The question of whether a born-again Christian can lose their salvation and end up lost is one of the most central and important issues of the Christian faith.
This work is unique: it examines ALL the passages of the New Testament that are relevant to salvation – around 545 testimonies, clearly structured, thoroughly evaluated and presented in an understandable way. See for yourself – come and see what the New Testament really says.

Before the start

This website is different: In-depth in its thorough examination of the topic – easy to understand thanks to a step-by-step summary of the results. The 7-level pyramid illustrates the structure:

Start with the main message. From there, work your way as far and deep into the topic as you want and can.

The first 4 levels give you an overview of the topic with increasing depth (this English summary page). In levels 5 to 7 (in German) there is in-depth biblical research, with increasing scope of investigation up to the individual verse interpretation at level 7.

Level 1 – Main message (motto)

A Christian
can be lost.

A follower of Jesus
will not be lost.

 

  

 

Modern parables
on following Jesus

The school of faith

Anyone who decides for Jesus enters the school of life – like a child starting school. This step makes you a student, but you will only receive the longed-for certificate of completion – eternal life – at the end, when you get through the school years. It takes perseverance, learning, growth – and sometimes correction. Only those who walk the path with Jesus to the end will reach the goal in the end.

The rope team in the mountains

A follower of Jesus is like a mountaineer who joins a rope team. From the very beginning, he is part of the team, secured by the rope of the mountain guide – Jesus. Even if he stumbles or makes mistakes, the rope holds him as long as he remains connected. But if you consciously disengage, go your own way and leave the guide, you also leave safety – and with it the path to the summit.

Level 2 – Core ideas

Reading time 5-8 minutes

Naturally lost

All people sin and do not live according to God’s standards in his word in the Bible. No one will be condemned across the board, but everyone will be lost before God due to their specific guilt. Non-Christians who do not acknowledge Jesus as Savior are unsaved.

Christians by name take part in religious rituals. Their faith remains external, without inner renewal. The observance of forms does not save them. What they do (think they do) for God are dead works without power. They too are lost without deep conversion to God and renewal of life through rebirth.

Pseudo-Christians consider themselves followers of Jesus, but have never really known him. They may have worked in his name, but without true devotion and obedience. They did not die to themselves in order to live to God. They realized themselves with their lives and did not serve God. Jesus will not know them in the final judgment.

Saved – by grace, through faith

Those who are true Christians were not saved by their own efforts or religious endeavors, but by God’s grace alone. True Christians have recognized that they are guilty before God – and that they cannot save themselves. They have confessed their sin in the light of his truth and accepted Jesus Christ as the only Savior. His love touched their hearts, his grace transformed their innermost being.

In true repentance, they turned to God – with a broken heart, but full of trust. God has given them new birth through his Spirit, into a new life full of hope. From now on, they are no longer enemies, but children of God – loved, accepted, forgiven. Not because they deserve it, but because the Son of God gave his life for them. Their salvation is certain because it is based on Christ. And from this certainty grows the desire to follow him – out of love, not out of duty.

Loved – and therefore moved

True Christians do not follow Christ to earn God’s love – they do so because they are already infinitely loved. His grace and love shape their lives from the ground up. We love because he first loved us. This love inspires, fulfills, sustains and moves. It ignites a deep longing for fellowship with God in the hearts of true followers – here already, and with perfect clarity in the world to come.

This love gives support in adversity, courage in temptation and comfort in suffering. God stands by his children, watches over them, intercedes for them. Nothing can snatch them out of his hand. Even if they fall, his grace is new every morning. You can come to him at any time – with joy and thanks, but also with fears, worries and weakness. He preserves, supports, protects – and only allows what is ultimately for your best.

True discipleship – the fruit of his love

This divine love does not remain without consequences. It changes. It moves true Christians to follow. They no longer live for themselves, but for their Lord. They confess his name not only with words, but in a life full of devotion, repentance and sanctification. Even when they stumble, they get up again through his strength. They hold on to his love – in good times and in difficult times.

Their faith is alive, bears fruit, serves God and people. Their salvation does not manifest itself in a past moment, but in an ongoing change: in their love for Jesus, in avoiding sin, in persevering to the end. It is not their own efforts that are the source of their steadfastness, but the love of God that is poured out in their hearts. His love brings about their faithfulness. And his faithfulness is their support.

Two paths as followers of Christ

Salvation is a gift—but it is not a sure thing. Not everyone who once began to follow Jesus Christ will reach the goal. Scripture makes it unmistakably clear: anyone who strays from the path of discipleship, indulges in sin, loves the world more than God, or follows a false gospel puts their salvation in serious jeopardy. Without repentance, eternal life can be lost.

True followers do not remain faithful in their own strength, but through the preserving grace of God. Nevertheless, they are called upon to remain vigilant, to fight and to persevere. The narrow way leads to life, the broad way to destruction. The path to salvation is a path of faith, of confession to Jesus, of love and devotion – far more than mere lip service. Those who permanently ignore their conscience, deny or abandon their faith in word or deed, or serve themselves more than their Lord and their fellow human beings, turn away from Jesus and lose salvation with him.

God expects fruit – not out of compulsion, but as a natural expression of genuine love. Faith without action, without change, without sanctification is dead. Anyone who disregards the grace they have received, keeps it for themselves or leaves it unused, is not only threatened with the loss of the reward, but also with missing the eternal goal.

God’s loving preservation

The church of the redeemed will last forever – but on the way there, all believers are involved in a real spiritual battle. It is a struggle for faithfulness, truth and steadfastness in following Christ – not superficial, but with eternal consequences. Jesus himself is the good shepherd who leads, protects and preserves – his sheep are safe in his hands. No external enemy, no power of darkness can snatch them away from him. His love gives us strength, his grace makes us steadfast, his spirit works in us.

Jesus intercedes for us as High Priest. He gives us strength to persevere, preserves us in temptation and shortens difficult times for the sake of the elect. He is the one who calls us – and who gives us room to turn back when we lose our way. He does not want anyone to be lost. Everyone is allowed to return, everyone is allowed to start anew. His guidance, his comfort, his love make him a shepherd who can be followed with confidence.

Staying responsible – growing in love

God preserves – but he does not do it without us. He calls us to cooperate: to be vigilant, to repent, to be faithful in teaching, prayer and lifestyle. Those who remain close to him, who love and live his word, remain in the shelter of his love. Closeness to Christ is not a theoretical concept, but practical discipleship: daily devotion, struggle against one’s own flesh, perseverance in faith.

Our salvation is not based on performance, but on Jesus‘ love and redemption. However, only those who remain in this love will reach the goal. The Father does not measure us by the performance of others, but by what we do with what we ourselves have received from him. Vigilance, faithfulness and a life of holy reverence lead safely to the goal – carelessness and indifference, on the other hand, put us in danger of falling away.

Those who forget God’s purification and are self-sufficient live dangerously. But those who love Jesus, respect his word and bear fruit will be preserved.

Judgment and reward

The unsaved, on the other hand, not only perish but also accumulate the wrath of God for eternity through their specific sins. The intensity of their misconduct determines the extent of their judgment.

There is only reward in heaven for those who have been saved by pure grace. They have eternal life NOW. And yet, for believers who live with and for Christ, eternal life is also the reward of discipleship.

The more faithfully we serve God here and follow Jesus, the more glorious our reward will be in eternal life. Our love for God and the works that spring from this love are decisive. Anything that is done out of self-interest, even if it seems good, will not bring a reward in heaven.

Those who faithfully use their talents for God, suffer for the sake of Christ and practise love for their enemies will be richly rewarded in heaven.

Those who serve others with self-sacrifice and do what they teach themselves will be highly esteemed in heaven.

Those who love Jesus and remain faithful to the end will receive the crown of life from him.

Conclusion: Proclaiming a balanced gospel of discipleship

The message of the New Testament to born-again followers of Jesus combines encouragement and claim. A one-sided emphasis – be it only on God’s love or only on his judgment – distorts the nature of God and leads astray.

Even believers who have been born again in Christ are repeatedly faced with the decision: Do they follow the narrow path of devotion, faithfulness and love – or do they allow themselves to be seduced by the broad path of self-will, self-fulfilment and lazy compromises? The one leads to eternal glory, the other ends without timely repentance in the loss of life and in judgment – together with those who have never really known Christ.

Our eternal salvation depends on abiding in Christ. This includes recognizing him as both a loving Saviour and a righteous Judge – and following him in holy reverence to the end. We can know this: God is faithful. He preserves, strengthens, guides and carries all those who trust in his grace and do not forsake him – and brings them to their destination in his mercy.

Those who do not allow themselves to be robbed of the certainty of their Savior’s love for them will be preserved. Those who repent when they fall remain saved. Those who follow Jesus on the narrow path to eternity with holy reverence and bear fruit to the end will surely reach the ETERNAL goal.

Both personal and communal discipleship are crucial for faithful discipleship. Whether in pairs, small groups or the whole church – through deep fellowship, mutual encouragement and also exhortation, we stay on the path of faith. Even loving church discipline can help to keep us from straying and to remain firm in Christ.

But ultimately, it is our enduring trust in God’s unchanging love and faithfulness that carries us through all challenges – and keeps us until we reach the goal of eternity.

A Christian can indeed be lost.
But a follower of Jesus will not be lost for eternity.

