Am I still saved if I fall away from faith in Jesus Christ? Let’s see how the Bible answers this question.
The Bible book of Hebrews has five warning passages; this article addresses the third. Third Warning: Don’t Fall Away
Book of Hebrews Warnings for Christians| Don’t Fall Away
Hebrews 2:1-4 – Don’t Drift Away
Hebrews 4:1-11 – Don’t Disbelieve
Hebrews 6:4-8 – Don’t Fall Away
Hebrews 10:19-39 – Don’t Draw Back
Hebrews 12:1-29 – Don’t Fall Short
Hebrews 3:1
Reminder
The author of Hebrews clarified that his readers were Christians, calling them,
“Holy brothers, partakers in a heavenly calling…” (Hebrews 3:1).
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come…” (Hebrews 6:4-5).
You’ve Tasted Salvation
He’s talking to people who have already believed in Christ.
They’ve been enlightened, i.e., they have believed the truth that Jesus accomplished salvation.
They’ve tasted the heavenly gift. The word translated as ‘tasted’ in Hebrews means fully experienced. Hebrews 2:9 tells us Jesus tasted death for all men.
They’ve shared in the Holy Spirit, who comes to indwell believers when they believe in Jesus.
They’ve tasted the good word of God, again meaning they fully experienced it.
They’ve tasted the powers of the age to come, i.e., powers, blessings, and benefits associated with being united with Christ. These include forgiveness of sins, the indwelling Holy Spirit, resurrection, and eternal life.
Repentance Denied
“…if they fall away, to be renewed once more to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and subject Him to public shame” (Hebrews 6:6).
The writer acknowledges that his readers accepted Jesus’ death for their sins when they believed. However, he also says that they have now abandoned their confession that Jesus died for them. By turning away from that confession and reverting to Temple practices, they are rejecting the completeness of Jesus’ redemption—that He died on the cross as a sacrifice in their place.
Consequently, they cannot be renewed to repentance, which means changing their minds and again believing that Jesus died for them. This would imply that they are reconsidering their stance on the Temple and symbolically putting Jesus on the cross a second time.
Luke 9:26 Do not be Ashamed of Jesus
Shame Spread
Their indecision about whether Jesus is their Savior brings Him shame. Jesus Himself stated that He would be ashamed of those believers who deny Him in front of others:
“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His own glory and in the glory of His Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26).
Better Thoughts
“But though we speak in this manner, we are persuaded of better things for you, things that accompany salvation” (Hebrews 6:9).
The author reassures us that their situation is not beyond repair; their rebellion has not reached the point of no return. They are in danger, but he passionately believes in their ability to return to their rest in Jesus before it’s too late.
What’s NOT at Risk
They have secure salvation because they are children of God and citizens of heaven, which comes from their initial belief in Jesus and the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). This salvation, along with the promise of eternal life, is a gift from God that cannot be revoked. God has promised eternal life to those who believe in Jesus’ name, and He will never take back that promise. Additionally, He has assured that those who believe in Jesus will not face eternal condemnation, as stated in Scripture: “He who believes in Him is not condemned” (John 3:18).
Believers Cannot Lose Salvation
What IS at Risk
However, these individuals may risk losing certain benefits that come with salvation, including their mortal life, the blessings and fellowship of God, and their witness for Christ. They also face the potential consequences of God’s temporary discipline, which we will explain in the next two warnings (Hebrews 10:26-31; 12:26-29).
As stated in Hebrews 12:29, “For our God is a consuming fire.”
Receive Jesus Christ as your savior today. Please watch the Great News video to find out how. God bless you.
