work is unwavering and unfaltering. His divine providence and sovereignty are the cornerstones upon which the entire process rests, ensuring that every step taken, every obstacle faced, and every victory achieved is orchestrated with divine precision and purpose. The work of salvation is not a fleeting or temporary endeavor but rather a lifelong journey of faith, perseverance, and transformation.
As individuals navigate this journey of salvation, they are met with challenges, trials, and moments of doubt. Yet, it is in these very moments that God's presence and power are most keenly felt, offering strength, comfort, and assurance. Through the refining fires of adversity and the gentle whispers of grace, God shapes and molds individuals into vessels of His love and mercy, preparing them for the fullness of His redemption.
Ultimately, the work of salvation is a testament to God's boundless love and unwavering commitment to His creation. It is a journey that transcends time and space, leading individuals into a deeper relationship with their Creator and a fuller realization of their true identity and purpose. In the end, the completion of this salvific work is not a mere possibility but a divine promise, sealed by the unshakeable faithfulness of God.
Believers are placed in a permanent, unbreakable relationship with God. God has joined the believer to Himself through Christ, and no one—not even the believer—can sever that bond.The Nature of Redemption and Justification
Fada Olouma rightly observes that redemption and justification are one-time events, secured through the finished work of Christ (John 19:30, Hebrews 10:10-12). However, he mistakenly implies that eternal life, although already granted, can still be lost based on subsequent actions. Yet, the New Testament clearly links justification and eternal life as inseparable aspects of the same salvific event.
John 5:24: "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life."
Eternal life, a fundamental concept in many religious beliefs, is often perceived as a future reward or a distant goal. However, for believers, it is important to understand that eternal life is not merely a future promise but a present reality. This profound truth brings a sense of reassurance and peace, knowing that this gift of eternal life is not something that can be easily lost or taken away...
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The assurance of eternal life for believers is deeply rooted in the faith and trust they have in God. It is a promise that transcends time and space, offering a sense of security and hope that goes beyond the temporal challenges and uncertainties of life. This assurance is not based on human efforts or merit but on the unchanging character and faithfulness of God.
Believers find comfort in the fact that their eternal life is guaranteed by God himself. This assurance is a source of strength and encouragement, enabling them to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence and resilience. It serves as a constant reminder that their ultimate destiny is secure in the hands of a loving and faithful God.
In essence, the concept of eternal life as an existing possession for believers underscores the profound depth of God's love and grace. It is a reminder that this life is not all there is, that there is a greater reality beyond what we can see and touch. Embracing this truth empowers believers to live with purpose and meaning, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure in the hands of a loving and sovereign God.
Romans 8:30: "And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
This shows that glorification (the final aspect of salvation in heaven) is as certain as justification. The language is in the past tense, indicating it is already a secured reality.
God's work in salvation is perfect. The belief that salvation can be lost diminishes God's power and grace. If believers could lose salvation, it would imply that God's work in securing salvation is somehow insufficient or dependent on human effort. This would contradict the biblical assertion that God's grace is both limitless and irrevocable.Sanctification and Forgiveness: Ongoing but Secure
The Rev. Father correctly points out that sanctification and forgiveness are ongoing processes. However, he suggests that a failure in these areas could lead to the loss of salvation. While believers may sin and require continual forgiveness (1 John 1:9), this does not jeopardize their salvation, as it is secured by God’s grace, not human effort.
Hebrews 10:14: "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy."
This concept of sanctification highlights the intricate balance between the continuous process of spiritual growth and the unchanging perfection attained through the sacrificial act of Christ. Sanctification, as a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ, is rooted in the foundation of the ultimate perfection that Jesus Christ accomplished through His sacrifice on the cross...
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It is through this foundational act of grace that believers are empowered to pursue sanctification, knowing that their imperfections are covered by the perfect righteousness of Christ. This understanding not only provides assurance and confidence in the believer's journey towards holiness but also serves as a constant reminder of the unmerited grace and love that underpins the entire process of sanctification.
In essence, sanctification is a reflection of the ongoing work of God in the lives of believers, drawing them closer to Him and conforming them to the image of His Son, all made possible by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Believers are “locked” into God’s grace, much like the common Christian song, *"When God opens a door, no one can lock it; when He locks a door, no one can open it."* God has locked believers in a “permanent saved area,” and no one—including the believer—can open that door to escape.This idea is reinforced by the words of Jesus in John 10:28-29:
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."
Faith and Good Works: Necessary Fruits, Not Conditions
Fada Olouma suggests that while faith grants initial salvation (justification), good works are necessary to retain eternal life. He references James 2:14-26, which speaks of faith without works being dead. While it is true that good works are the evidence of genuine faith, they are not the means of securing or retaining maintaining salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith, and not through good works which are the natural outflow of that faith.
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause or the means by which it is maintained. Good works are often seen as the outward manifestation of an individual's faith and belief in their salvation. They are the natural response to the grace and mercy that one has received through their belief in a higher power. While good works are important and play a significant role in demonstrating one's commitment to their faith, it is crucial to understand that they are not what ultimately saves a person. Salvation is a gift that is freely given and cannot be earned through good deeds alone...
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The idea that good works are the result of salvation, rather than the cause or means to maintain it, highlights the importance of understanding the true nature of salvation. It is a transformative experience that goes beyond mere actions and rituals. Good works should flow organically from a heart that has been touched by the grace of salvation, rather than being used as a way to earn favor or merit with a higher power.