Level 3 – Essence

Reading time 25-35 minutes

1  Many are called: Are you lost,
a Christian, or a follower
of Jesus Christ on the way to eternity?

Lost

Every person is spiritually dead by nature and separated from God. No moral behavior, no good works and no religious rituals can lift the sinful state. But God’s love is greater than our failure – he wants all people to be saved and to recognize the truth.

Hope

God not only created us, but also prepared a way of salvation before the foundation of the world. This way leads only through Jesus Christ.

The two paths for every person

Every person must make a decision: One path leads to eternal life, the other to eternal destruction.

What makes a true Christian

A true Christian is not just someone who believes in Jesus, but someone who entrusts himself completely to him and allows his life to be changed by him. This salvation is God’s work alone and a gift of grace.

A life in Christ means no longer living for oneself, but for God.

Fake Christians and nominal Christians

Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian really lives in a relationship with Jesus.

Pseudo-Christians think they are believers, but their lives do not really belong to Christ. They follow their own plans, not God’s will.

Name Christians rely on church affiliation or traditions without having a living relationship with Jesus. However, being a Christian does not mean belonging to a church, but living a life of true discipleship.

Truly saved and preserved

Real Christians follow Jesus because God’s love has changed them. The Holy Spirit guides them, the hope of eternity draws them. God is faithful – he preserves his children, guides and strengthens them. Out of love, he makes room for repentance and brings us safely to our destination.

God’s love sustains – his faithfulness endures

The road is not easy, but we are not alone. Jesus knows his sheep, bears their weakness and gives them strength. His love remains – day after day.

Those who are certain of His love draw new courage – even in failure. God’s faithfulness is greater than our weakness. His grace is new every morning.

Security despite struggle

Our hope does not rest on us, but on God’s promises. Jesus brings to the goal what he has begun. This motivates faithfulness – not out of fear, but out of love.

Authenticity and preservation

God is faithful – he keeps his promises. His love keeps us on the path to eternal life if we remain in him. But this preservation is not a one-way street: it requires our devotion, our trust and our abiding.

Nevertheless, God’s grace is greater than our weakness. His love calls us to repentance again and again. Those who have fallen and turn back to him experience it: His grace is new every morning.

Those who remain in faith will reach the promised goal. We can be certain of this: Jesus is the good shepherd – he knows his own, guides them, carries them when they are weak and brings them safely to their destination.

Arriving in eternity: many could be saved, but only a few remain faithful

Not all who are called remain faithful. Many make a good start with Jesus, but only a few go all the way to the end. Many are called, but few are chosen. Jesus himself warns: Not everyone who says „Lord, Lord“ will enter the kingdom of God, but he who does the will of the Father. Some think they are saved – and yet will one day realize that they have left the narrow path to eternal life.

And yet: God saves many – his grace is greater, his love deeper than we can comprehend.

2  Evaluation of ALL 27 books
of the New Testament

2.1  Mottos of all New Testament books

Matthew

Matthew is the book of absolute obedience to the Lord and King of the world, Jesus Christ. Only those who do the will of God will be eternally saved.

Mark

Mark is the book of the consistent following of Jesus to the end in order to be saved eternally.

Luke

Turning from sin to Jesus, wholeness of devotion to God, brothers and sisters in faith and people, being faithful to the end saves eternally.

John

True disciples of Jesus Christ remain in Jesus and in his word through God’s election and preservation. They are saved now and will be saved eternally.

Acts of the Apostles

Accepting and following Jesus and keeping oneself in the true fear of God to the end saves eternally.

Romans

Only the righteousness of faith before God, bestowed by grace in Jesus Christ, saves now and forever those who through it persevere in seeking glory and honor and immortality and eternal life.

1 Corinthians

The imperishable crown of victory and thus eternal life is (only) given to those who discipline themselves and run the race to heaven according to the divine rules.

2 Corinthians

We must believe in the right Christ, in the right gospel and receive the right Holy Spirit and stick with it if we want to be eternally saved.

Galatians

Saved by grace alone through faith here and now, and through the Spirit of God contending victoriously and bearing fruit to the end eternal salvation.

Ephesians

Experiencing the forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ and being sealed with the Holy Spirit, the down payment on our eternal inheritance is the basis for our salvation now and forever.

Philippians

Eternal life is the victory prize for a faithful life with all one’s strength as a follower of Christ.

Colossians

We will be rewarded with the heavenly inheritance, the battle prize of our calling, because we serve the Lord Christ from the heart here in this life. But he who does wrong will receive the reward for his wrong, for God favors no one.

1 Thessalonians

God has not appointed all who are called and chosen to wrathful judgment, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. And if we remain faithful in our calling and election, we will also experience it.

2 Thessalonians

Yes, the gospel is a calling of which one must first prove oneself worthy through devotion to Jesus, faithfulness and good works done in God until the end in order to be finally saved;

1 Timothy

Whoever fights the good fight of faith and does good works of faith will ultimately also lay hold of eternal life. Therefore, if we are vigilant and always take good care of ourselves and what we teach, we will save both ourselves and those who listen to us.

2 Timothy

Eternal life only exists IN Jesus Christ. Sincere faith in Jesus saves NOW and here and is commissioned for a life as a follower of Christ. But only those who fight the battle ordained for them according to God’s rules until the end will be awarded the victory wreath of eternal life by the Lord.

Titus

Through the preaching of the gospel, people recognize the truth of God and believe in it. The result is that they live with reverence for God according to their knowledge of God and sanctify themselves in their walk of faith and reverence and have the hope of eternal life.

Philemon

True believers have love and faith in the Lord Jesus and in all the saints.

Hebrews

An attitude of life that turns to God NOW, that trusts him NOW and obeys him NOW is the way to eternal salvation. Those who seek God TODAY with reverence and holy awe will be able to remain faithful to him TOMORROW.

James

The crown of honor and thus eternal life will be won by those who love God by doing his will.

1 Peter

Proven faith is true faith and more precious than gold. It knows joy unspeakable and filled with glory. He will inherit eternity.

2 Peter

We will only be saved eternally if we repeatedly take advantage of our opportunities to repent here on earth and live in holy reverence before God – trusting completely in the grace and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ. How we live today determines whether we will still be faithful followers of Jesus tomorrow.

1 John

With our lives we speak our true profession of faith. (Only) those who confess Jesus with their word and life have eternal life NOW and when Jesus comes.

2 John

Whoever believes in the incarnation of Christ, loves his brothers and sisters in faith and lives in the commandments of God is and remains saved.

3 John

Whoever does good is a child of God. Anyone who does evil has never known God.

Judas

We were saved by faith in the mercy of Christ. By the grace of Christ and by holding on to our faith in the love of God and the mercy of Christ, we remain saved.

Revelation

Jesus Christ says: Remain faithful to me until death! Then I will give you the crown of life!

2.2 Salvation in numbers: Evaluation of ALL
545 New Testament passages related to salvation

In the New Testament, all 545 Bible passages were searched and examined that refer to our temporal and eternal salvation, including the reward in heaven, as well as to lostness and damnation. These passages were correlated with the most important reasons and causes for this.

Both our initial conversion and our subsequent salvation are dependent on God’s calling and electing action. No one can ascribe their salvation to themselves, because no one can receive anything to which God has not called and chosen them.

Anyone who does not know God and rejects the gospel offered in love remains lost and will be damned. Faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, on the other hand, saves – both temporally and eternally.

The source of this continued faith, which is expressed in works of faith, lies solely with God. In His grace, He enables, sustains, protects and promotes this faith and preserves it and us until eternal life.

An examination of all the passages in the Bible shows that the eternally saved normally bear good fruit until eternal judgment. „Saved by works?“ we might ask. No, but „saved on the basis of a genuine, effective faith“. Such faith is so alive that it expresses itself in works from conversion to entry into eternity. These works are ultimately only the expression of love for Christ, who loved the believers himself and gave himself up for them.

The measure of our love for Christ also determines our reward in heaven. For in addition to eternal salvation, we will also reap there what we have sown in this life by observing and doing the will of God.

Around 25% of all passages in the Bible deal with a possible loss of salvation on the way to heaven. They show a clear 1:1 relationship between continued faith and continued works of faith as a prerequisite for attaining eternal salvation.

Yes, God calls and chooses us to salvation. Our salvation is by His grace alone. Nevertheless, God actively involves our being, nature and will in his saving work. His calling and election always involve concrete tasks and consequences: Firstly, our conversion, and then, made possible by his faithfulness and sustained by our faith, the continual love for God, which manifests itself in constant works of faith until the end – right up to eternal salvation.

2.3 NOW loved and saved
– ETERNALLY preserved: the love and fear
of God in all the New Testament books

An examination of the 27 books of the New Testament reveals a remarkable uniformity. 26 books address God’s love, salvation by faith, the importance of the fear of God and the conditions for eternal salvation. They emphasize that while God’s love and grace are the basis of salvation, faithfulness, obedience and a life of holiness remain essential to achieving our eternal salvation. The fear of God is described as a protection and guide for a life that conforms to God’s will and inherits salvation.

Faith without deeds is described as dead, while a victorious, God-pleasing life is the goal of discipleship. The New Testament authors agree that eternal life is a gift from God, but requires faithfulness to the end. This uniformity emphasizes the divine truth and invites us to live a life of love, obedience and reverence for God.

