How Sure Is Our Salvation?

Monday after the Second Sunday in Lent
March 1, 2010

The Lord be with you

This coming Sunday, the Third Sunday in Lent, March 7, 2010, we will continue our series “Puzzlers and Questions about the Bible” in our adult Bible class at Lamb of God Lutheran (LCMS). As noted in earlier posts on this blog, this series is simply examining questions that have been submitted. This coming week's question is a good one:

In light of the verse that states that it is impossible to restore to repentance one who has been a Christian and turned his back, could Judas have been saved & did Peter really lose his faith? Add to this David.

The only partial quote given in the question is from Hebrews 6:6. I have to guess what references are in the mind of the person who submitted the question in relation to Judas, Peter, and David. The three most likely candidates are Acts 1:25; Luke 22:31-34; and Psalm 51, especially verses 10-12.

There are really two questions here:

1) Can someone loose their salvation?
2) Can someone who has lost their salvation be restored?

I am reminded of the 17th century hymn by Johann Olerius, “Oh, How Great Is Your Compassion,” verse 4

Lord, Your mercy will not leave me;
Ever will Your truth abide.
Then in You I will confide.
Since Your Word cannot deceive me,
My salvation is to me
Safe and sure eternally. (LSB 559)

The study is titled “How Sure Is Our Salvation?”

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert