Can you lose your Salvation?

A lot of people wonder if they can lose their salvation and a lot of churches will tell you that you can. This is false, it’s another way that Satan has of attacking God’s people. Why do people, even some churches say this? Some just don’t understand or are misinformed. Also it is a way to keep you dependant on them to help you keep or get back your salvation. Colossians 2; 13 says

 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses

 Here the bible says we have been forgiven all our trespasses. This means all, past, present, and future. God knows your future and everything that’s going to happen. You can’t commit any sin to lose your salvation. Your future sin has already been forgiven.
Is there anything that you can’t be forgiven for? Doesn’t the bible say that there is an unforgivable sin? Matthew 12:32 does say that there is a sin that cannot be forgiven. This verse is one that is most often taken out of context. Some churches will tell you that this sin is blasphemy, others I’ve heard say it is suicide. Suicide is definitely wrong, nowhere in the bible says suicide is unforgivable. The blasphemy is close, but you have to understand what Jesus is talking about in this verse. To take this verse in context, you have to understand the whole story.
In Matthew chapter 12; Jesus had just healed a demon possessed man who was blind and mute, the people who saw it were amazed and asked “can this be the son of David?”(v.23), meaning could this be the Messiah, the son of God. The Pharisees who heard this didn’t believe Jesus is the son of God and didn’t like this. To which the Pharisees replied in verse 24 “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” They were trying to say that Jesus was Satan not God.
After Jesus rebuked them, asking why Satan would cast out Satan, why would Satan go against himself? Then in verses 31-32 He said this;

Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.  And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
What did Jesus mean by this? First He says every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people. This means that every sin or blasphemy we commit against each other, even ourselves will be forgiven. Jesus goes on to say but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. This would be blasphemy against God. What would this blasphemy be? If we go out and talk against God and say bad things, is that unforgivable? No! Jesus goes on to explain this blasphemy. In verse 32 He says;

And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,.

Here Jesus is referring to himself in human form. He is saying that it was forgivable for them not to believe that He wasn’t God in his human body. Jesus then adds a “but”.

but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

 What does this mean? Jesus knew it would be hard to believe that God could, or would become a man. Jesus said that He would provide proof that He is God by coming back from the grave and sending the Holy Spirit. What He means here is “it’s ok if you don’t believe I’m God now in this body. But once I’ve been killed and resurrected, proving who I am, if you still don’t believe, that’s unforgivable. This was unforgivable at the time of His resurrection when people saw it, and now when we know about it.


The only unforgivable sin is not believing that He is God and can forgive your sin. This is the blasphemy Jesus is talking about. This makes sense. If you don’t believe that Jesus is God and that His forgivness of your sin is the only way to heaven. You aren’t going to accept His forgivness therefore won’t be forgiven. All we need to do is accept God’s gift of salvation. Why does Satan want us to believe otherwise? First, if you are not sure if you are still saved, you are less likely to tell others about salvation. Also if you believe you can lose your salvation you will miss out on one of God’s promises. In John 10:10 Jesus says 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly

Jesus promises us an abundant life. This doesn’t mean we will have a lot of money or possessions. What it does mean is we can live life knowing that there is always something better ahead and not have to fear death. If you are afraid you could lose your salvation, you could miss out on this promise. If you haven’t already, I urge you to go to God and accept His gift. If you need help with how, I have a prayer on the front page of this site. He won’t take it back, God’s not an Indian giver!

The Holy Bible: English standard version. 2001. Standard Bible Society: Wheaton