3 Salvation and possible loss of salvation: book-
spanning teachings of the New Testament

3.1 The way of the Spirit and the following of Christ to eternal salvation

The examination of the book-embracing teachings of the New Testament confirms the previous findings:

The foundation of our faith and our path to the crown of victory is the overwhelming love of God that meets us at conversion and gifts us with the forgiveness of our sins. This love motivates us to live in obedience and to turn to God again and again. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we are empowered to walk the path of faith with perseverance. In addition, the hope of the glory that awaits us in eternal life strengthens us and gives us the necessary motivation to remain steadfast even in difficult times.

The path to the crown of victory of eternal life requires patience, perseverance and obedience to God. This path is characterized by dedication and diligence and requires a continuous turning to God in prayer and forgiveness as well as a life of love for our fellow human beings. The basis of salvation is faith in Jesus Christ, who gives us forgiveness and new life through his sacrifice. Genuine faith is shown in a life that is characterized by obedience to God and his word and by good works.

Christian faith means putting Jesus above all else and living a holy life that is free from conscious sin. Our fight against temptations and old desires is an essential part of this path. With the grace of Christ and adherence to his word, we can overcome and get up again and again when we fall. For we can know that God’s love and grace are available to us at all times. God remains faithful and just – those who come to him and confess their sins and mistakes experience forgiveness and cleansing and remain in God’s salvation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to use our gifts and resources for God. A life of abstinence, fruit bearing and devotion to God leads to eternal salvation. However, those who consciously live in sin or do not remain in faith jeopardize their salvation. Our final salvation requires patience, vigilance and a continual abiding in Christ.

The goal of faith is the crown of victory of eternal life, which can only be attained by living faithfully and according to God’s commandments until the end. In Christ we find the strength to bear fruit for God and can trust in God’s grace and mercy when we stumble. He is our good shepherd, our confidence and our strength.

3.2 The way of the „flesh“ away from salvation to judgment and destruction

The great overview of the way of the „flesh“ away from salvation
to judgment and perdition shows:

The grace of God – A gift that must not be disregarded

God has saved us by pure grace through Jesus Christ. But this grace is not a license to live a sinful life. Those who consciously turn to the world or water down the gospel disregard God’s love and put their salvation at risk. True disciples remain in his grace, allow themselves to be changed and hold on to him.

The danger of disregarding God’s grace

Faith without repentance is dead. Those who persist in sin show that they do not value God’s grace. Jesus expects us to remain in him. Those who choose the way of the flesh instead ultimately reject the love that once saved them.

Laziness and conscious sin separate us from God

It is possible to start with Jesus but miss the mark. Those who become lukewarm or give in to the world disregard God’s love and risk their salvation. Deliberate sin destroys fellowship with Jesus and leads to spiritual death.

The true reward: a life for God

God rewards those who serve him faithfully. However, those who live only for themselves not only lose their reward, but also their eternal life. A life according to the flesh leads to destruction.

The danger of false teachings and worldly desires

Only the unadulterated gospel leads to life. Those who ignore God’s holiness or accept false teachings fall away. Love of the world is deceptive – it distracts from God and leads to destruction.

Conclusion: Stay vigilant and honor God’s love

God’s grace is a precious gift that must not be abused. Let us remain vigilant, hold on to Christ and love God more than anything else. Only those who remain faithful to the end will be saved.

3.3 The sure course of Christ’s followers to life and crown

Following Jesus is not an uncertain struggle, but a course with a goal and certainty. Those who belong to Jesus through genuine repentance and rebirth already have eternal life – as long as they stay on track and do not allow themselves to be led astray. Running is not an achievement for salvation, but an expression of living grace. „Don’t you know that on a racecourse, though all run, yet only one wins the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.“ (1 Cor 9:24). Jesus himself is the forerunner, the coach and the goal – his love pulls us, carries us and keeps us on course. No race is too difficult, because God ensures that everyone can master their personal journey. A crown awaits the overcomers, not as a merit, but as a gift for faithfulness. „Those who conquer will enter into possession of these things, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.“ (Rev 21:7). The promises of Revelation show: eternal life, glory, closeness to God and co-regency with Christ. Followers of Jesus run with hope – not in fear. They run because they have already won. And they run because they love HIM.

4 Reward & Rank in heaven

Eternal life is both God’s gift and His reward for those who are saved by Him and then love Him back.

The more we love God, work for His kingdom and His glory on earth and endure opposition, the more glorious our reward as the redeemed will be in eternity;

Yes, we may want to be great in the kingdom of heaven, but the way to achieve this is to SERVE, to do what we say and teach ourselves and to suffer for the sake of Christ. And yet we can be completely relaxed and do not need to get involved in any apparent power struggle. In the end, the ranking in heaven will be as the Father in heaven has planned it.

However, impure motives in serving God, such as striving for self-exaltation, rob us of our reward in heaven.

Those who serve God primarily for themselves and not for God not only receive no reward; they are or will not be saved.

A total lack of commitment to God results in a complete loss of any possible reward and eternal life.

The unsaved will receive a negative reward from God in eternity according to the extent of their sins in this life.

Col 3:23-25 OEB
23 Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as if working for the Master and not for people, 24 since you know that it is from the Master that you will receive the inheritance which will be your reward. You are serving Christ, the Master. 25 Those who do wrong will reap the wrong they have done; and there will be no partiality.

2 Cor 9:6 OEB
6 ‘Scanty sowing, scanty harvest; plentiful sowing, plentiful harvest.’

1 Cor 3:11-15 OEB
14 If anyone’s work, which they have built on that foundation, still remains, they will gain a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burnt up, they will suffer loss; though they themselves will escape, but only as one who has passed through fire.

Col 3:23-25; 2 Cor 9:6; 1 Cor 3:11-15

5 My preservation
on the path to eternal salvation

The church as a whole, of those who have overcome and remained faithful to Christ, will endure for eternity. But every local church is in a spiritual battle to the death. Continued love for Jesus, vigilance, sound doctrine, church discipline and spiritual leadership are the keys for the local church to remain on the path of salvation into eternity.

God keeps us as members of Christ on our way to eternity through His steadfast faithfulness and grace. Our salvation is not based on our own performance, but on Jesus‘ love and his sacrifice. He does not expect perfection, but a heart that remains obedient to him and lives close to him. His grace gives us the opportunity to repent and strengthens us to remain steadfast even in difficult times.

God uses his word, prayer, education and spiritual leaders to keep us on the right path. Those who take his word seriously and act accordingly protect themselves from evil. But preservation does not happen automatically – it requires our active devotion. Spiritual vigilance, good teaching and exhortation are crucial. Sloth and carelessness endanger our salvation, while a life of holy reverence leads us safely to our goal.

The greatest danger lies in pride and persistent sin. Those who rely on their own achievements distance themselves from God. But true love for Jesus is shown in a life that trusts him and acts according to his will. Sin must be resolutely resisted because it destroys our spiritual integrity. Those who give in to it jeopardize their relationship with God.

We are called to take care of one another, to love and strengthen one another so that we can enter eternal glory together. The training of spiritual leaders who love, preserve and teach God’s Word is crucial for the preservation of the church. The elders and leaders have the responsible task of watching over the salvation-bringing teaching of the one true gospel, teaching it and living it in an exemplary manner. A church that departs from the core of the one true gospel and turns to a false gospel in word and practice falls from the grace of God – as almost happened to the Galatians – and loses its salvation. Thus there will be churches that outwardly still appear to be the church of Jesus, but in reality are dead and are spit out of Jesus‘ mouth.

The church discipline commanded by Jesus serves to heal and warn us. A church that implements it carefully and faithfully protects itself from the judgment of its Lord and helps those who have been reproved to remain on the path to eternity. But the decisive protection from such developments or restoration after an apostasy that has already taken place lies in repentance and conversion to the true gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. This includes an attitude of the fear of God that avoids sin, arrogance and the pursuit of one’s own high things. Instead, we need to rediscover our first love for Jesus and devote our lives to him. Sinning leaders and brothers and sisters in faith must be led to repentance in love, through exhortation and clear speech, so that the church remains preserved as the body of Christ in truth, purity and faithfulness.

God’s faithfulness is our security. He does not allow us to be tested beyond our strength and gives us the opportunity to repent. At the same time, he invites us to be vigilant, to pray and to actively await his return. Those who remain close to him experience his preserving grace in a special way.

The spiritual battle is real. The enemy tries to undermine our faith and thus bring us to spiritual death. But through God’s Word, prayer and humility, we can resist his attacks. The armor of God protects us, while prayer keeps us close to Christ.

Ultimately, God’s preservation and our devotion go hand in hand. Our salvation is based on his love and faithfulness, but it is up to us to remain in him, to allow ourselves to be purified and to keep his word. Those who remain in Jesus, follow him and listen to his voice will surely reach their goal – the glory of eternity.

6 Limits of salvation

1. the limits of salvation and God’s unchanging love

Salvation is God’s greatest gift to mankind. It stems from his infinite love and his desire that no human being should perish (2 Peter 3:9). It is He Himself who calls, saves and preserves. But while God’s love is indissoluble, there is a real responsibility for the individual not to consciously separate from Him. The Bible describes clear dangers of losing salvation – but also God’s faithful willingness to forgive and restore us.

• Word sins and their effects: Words have great power. They can grieve the Holy Spirit, weaken our relationship with God or even lead to a complete apostasy if they are an expression of an inwardly hardened heart. But even then, God’s invitation to repentance remains (1 John 1:9).
• God’s unshakeable faithfulness: Even when people stumble, God remains faithful to them. „If we lose our trust, he is still to be trusted, for he cannot be false to himself!’“ (2 Tim 2:13 OEB).
• The narrow path and God’s guidance: Faith is not a one-off decision, but a lifelong discipleship. However, God remains the main actor on this path: it is He who works in us (Phil 2:13) and helps us to persevere in faith.