By emphasizing that good works are a result of salvation, we acknowledge that our actions are a reflection of our inner beliefs and convictions. They are a way to express gratitude for the gift of salvation that has been freely given to us. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith and works, reminding us that true salvation is rooted in a personal relationship with a higher power, rather than in outward acts of righteousness.
John 6:37: Jesus promises,
"All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
There is no conditional clause here for maintaining salvation through good works.
Thus, while good works are important and evidence of a believer’s faith, they do not determine whether a believer remains saved. God’s grace alone secures eternal life (His grace is sufficient), and good works are the fruit, not the foundation, of salvation.
Eternal Life and Final Judgment: A Secured Promise
The priest contends that eternal life can be lost, referencing passages like Mark 8:35ff and Matthew 25:31ff, which discuss the loss of one’s soul and the judgment based on works. These passages, however, describe the evidence of a transformed life rather than implying that salvation is at risk. They point to the truth that genuine faith produces fruit, but the absence of fruit is an indicator of a lack of true saving faith, not the loss of salvation.
John 10:28: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
John 10:28 is one of the most powerful and reassuring verses in the Bible when it comes to the eternal security of believers. Jesus, speaking to His followers, declares, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” This verse is a profound unequivocal statement of God’s unshakeable promise and assurance that once a person is saved, their salvation is secure forever. This assurance is not merely a fleeting promise but a foundational truth that shapes the very essence of the Christian faith...
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Eternal Life: A Gift, Not a Temporary Privilege
The first part of the verse, "I give them eternal life," emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn or can lose through our own efforts. The nature of this life is eternal—it’s not temporary, conditional, or provisional. It lasts forever, beginning the moment one believes in Christ and continuing through eternity. If eternal life could be lost, it would not truly be eternal. Jesus’ use of the word “give” further illustrates that salvation is an unearned gift of grace, freely offered by God, and not something we gain by our own merit or works.
“They Shall Never Perish”
The phrase “they shall never perish” leaves no room for doubt. Jesus is assuring His followers that their souls are secure in Him. The word “never” in the original Greek is emphatic, indicating that perishing is not even a possibility for those who belong to Christ. This promise dispels the fear that sin, failure, or any other factor could cause a believer to lose their salvation. Once someone has been given eternal life, Jesus guarantees that they will never experience spiritual death or separation from God.
“No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand”
The final part of the verse provides an additional layer of assurance: "no one can snatch them out of my hand." This powerful imagery portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd, holding His flock securely in His hand, where no force—whether human, demonic, or otherwise—can remove them. The phrase "no one" includes everyone, even the believer themselves. No one, including the person who has received salvation, has the power to undo what God has accomplished through Christ.
This imagery ties back to God's sovereignty and omnipotence. If Jesus is the one holding us, there is no greater power that can separate us from Him. It echoes Paul’s message in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The believer’s security is not based on their own strength but on the power and faithfulness of God.
Assurance in Daily Life
This assurance is not just a theological concept but a source of comfort in daily life. It serves as a beacon of light in moments of doubt and uncertainty, reminding believers of the unshakable foundation upon which their faith is built. As believers navigate struggles, doubts, and even moments of failure, they can cling to this promise, knowing that their salvation is secure. Just as no external force can snatch a believer from Jesus’ hand, no internal failures or sins can cause a believer to fall from grace.
In practical terms, this means believers can live in peace and confidence, knowing that their relationship with God is secure. It frees them from the fear of losing their salvation and empowers them to live in gratitude and obedience, knowing that God's grace is sufficient to sustain them.
John 10:28 is a profound affirmation of the permanence of salvation. Jesus promises that those who belong to Him are given eternal life, will never perish, and are securely held in His hand. No external power, sin, or failure can change this reality. This assurance should not only comfort believers but also deepen their faith, as they trust in the sufficiency of God's grace to keep them eternally secure. Salvation is a permanent gift from God, and once given, it cannot be lost.
In essence, Jesus' clear statement about the security of salvation serves as a cornerstone of faith, offering believers a rock-solid foundation upon which to build their lives. It is a testament to the enduring nature of God's love and the unbreakable bond between Creator and creation, instilling in believers a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and reverence for the gift of eternal life.
Believers are securely “locked” into God's promise of salvation. As Romans 8:38-39 emphasizes, nothing—not even sin, failure, or lack of good works—can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.Practical Examples: The Permanence of God's Relationship
Consider the analogy of a parent-child relationship. Once a child is born into a family, their identity as a son or daughter is permanent. They may disobey or make mistakes, but that does not dissolve their relationship with their parents. Similarly, once we are born into God's family, our relationship with Him is secured for eternity. No act of disobedience can reverse the fact that we are His children.
This reflects the biblical teaching in...
Hebrews 12:6: "The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."
Discipline is a sign of a secure relationship, not a threat to that relationship.
Conclusion: Salvation is Secure and Eternal
The overwhelming testimony of Scripture is that salvation is an eternal, irrevocable gift from God. The idea that salvation can be lost undermines the perfection of God’s work and the sufficiency of His grace. As Philippians 1:6 and John 10:28-29 affirm, God Himself secures the believer's salvation from start to finish. Believers are permanently locked into a relationship with God that no one—neither the devil, the world, nor the believer themselves—can undo.
Salvation cannot be lost because it is grounded in the eternal, perfect work of Christ. It is not maintained by human effort or works but by the unchanging grace of God. Therefore, we can confidently give a direct "no" to the question: Can a believer lose salvation?
Well articulated. God bless you for this detailed analysis with excellent references.