God’s love for his children is stronger than their failure. No one falls out of salvation by accident – it only happens where a person consciously and permanently renounces God.

2 God’s great space of grace – preservation and responsibility

God is not a strict judge who waits to punish mistakes. Rather, in the Bible he shows a wide space of grace in which believers can grow. He knows our weaknesses and gives us room to repent.

• Escalation stages of spiritual descent: The Bible shows that spiritual descent is a process – not a sudden break. There are different stages of distance from God, ranging from inner distress to complete apostasy.
• Biblical examples of believers at risk:
  • The Galatians fell into the temptation of wanting to be justified by works of the law. But Paul reminded them: it is grace alone that saves.
  • The Corinthians were arguing before worldly courts and living in disorder – but God’s patience worked through Paul to renew them.
• Abiding in Christ: In John 15, Jesus describes that salvation lies in our union with him. As long as we remain in him, our faith bears fruit. Even if we waver, he holds us. But anyone who consciously and permanently separates themselves from Jesus will be lost.

However, God is much more patient than we are with ourselves. He fights for each individual and does not allow anyone to be lightly snatched out of His hand (Jn 10:28-29).

3. assurance of salvation and responsibility – God’s deep desire to save us

God has a greater interest in our salvation than we do ourselves. We are not left to our own devices, but have the assurance that God guides and preserves us through his Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13).

• God’s will is clear: „Our Savior, whose will is that everyone should be saved“ (1 Tim 2:3-4 OEB).
• The certainty of salvation: Jesus promises that his sheep will hear his voice and follow him (John 10:27). Those who trust him can be sure that he will be kept.
• But he who does not do God’s will puts his salvation in danger, not because God rejects him, but because he removes himself from saving grace.

Discipleship is not a burden, but a response to God’s love. Our trust in him keeps us safe. But if someone hardens his heart and consistently decides against God, he can exclude himself from salvation – not because God wants it, but because he himself distances himself from God’s hand.

4 The prodigal son – God’s open arms for returnees

God’s greatest concern is not punishment, but restoration. The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is an image of God’s tireless love for those who have gone astray.

• Whoever departs from God is spiritually dead. However, it is not apostasy that has the last word, but God’s merciful love.
• God never gives up on anyone too quickly. His arms remain open as long as someone is willing to repent.
• Heaven rejoices over every repentance. ‘Come and rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ (Lk 15:6-7 OEB).

God fights for his children. No one has to be lost – and whoever repents will be received with joy.

5 Assurance of salvation – the indissoluble faithfulness of God

The Bible shows that true followers of Jesus can have an inner certainty of their salvation.

• God’s sealing: Those who believe in Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit – a sign that they belong to God (Eph 1:13).
• God himself holds us fast: „Nor will anyone snatch them out of my hands.“ (John 10:28 OEB).
• A life in assurance of salvation: Christians do not have to live in constant fear as to whether they are saved. God gives a clear assurance that his salvation applies to all who trust him and live with him.

Nevertheless, free will remains. Whoever finally separates himself from God falls from grace – not because God rejects him, but because he himself lets go of God’s hand.

6. distinguishing marks of the truly saved – the power of love

The Bible clearly shows that true followers of Jesus can be recognized by their love for God and their fellow human beings.

• Obedience out of love: „It is they who have my commands and lays them to heart who loves me“ (John 14:21 OEB).
• Love of brothers and sisters as a sign of rebirth: „Those who love God must also love each other.“ (1 John 4:20-21 OEB).
• God’s power helps us to remain in discipleship: „For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.“ (1 John 5:4 OEB).

Those who live with Jesus are changed. This change is not a condition for salvation, but proof that God’s Spirit is at work in us.

7 Summary,
Conclusions, outlook

Summary

Salvation now – and salvation for eternity: faith, works and the goal

The question of how salvation is understood in the New Testament is central. This reveals a twofold perspective: salvation happens now through grace and faith without works – and it is finally completed at the return of Christ, visibly through faith that is expressed in works.

In the New Testament, the Greek word for salvation (σωτηρία – soteria) is used both for the salvation that has already taken place at conversion and for the eternal salvation that is still to come. This „second salvation“ occurs when Jesus returns and we are taken up into his eternal glory – free from sin, suffering and death. Until then, we live in an interim period: we are saved – and await final salvation.

The analysis of 545 biblical passages relevant to salvation shows that around 250 passages speak of the first salvation – always in connection with grace, acceptance and election. A further 250 passages refer to future salvation. They consistently emphasize the need for a persevering, obedient life of faith, visible in works, fruits and faithfulness. This makes it clear that the New Testament makes a clear distinction between the beginning of salvation and the goal that is yet to come.

God’s grace is the basis of all salvation – it stands at the beginning, accompanies us on the way and will also save us at the end. But this grace demands a response. It not only wants to be received, but also lived. It trains us to renounce ungodliness, to live prudently and righteously and to hope for the return of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-13). The question is not only: Do you believe?, but also: Do you belong to Jesus – and will you remain with him to the end?

The faith that saves does not remain a theory. It manifests itself in hearing and doing – in obedience to the word of God. The New Testament calls this „obedience of faith“ (Rom 1:5; Hebrews 5:9). Those who truly believe live differently. They love God, serve people and do good. These works do not save us in the true sense – but they prove that our faith is genuine. Faith without works is dead (Jas 2:17).

Jesus says: „For the gate is small, and the road narrow, that leads to life, and there are few who find it.“ (Mt 7, 14 OEB). The door alone is not enough – the path is part of it. Paul describes this in the same way: „For [God] will give to everyone what their actions deserve. To those who, by perseverance in doing good, aim at glory, honor, and all that is imperishable, he will give immortal life; while as to those who are factious, and disobedient to truth but obedient to evil, wrath and anger.“ (Rom 2:6-8 OEB).

John also describes the connection between hearing, believing and doing in John 5:24-29: whoever hears Jesus‘ voice and believes has eternal life. But on the day of resurrection, a distinction is made: Those who have done good will receive life; those who have done evil will go to judgment.

These statements do not contradict the message of grace – they complement it. Eternal salvation is given by God’s grace, but only to those who prove themselves worthy of it (1 Thess 2:12; Hebrews 10:36). Paul himself calls us to receive „the grace of God not in vain“ (2 Cor 6:1). For grace can also be abused by using it as a license for a self-determined life.

God will complete his work – but only for those who remain in faith. The NT knows no salvation without persevering faith. This can also be seen, for example, in Onesiphorus (2 Tim 1:16-18): Although he was an exemplary Christian, Paul prays for him that he may „find mercy on that day“. Why? Because no one has guaranteed salvation through their works or piety – but because in the end it also happens solely through God’s grace and mercy.

The „reward of discipleship“ shows another facet: eternal life is both a gift and a reward. It is grace – and it is linked to faithfulness, service and dedication. The Bible says that our measure of faithfulness determines our measure of heavenly reward (1 Cor 3:10-15; Matt 25:14-30). Some are richly rewarded, others are saved „as through fire“ – empty-handed.

Jesus makes it clear: those who fail in their discipleship, bear no fruit or bury the gifts entrusted to them risk eternal salvation. Not every deed is rewarded – the decisive factor is the attitude of the heart. Those who live only for people have already received their reward (Matt 6:1-6). But he who serves in love and humility will be great in the kingdom of heaven (Mt 23:11).

The Gospel of Matthew shows how Jesus himself proclaims a balanced gospel: Around 13% of the text speaks of promises and encouragement, 15% of specific calls to life, and a full 32% contains serious warnings and words of judgment. Only those who hear both – comfort and demands – can recognize the whole truth of the gospel.

In today’s preaching landscape, encouragement often predominates. Yet the New Testament repeatedly calls for repentance, sanctification and perseverance. God’s love and his holiness belong inseparably together. Anyone who only emphasizes the one is proclaiming a distorted image of Jesus.

The letters of the New Testament continue this principle:
– Paul encourages purity, but at the same time warns against exclusion from the kingdom of God if sin persists (1 Cor 6:9-10).
– He urges us not to accept any other Christ than the true one (2 Cor 11:2-4).
– He reminds us of the spiritual battle we are to fight (Eph 6:10-13).

A balanced gospel unites both sides:
God’s love calls us to discipleship – his holiness keeps us in it.
Therefore, true salvation is always an interplay of divine grace and human response – not to earn grace, but to receive it and remain in it.

He who believes, obeys. And those who obey, stay. This is how true faith manifests itself: in a life that loves God, follows him and keeps its eyes on the goal. For it is not the good beginning that saves, but remaining faithful to the end.

7.6 Conclusions

The examination of the biblical passages on salvation shows that the path to eternal salvation cannot be reduced to a one-time confession. Salvation begins with conversion, but is completed through a life of obedience of faith until the end.

Saving faith is obedient, active faith. Genuine saving faith takes hold of the whole personality. It manifests itself in obedience and good works. In biblical terms, listening means active implementation. Those who believe follow Jesus and stay on the narrow path.

Jesus himself describes eternal life as the goal of those who do God’s will and good, while those who work evil go to judgment. Paul summarizes the life of those who are eternally saved as living and striving for God’s glory by doing good and separating from evil. James makes it clear that faith without works is dead. Faith in Jesus is the beginning, but continued obedience and faithfulness in everyday life prove this faith to be genuine.

Assurance of grace: It is by the grace of God that we are saved. By the grace of God we remain saved, even if we fall along the way. God accepts us again and again, no matter how often we fall on the narrow path, if we turn back to him.

Salvation is grace – and yet required: Faithfulness to the end: No one is justified by works, but the NT shows that final salvation is linked to works. Works are the proof of genuine faith and genuine love for Jesus. Paul says that God will repay everyone according to his works. Grace and responsible action belong together.

The way is just as necessary for salvation as the beginning: Jesus describes the way to salvation as narrow. The entrance through the narrow door is the beginning. But only those who stay reach the goal. Grace enables obedience, but this remains necessary.

Hope and sanctification are part of salvation: The Bible shows that waiting for Christ and sanctification are part of the path of faith. Christ will appear for salvation to those who wait for him shows that the grace of God educates for sanctification. Hope and turning away from sin characterize the lives of those who attain salvation.

The final judgment will evaluate the fruit of life: The final judgment reveals the works. Jesus and the apostles emphasize that works show whether faith in Jesus and love for God were genuine. Those who bear fruit for God with their lives will be saved. Those who misuse grace, persist in unbelief or sin will be lost.

Warning against misuse of grace: By the grace of God we are saved. By the grace of God we remain saved, even if we fall along the way. God accepts us again and again, no matter how often we fall on the narrow path, if we turn back to him. But God’s grace is not a license to sin and not a license to take the broad road away from God. Scripture warns us not to turn grace into debauchery. Grace leads to sanctification. Those who leave sanctification leave the path of grace and ultimately lose their salvation.

Conclusion: Salvation is grace that is received through faith. But this faith is obedient and remains until the end. Those who abandon their faith and do not live according to God’s will lose their salvation. True grace demands our lives, but also gives us the strength to stay on the path – all the way to eternal glory.

7.7 Outlook: The narrow path and the goal

Essential steps for faithful and consistent discipleship – personally and as a church

I strongly recommend the following practical steps to encourage and ensure how we can faithfully and savingly follow Jesus as individuals and as a church. The list is not exhaustive.

1. individual strengthening in faith

• Strengthening hope: The Word of God reminds us of the return of Jesus and eternal glory.
• Biographies of role models: Reading the life stories of believing Christians who believed to the end.
• Theology of suffering: rediscovery and teaching about suffering and persecution according to the promises of Jesus and the apostles.
• Encouragement and exhortation: Key to personal growth and consolidation in faith.
• Daily Bible study: Independent Bible reading protects against superficial teaching and deepens faith.

2. measures at church level

• Preaching and teaching: Promote devotion to Jesus and detachment from worldly things through clear, Bible-based preaching.
• Devotional material: Developing in-depth books and devotionals that communicate biblical truths about salvation and discipleship.
• Art and media: Use of contemporary Christian art (e.g. pictures, theater, films) that illustrates the path to eternal life, especially a contemporary re-creation of the image „The broad and the narrow way“
• Cultural sensitivity: Teaching about the difference between form and content in worship and life.
• Church discipline: Rediscovering and implementing biblical church discipline in response to increasing individualism.
• Sermon Content: Striking a balance between God’s love and holiness to promote reverence for God and genuine repentance.

3. essential teachings

• Righteous fruits of repentance: Necessary signs of true discipleship and a prerequisite for salvation.
• Salvation through grace and faithfulness: Salvation is given by grace, but maintained through continued faith and devotion.
• Time and responsibility: Greater knowledge and resources mean greater responsibility before God. At the same time, even the smallest faithfulness is seen and honored by God.
• Education in the fear of God: training to discern between cultural influences and biblical truth.
• Teamwork with God: cooperation of divine grace and human responsibility on the way to salvation
• Encouragement through role models: Encouraging discipleship through spiritual role models, including Jesus as the ultimate role model.

Conclusion

Balanced teaching, personal commitment and community engagement are essential to keep the faith and stay on the path to eternity as a church of Jesus. Both individual and communal steps are necessary to foster deep, effective discipleship.

Appendix: Counterarguments and
Answers from the Word of God

Salvation is by grace alone and not by works, but genuine faith necessarily produces good works . Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, but this seal only applies to those who abide in Christ. The work of Christ is perfect, but we must remain in it to remain saved. Even the temple of God can be destroyed by sin and abandoned by God, and sanctification is an ongoing process. Anyone who does not remain in Christ will be thrown into the fire like a withered vine. Nevertheless, God wants everyone to repent and be saved in time, and he welcomes the prodigal son again and again with joy. The good shepherd follows every lost sheep in his love until he has found it and holds it safely in his arms. Those who follow Jesus permanently as the saved remain in Christ. He and she can live in deep joy and security – today, tomorrow and for all eternity.

Level 4 – Overview

Reading time 70-100 minutes

1 Many are called:
Are you
lost,
a Christian or
a follower of Jesus Christ
on the way to eternity?

Lost

Every human being is spiritually dead by nature and separated from God. All people sin and do not live according to God’s standards in His Word in the Bible. Sin dominates their hearts, and without a living relationship with God they remain on the path away from God to eternal destruction. No one will be condemned across the board, but everyone will be lost before God because of their specific guilt. No person can save themselves – no moral behavior, no good works and no religious rituals can lift their sinful state. Non-Christians who do not acknowledge Jesus as Savior are unsaved.

Hope

But God has not allowed us to remain hopelessly lost. His love is greater than our failure: He wants all people to be saved and to recognize the truth. That is why he not only created us out of love, but also prepared a way to salvation even before the foundation of the world – a single way that leads through Jesus Christ alone. The gospel, the good news, is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God and true God, suffered and died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead on the third day and now lives. He can save all who come to God through him – now and forever.

Two paths for every person

Whoever accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior finds true life; whoever rejects him remains in darkness. Every person is faced with this decision: One way leads to eternal life, the other to destruction.

John 3:36 OEB
The person who believes in the Son has eternal life, while a person who rejects the Son will not even see that life, but remains under God’s displeasure.

Salvation

A true Christian is someone who has been saved by God’s immeasurable love and grace. This salvation is not through one’s own works, but solely through faith in Jesus Christ. Such faith involves a profound conversion in which one recognizes one’s sins, repents and consciously decides to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. This decision leads to a rebirth in which the Holy Spirit works in the believer and leads them to a new life.

True Christians love God more than themselves and allow themselves to be led by His Spirit. Their faith manifests itself in love, obedience and a changed life.

Close to the cross and yet lost

Not everyone who calls themselves a Christian really lives in a relationship with Jesus. Some only live in the outward appearance of piety, but their heart does not belong to Christ.

Pseudo-Christians may hold Christian values and engage in religious practices, but their lives are not truly submitted to God. They want to realize themselves instead of submitting to God in obedience.

Name Christians, on the other hand, rely on church affiliation, baptism or traditions without having a living relationship with Jesus. But being a Christian means more than a label – it means knowing Jesus and following him.

Saved and permanently saved

Real Christians follow Jesus because God’s love has reached them, made them new and moved them. The hope of eternal glory draws them, His Holy Spirit guides them. God is faithful and holds fast to his promises – he keeps his children on the path to eternity. He educates, guides and strengthens us, does not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability and opens up his path to salvation for us. Out of love, he gives us space and time to turn back if we fall along the way, because he does not want anyone to be lost. His faithfulness gives us the certainty, protection, strength and joy to go forward undeterred – and he will bring us safely to our destination.

Supported by God’s love – protected by his faithfulness

The path of discipleship is not easy, but it is not lonely. Jesus is the good shepherd who knows his sheep, leads them and keeps them safe. He himself stands up for us, bears our weaknesses and gives us strength when we reach our limits. God’s love is not just an initial impulse for salvation – it remains the sustaining force for every day.

Those who are certain of his love draw new courage from it – even in the face of challenge, temptation or failure. God’s faithfulness is greater than our weakness. He will not let us go as long as we want to stay with him. Those who turn to him again and again experience this: His grace is new every morning. His love does not motivate indifference, but awakens deep gratitude and the longing to live faithfully.

Security despite struggle – the power of true hope

The hope of Christians is not uncertain, but firmly based on God’s promises. Those who love Jesus will not reach their goal in their own strength – but because Jesus is faithful. He completes what he has begun. Even in times of questions, struggles or setbacks, we can know: Our security is not in us, but in him.

This gives us serenity, but not recklessness. It calls for faithfulness – not out of fear, but out of love. For those who have recognized how much they are loved will not run away from the Lord, but will follow him with their whole heart.

Two paths for followers of Christ too

But the Word of God also makes it clear: only those who remain in faith until the end will reach the promised goal. Living as a Christian means not slacking off, but remaining faithful. There is the narrow way of the spirit, which leads to life, and the broad way of the flesh, which leads to destruction.

Followers of Jesus are also faced with this decision in their life of faith: Do they follow the Spirit or allow themselves to be ruled by the flesh? Only those who remain faithful to Jesus will inherit eternal life in the end.

Rom 8:13 OEB
If you live in obedience to your earthly nature, you will inevitably die; but if, by the power of the Spirit, you put an end to the evil habits of the body, you will live.

Arrive in eternity:
Many could be saved,
but only a few remain faithful

Many are called, but few are chosen. Not everyone who makes a good start remains faithful to the end. Jesus himself warns that some who think they are saved will one day realize that they have left the narrow path.

Mt 7:21 OEB
Not everyone who says to me ‘Master! Master!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

But God saves many – his grace is much greater than we think!

Rev 7:9-10 OEB
A vast throng which no one could number, of people from every nation and of all tribes, and peoples, and languages. They stood in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb.

2     Evaluation of ALL 27 books and 545 salvation-related passages of the New Testament

Core ideas of all New Testament books

   Matthew

As you turn to God, you must detach yourself from your sins and purify yourself for salvation. Whoever follows this in an attitude of obedience and vigilance now and permanently remains with the true gospel and with Jesus, who loves him so much, and bears fruit serving God until the end, will be saved eternally.

   Mark

Whoever turns to Jesus will be saved. But only those to whom Jesus is more important than everything, who listen to and heed God’s word and do it and bear fruit, will be saved eternally in the end. Every one of God’s chosen ones can rely on God’s faithfulness, who wants to and will bring them through to heaven.

   Luke

Whoever repents to God in order to be forgiven of their sins through Jesus will be saved here and now. Whoever follows and listens to Jesus and confesses him in word and deed without being deceived and listens to him in everything he says as good and wise King and Lord, indeed whoever loves Jesus more than anything in this world and his neighbor as himself to the end, he and they will be saved eternally.

   John

The chosen sheep of the good shepherd Jesus have eternal life now. As true disciples of Jesus, they are recognized by their love for one another and by remaining with Jesus and doing his will. And Jesus brings them through to eternal salvation, because no one can steal them from his hand and from the hand of the loving Father.

   Acts of the Apostles

Receiving grace and salvation from God by accepting the gospel and then following the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly and remaining faithful are the way of salvation to eternal life.

   Romans

The gospel of Jesus Christ calls people out from under the wrath of God to obey God in faith. Whoever believes is now saved by grace and justified before God. And to him who with perseverance denies the old man within himself and follows the Spirit of God, seeking in good works and so glory and honor and immortality, to him God will give eternal life.

   1 Corinthians

The word of the cross saves now – but only those who hold fast to the gospel and do not return to sin will receive eternal life. Those who do not remain steadfast have believed in vain. But God is faithful: he does not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability and, in his love, creates ways out that lead to salvation.

   2 Corinthians

Christ says yes to us in the gospel and gives us his Spirit as a down payment and security for eternal life at our conversion. But our eternal salvation depends on our continued single-minded devotion and relationship of faith with Christ.

   Galatians

Whoever, after a good start, rejects the grace of God in the gospel by trying to stand before God in his own strength, and whoever follows the desires of his old man in him instead of the Spirit of God in him, for him and for them Christ died in vain and they perish.

   Ephesians

In Christ we are chosen from eternity. Through faith in the gospel of God’s love and grace, we are redeemed from sin by the blood of Jesus Christ and become children of God. As the saved, we have the forgiveness of our sins and are sealed with the Holy Spirit, the down payment on our eternal inheritance. Putting off the old man with his behavior, being renewed in our own mind and putting on the new man with purity of mind and speech is our mission and struggle. Those who live for Christ in this way on earth will be rewarded by the Lord in eternity.

    Philippians

We will (only) win the prize of eternal life above if we walk according to God’s rules until the end of our lives.

   Colossians

In order to stand before Jesus in heaven and receive the victory prize of eternal life from him, we need three things: to remain firmly established in the faith now, to serve the Lord Christ from the heart and not to allow ourselves to be led away from the true gospel and the hope of the gospel – to live eternally with Jesus.

   1 Thessalonians

A holy life, preserved by God, is the key to heaven and to standing blameless before Jesus one day. But not everything that is or could be reprehensible about us when we stand before Jesus robs us of our eternal salvation;

   2 Thessalonians

Every Christian can count on God’s faithfulness and God’s protection from evil on his way to heaven. Those who faithfully follow their calling to eternal life to the end will be honored to spend eternity with their Lord as the chosen ones.

   1 Timothy

Only those who fight the good fight of faith and do good works of faith will ultimately gain eternal life. And that is: To live and remain in scriptural faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as No. 1 in our lives and in love and to lead a sanctified life with a conscience well sharpened from God’s Word and uninjured with self-control.

   2 Timothy

(Only) those who hold fast to the true gospel, continually purify themselves and fight the battle of faith prescribed for them according to God’s rules, ready to suffer to the end, will be awarded the crown of victory of eternal life. We are promised the protection and support of our faithful God along the way.

   Titus

The gospel of the grace of God saves people who begin to live with reverence for God according to their knowledge of God and who have the hope of eternal life in their walk of faith and reverence. Every follower of Christ, encouraged and exhorted by sound preaching, must shed many bad habits and practice new good habits on the way to eternity.

   Philemon

Whoever now follows Jesus and now loves his brothers and sisters in faith is now saved.

   Hebrews

Our salvation is a conditional salvation: We must pay the utmost attention to what we have heard (to do) in our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ in order to be eternally saved. Otherwise we will drift past the goal – eternal life – like a ship in distress on the island of salvation.

   James

In James, doing works of faith is the expression of and a reflection of genuine saving faith.

The crown of honor and thus eternal life will be won by those who withstand the trials that God allows in their lives or who turn back in time from the deadly paths they have deviated from, because they love God. And in the end, it is those who love God by doing his will who will be eternally saved.

   1 Peter

Our faith in and love for Jesus are proven and strengthened in trials. Proven faith is true faith and more precious than gold. It knows joy unspeakable and filled with glory. He will inherit eternity. The Lord preserves us through our faith. His grace alone saves even golden faith for eternity.

   2 Peter

To flee the defilements and lusts of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to grow in love with diligence in an undefiled and blameless life and thus establish his calling and election, to guard ourselves from false prophets, to repent quickly where necessary, to trust in the Lord’s longsuffering for our salvation: thus shall we be granted – abundantly – entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

   1 John

Eternal life is now for those who believe in the incarnate Son of God, live in the light and in the truth, love their brothers and sisters in faith and keep God’s commandments. Those who continue to purify themselves of their old nature and sins on this path to heaven will one day see Jesus as he is.

   2 John

Whoever believes in the incarnation of Christ, loves his brothers and sisters in faith and lives in the commandments of God is and remains saved.

    3 John

To be faithful to the truth means to live truthfully. Whoever does good is a child of God. Whoever does evil has never known God;

   Jude

Eternally saved is the one who accepts the good news and holds on to it to the end, believing, unwavering, unsoiled and unspoiled, by godly living a lifestyle characterized by keeping God’s commandments, who is preserved by God’s love and faithfulness and preserves himself by abiding, praying and expecting Christ soon.

   Revelation

The blood of the Lamb redeems believers now and forever, it makes us fit for heaven and children of God. God loves us and in his faithfulness and grace preserves those who faithfully follow him. Those who hold on to their love for God and his word without compromise or addition and to keeping his commandments and remain faithful to Jesus as a witness until death will be saved eternally;

Essence of the
individual book evaluations
of the New Testament

Lostness

Since the fall into sin, all people have been separated from God and alienated from his life by their sinful nature. They follow their own fallen nature, which leads to disobedience and sin. Godless deeds such as idolatry, lies, immorality, greed or unbelief lead to them being lost and under God’s wrath. This separation can only be overcome by turning back to God and obeying his will.

Signs of spiritual lostness

Anyone who does not recognize God as Creator, violates their conscience or distorts His truth is living in sin. The law of God in the 10 commandments is a mirror of our lostness. Anyone who is guilty before God in even one area is a transgressor and guilty of the whole law and is heading for condemnation. Human (self-)salvation attempts do not help us out of our lost state. False teachers who proclaim salvation through their own works or external forms are particularly dangerous. A gospel that ignores God’s judgment and man’s responsibility does not lead to life, but to death.

Salvation: now and for eternity

Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sins of mankind and rose again. Faith in the living Savior, Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ and his love brings forgiveness, new life and the reception of the Holy Spirit. But true repentance also means putting away the old life and renewing oneself in obedience and surrender to God’s will. Salvation is a gift of grace that is accepted by faith, not by one’s own performance.

Requirements for followers on the path to glory

Those who follow Jesus should consistently remove sin from their lives, not cause offense to others and bear fruit. True discipleship is shown in love for God, who has loved and loves us so much. It is shown in adherence to his word and in service to our neighbor. It is crucial to love Jesus more than anything else and to remain steadfast in trials.

The gospel and its conditions

The gospel is the good news of a loving God who saves lost sinners. This salvation cost him everything as a Father and his Son Jesus Christ. And in his love, God wants to guide, lead and bring each of his saved and beloved children through to eternity. He has vouched for this. On the way to the glory of eternity, only (true) followers of Jesus Christ will reach ZIel. This is the condition of our salvation NOW and ETERNALLY. Following our Lord obediently in the great line of life, remaining vigilant and holding on to the good news of God’s love are essential. Those who abandon faith or consciously live against God’s will risk their salvation. Faith without works that testify to God’s will is dead. Discipleship requires perseverance, self-discipline and the willingness to withstand temptation and suffering.

Faithfulness to the end

True believers remain in their devotion to Christ. They are guided by the Holy Spirit and maintain a pure life. Steadfastness, faithfulness and keeping God’s commandments are essential characteristics of a life that leads to eternal salvation.

Warning against false ways

False teachers who spread a prosperity gospel or false teachings jeopardize eternal salvation. Likewise, a life of immorality, greed or deliberate rejection of God leads to separation from Him. Christians are called to be vigilant and stay away from such influences.

Hope for eternal life

The certainty of salvation lies in God’s grace and faithfulness. Those who remain in faith are preserved by Jesus and receive the crown of victory of life. The reward in heaven depends on faithfulness and commitment in earthly life. Ultimately, God’s goal for his followers is a life in his presence and for the glory of his name.

2.2 Salvation in numbers:
Analysis of ALL
545 New Testament
salvation-related Bible passages

In the New Testament, all 545 Bible passages were searched for and examined that relate to our

• temporal and
• eternal salvation
• incl. reward in heaven and to
• lostness and damnation.

And they were related to the most important reasons and causes for this:

• Election and calling
• God’s grace and faithfulness
• initial / first faith and
• continued faith, which is expressed in works of faith.

The first and most important table of the distribution of all salvation-relevant Bible passages in the New Testament simply shows the distribution and accumulation of the topics sought in the New Testament with their underlying causes. This makes it clear how much and what God has to say on the respective topic. This table is the most informative of all in terms of where God places particular emphasis in his word.

States of salvation

Around one third of all Bible passages in the NT that deal with eternity and salvation are about the basic lostness and eternal damnation of people through God’s judgment.

Almost exactly half of all passages deal with our possible salvation NOW as fallen human beings from our natural enmity against God, our distance from God and our sins to a healthy relationship with God through repentance and rebirth.

About the other half of the Bible passages deal with the eternal salvation promised by God to the followers of Jesus, when the believers come from faith to sight and enter into eternal glory.

Around a quarter of all Bible passages deal with the possible loss of the relationship with God and salvation on the path of true believers to heaven, where they will not arrive after their lives are revealed in God’s final judgment.

About 10% of all Bible passages deal with the reward of believers in heaven or with the rank they will have in heaven.

Causes for states of salvation

The breakdown of the causes for acceptance or non-acceptance by God in eternity – seen without allocation to a particular topic – is as follows:

About 10% of the Bible passages in the NT that deal with eternity and our present or eternal salvation make a reference to God’s election (57%) and calling (43%).

Around 40% of Bible passages cite the grace (2/3) and the faithfulness (1/3) of God as the cause of the respective event.

Around one third of all Bible passages are about saving initial faith in order to enter into a healthy relationship with God.

Around two-thirds of all Bible passages are about continued faith after the initial faith, which expresses itself on the way to eternity in works of faith.

It becomes clear:

Lostness and damnation is a major theme in the New Testament (33%), but even more so the salvation that God wants to give to a lost world now in this life (53%). But practically just as much attention (47%) is devoted by God to the attainment of eternal salvation for those who are now saved.

Indeed, the frequency with which God mentions how we as human beings can enter into a healthy relationship with God is just as important as the important area of salvation, namely how we, as those who are now saved, can ultimately arrive in heaven.

God is the agent in every kind of salvation – this is clear in half of all Bible passages (40% grace and faithfulness of God +10% election and calling of God).

However, God’s saving action towards us humans includes faith as such an essential element (33% initial faith +67% continued faith, which is expressed in works) that salvation of any kind is inextricably linked to faith on our part. It remains to be seen whether this faith alone is God-given, God-induced or something that God demands of us as a prerequisite for salvation.

An alarming number of Bible passages (around 25%) deal with the possible loss of salvation of those who have come into a healthy relationship with God through initial faith. These passages are explicitly not about unconverted people who think they are converts, but about those who once made a good start with Jesus. The others, who in reality never entered into a wholesome relationship with God, can be found in the Bible passages on „lost and damned“.

Remarkably, God pays about twice as much attention to our continuing faith after our conversion as He does to our initial faith that led to our conversion and salvation now. God cares very much about our continuing faith in Him!

Jesus repeatedly emphasized that we should not be so concerned with our rank in heaven, we should serve ourselves and others here on this earth. Therefore, the Bible passages on our later reward and rank in heaven are limited by God’s own weighting to an important but reserved about 10%.

   Summary of the connections

Lostness and condemnation is a major theme in the New Testament (33%). Those who do not know God and who do not believe the many gospels offered in God’s love for our temporal and eternal salvation will be lost and condemned. Salvation, which God wants to give to a lost world now in this life, occurs in 53% of all passages in the Bible.

There is almost a 1:1 correlation between eternal salvation and continued faith, which is expressed in works of faith.

The next largest, but almost half as large, value of 46% is attributed to the „grace / faithfulness of God“ and illustrates where the source for these continued works of faith can be found: in God himself, who enables, sustains, protects and promotes this faith.

Another high, almost 1:1 connection exists between „losing salvation“considered on its own in connection with „continued faith/works“. God shows us very clearly in His Word that continued „works of faith“, or continued faith that becomes practical, is absolutely necessary for the attainment of our eternal salvation.

If we consider our reward and rank in heaven on its own, the highest relation, as expected, is 79% to our continued works of faith. We will reap in heaven what we sow in this life by observing and doing the will of God.

If we look at Bible passages with God’s election and calling on their own, there is a high and roughly equal connection with salvation now, as well as with eternal salvation (both 66-67%). This makes it clear that both our initial conversion and our later salvation are both dependent on God’s calling and electing action and that in the end we cannot attribute our salvation now and eternally to ourselves, but to God, without whom no person in the world can take something to which God has not called and elected him.

And yet God involves us with our being, nature and will in his saving action. This is because the next almost equally large connection between „election and calling“ is again „continued faith/works“ (65%). God’s calling and election always have very specific mandates and effects. And these are firstly our conversion and then continued works of faith.

One could be forgiven for thinking that works of faith that continue in the case of the elect are completely out of the question. Exactly the opposite is the case. The greatest connection is between the election of God and continued works of faith (70%). Those who are elected by God should lead according to God and simply lead a life that is characterized by continued works of faith, because God’s election will never be without consequences.

We are called to put our faith into practice on the way to heaven in order to truly inherit eternal life – and we can only do so in the end by the grace and faithfulness of God.

„Initial faith“ is of course connected to „Salvation now“ at 86% almost 1:1. We can only be saved by the grace of God and by faith.

If we only consider the grace of God alone, it is primarily aimed at our salvation now (83%) through initial faith (70%). Yes, by grace alone we are saved at our conversion, and that through faith, which is a gift from God.

And true initial faith has effects. God accompanies in his grace and faithfulness (64%) those who have become his children through faith on their way to heaven, again with the consequence of continued faith and continued works of faith (59%).

If we focus mainly on the faithfulness of God, then the main focus in this context is on continued faith with his works (78%). God’s faithfulness enables us as saved people to live as he wants us to – and the result will be eternal salvation (69%).

When it comes to possible loss of salvation, it is striking that there is an absolute 1:1 relationship to continued faith or continued works of faith. If there is a loss of salvation, it is to be sought and found here in the first place. Those who no longer actively follow Jesus in faith lose their salvation – and the view of the biblical witnesses is often (71%), but not always, directed towards later eternity, which is automatically affected by this.

Eternal salvation is 100% connected to election/calling.
Anyone who is eternally saved was previously called and chosen by God, that is the least that can be said. But we know from Jesus that not all who are called will go to heaven. Why might that be? Certainly not because of a lack of God’s grace and faithfulness with 63% connectedness. In the same amount (63%), continued works of faith are connected with eternal salvation and calling. This shows two things. On the one hand, those who arrive in heaven were called and chosen (100%). On the other hand, the grace and faithfulness of God play just as great a role in arriving in heaven as continued works of faith – indeed, the former seems to make the latter possible in the first place. Because the grace and faithfulness of God are actually also in an impressive 1:1 relationship of 100% with eternal salvation.

What is amazing is that our salvation NOW is 100% connected to continued works of faith. But that is the goal of our salvation now: That we honor God – enabled by our faith and love relationship with Him – with our lives from now on.

Salvation NOW linked with election/calling is connected to all other important areas with about the same intensity:

• Initial faith
• continued works of faith:
• God’s grace and faithfulness
• eternal salvation

It takes everything on the way to heaven.

2.3 NOW loved and saved
–
EVERlastingly preserved:
The love and fear of God
in all the New Testament books.

The examination of the 27 books of the New Testament shows a remarkable uniformity in the statements about the love of God, salvation in the here and now, the importance of the fear of God and the conditions for eternal salvation. 26 out of 27 books deal with all three aspects: the love of God, salvation through faith, the necessity of a healthy fear of God and the way to eternal salvation. This consistency is an impressive testimony to the divine inspiration of Scripture and underlines the central message of the New Testament.

The Gospels

The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) consistently emphasize the love of God as it is visible in Jesus Christ. They show that present salvation happens through repentance, faith and acceptance of God’s grace. At the same time, they warn against a life without the fear of God and encourage a lifestyle characterized by holiness and obedience. All the gospels emphasize that eternal salvation depends on faithfulness to Christ and requires consistent discipleship.

The letters

The letters of the apostles, especially those of Paul, take up the themes of the Gospels and expand on them. They make it clear that the love of God is the basis of salvation, but also that salvation must be kept in faith. The fear of God is described as essential for a life as a follower of Christ. The letters emphasize that eternal life is not only a gift, but also a goal that is achieved through perseverance, obedience and faithfulness. Differences can be seen in the emphasis: While the letters to the Corinthians, for example, emphasize the danger of hubris, the letter to the Romans concentrates on justification by faith alone but works as the fruit of a truly renewed life.

The Book of Revelation

The last book of the Bible, Revelation, summarizes the central themes of the New Testament in an eschatological framework. It urges us to fear God and shows the consequences of a life of sin, including the loss of salvation. At the same time, the love of God becomes visible through the final salvation of believers who overcome and remain faithful. Revelation emphasizes that eternal salvation requires an active, victorious life of faith.

3 Salvation and possible loss of salvation: cross-book teachings of the New Testament

3.1 The way of the Spirit and
the following of Christ
to eternal salvation

The examination of the comprehensive teachings of the New Testament confirms the previous findings:

Faith in Jesus Christ is a long and challenging path that leads us to the victory wreath of eternal life. This path requires not only a good start, but also constant perseverance and patience. Through the supernatural help of God, which the Holy Spirit gives us, we are enabled to master the challenges of faith and reach the goal. The most important topics are:

The overwhelming love of God as motivation

The love of God that we encounter in conversion is the foundation of our faith. It gives us the forgiveness of our sins and motivates us to continue on the path of faith. Even if we stumble and fall, we know that we can come to God at any time to be cleansed. The immeasurable love and grace of God is our motivation to run the race faithfully to the end.

The Holy Spirit, whom we received when we were born again, is our daily source of strength. Through him we are enabled to remain faithful to the path of faith.

Diligence, perseverance and patience: the path to the goal

A life of faith requires patience, perseverance and discipline. We are called to persevere and hold on in difficult times. Those who patiently endure trials and prove themselves in them will be rewarded with eternal life in the end, just as God has promised to those who love him. This endurance helps us to complete the race to the finish and receive the crown of victory.

The substitutionary atoning death of Jesus and his resurrection

Jesus‘ death on the cross and his resurrection after three days are the foundation of the Christian faith. Through this substitutionary atoning death, we are reconciled with God and receive forgiveness for our sins. Faith in Jesus, who died and rose again for us, is the foundation on which we build our lives.

Fruit for God: a measure of true salvation

True salvation is shown in the fruit we bear for God. Jesus said in : Those who live in close union with Christ will lead a fruitful life because they draw strength from this union. This fruit is the natural consequence of a redeemed life and manifests itself in good works and service to others.

Brotherly love and forgiveness: the basis of life in the community

Another hallmark of a faithful Christian life is love for our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus calls us to love one another as he loves us. Mutual love among believers is a central characteristic of discipleship – it should be as strong as Christ himself loves. This love is shown in the willingness to forgive and encourage one another.

Humility and love for God: a prerequisite for discipleship

Following Jesus requires humility. Jesus taught that the greatest in the kingdom of God are the humble. True greatness is not shown in dominion over others, but in service and the willingness to stand up for others. This humility is shown in the willingness to serve God and others in love.

Love for God must be the greatest love in our lives. It is the basis for our discipleship and our life of obedience to his commandments.

Dealing with money and sexual purity

Dealing with money requires us to love God more than money. Jesus tells us that a person cannot pursue two opposing goals – he will always be more devoted to one than the other. We are called to handle money responsibly and to use it as a tool that God has entrusted to us to build his kingdom.

Sexual purity is also a central part of the Christian life. God tells us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and that we should avoid sexual sin in order to maintain our purity.

Keeping an intact conscience

It is crucial that we maintain an uninjured conscience, as our conscience is an inner standard for our behavior. In  it says: A firm faith and a clear conscience are inseparable because they help us to live in harmony with the truth. A clear conscience helps us to live in the truth and to stand before God in obedience.

The importance of mission and evangelism

A redeemed person has the task of proclaiming the gospel. In  Jesus gives us the Great Commission: The mission to pass on the faith applies to all followers of Christ – they are to lead others into fellowship with God. Every believer is called to spread the gospel and help others to also come to faith in Jesus.

The continuous cleansing by God’s grace

Even if we remain faithful in our faith, we will stumble again and again. But in all of this, we can know that God’s love and grace are always available to us. God remains faithful and just – those who come to him and confess their sins and mistakes are forgiven and cleansed. We can come to God again and again and allow ourselves to be cleansed – not because we deserve it, but because God forgives us.

Rom 2:7 OEB
To those who, by perseverance in doing good, aim at glory, honor, and all that is imperishable, [God] will give immortal life.

1 Tim 2:14-15 OEB
But she will be saved … if they never abandon faith, love, or holiness, and behave with modesty.

Jas 1:12 OEB
Blessed is the person who remains firm under temptation, for, when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him.

1 John 1:9 OEB
9 If we confess our sins, he is just and may be trusted to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all wrongdoing.

1 Peter 5:2-4 OEB
[Exhortation to the elders] 2 I beg you to be true shepherds of the flock of God among you, not because you are compelled, but of your own free will; not from a base love of gain, but with a ready spirit; 3 not as lords of your charges, but as examples to your flock. 4 Then, when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades.

Rev 3: 11 OEB
I will come quickly. Hold to what you have received so that no one may take your crown!

Rev 2:10 OEB
Be faithful even to death, and I will give you the Crown of life.

3.2 The way of the „flesh“
from salvation
to judgment and destruction

The great overview of the way of the „flesh“ away from salvation
to judgment and destruction shows:

The grace of God –
A gift that must not be disregarded

God has called us in his immeasurable love and saved us through Jesus Christ by pure grace. But this grace is not a license to persevere in a life of the flesh. Those who give themselves over to sin, love the world or water down the gospel not only disregard God’s love, but abuse it and put their own salvation at risk. True disciples of Jesus remain in his grace, hold on to him and allow themselves to be changed by his Spirit.

The deadly danger of forgetting the grace of God

Our faith and our service for Christ are not in vain – as long as we hold on to them. But those who turn away from the true gospel or live a life without repentance receive God’s grace in vain. Scripture warns urgently against forgetting the love and grace of God and falling back into the works of the flesh. Faith without continual purification and sanctification is dead.

Anyone who consciously indulges in sin and does not repent shows that they do not value God’s grace. Jesus has saved us, but he expects us to remain with and in him. Those who do not allow themselves to be led by the Spirit of God, but choose the way of the flesh, ultimately reject the love that once saved them.

A serious warning: lukewarmness and conscious sin separate us from God

It is possible to start with Jesus but not reach the goal. Those who become lukewarm and do not repent will be spit out by Jesus. Discipleship requires vigilance and steadfastness, especially in times of trial. Those who turn to the world, run after it and ignore God’s commandments disregard the love by which they were saved and risk their salvation.

Conscious, persistent sin is particularly deadly. Anyone who is not prepared to break with their old life, who pushes God and his commandments into the background, will one day realize that they have distanced themselves from God’s grace. The love that once saved him was disregarded and in the end abused. Jesus has no fellowship with those who live in deliberate rebellion against him.

The true reward: a life for God and not for oneself

God rewards those who live out of love for him and remain in his will. Those who use their talents for the Lord, remain steadfast in suffering and serve selflessly will receive a great reward in heaven. But those who only act for their own recognition or do not use their God-given opportunities will not only not receive a reward, but will lose their eternal life.

True disciples of Jesus understand that their life does not belong to themselves, but to God. Anyone who becomes entangled in the desires of the world again is not only acting against God’s commandments, but is also showing that they no longer honor God’s love. A life for oneself is a life against God.

The destruction of the carnal life

God has renewed us in Christ, but the flesh remains an enemy that wants to pull us back. Those who give in to the flesh, who put their desires above God, will die spiritually. The Bible makes it clear that those who live according to the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. So anyone who consciously decides against God’s Spirit not only rejects his guidance, but also mocks the grace that once saved him.

Jesus expects us to take up our cross daily, deny ourselves and follow him. Those who choose instead to live a life of the flesh forget the immeasurable love that once saved them and end up abusing it by using it for their own purposes.

The danger of seduction and the false gospel

A false gospel kills. Only the pure, unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ leads to life. Those who allow themselves to be seduced by false teachings or worldly philosophies will fall away from God. It is particularly dangerous to water down the gospel and ignore God’s holiness. A gospel without repentance, without sanctification and without obedience to Christ is not a gospel. Anyone who holds on to something else disregards the truth and is lost.

Love of the world leads to ruin

„No one can serve two masters.“ Those who love the world lose eternal life. Scripture warns urgently against allowing oneself to be taken in by the desires of this world. Greed for money, fame, comfort and self-realization are deceptive traps that divert our gaze from God. Those who place these things higher than Jesus disregard the love that once saved them and will perish with the world.

Many begin with Christ, but the cares of this world suffocate their faith. The temptations of life, the pursuit of possessions and the desire for recognition cause many to lose sight of the true treasure. But in the end, only one thing counts: those who remain faithful to the end will be saved.

Grace and restoration – God’s heart for his children

Our path of discipleship is not about sinless perfection, but about our great lifeline. Every day offers us the opportunity to let God cleanse us – from the things that grieve him but do not affect our salvation in Christ. But even if we stray so far from God that, like the prodigal son or the lost sheep, we leave the safe haven of the Father or the Good Shepherd, His love remains unchanged. He is waiting with the greatest joy to receive us back and restore us completely. His grace is not a license to sin, but it is inexhaustible for anyone who returns in repentance.

Conclusion: Stay vigilant and honor God’s love

Our life is a gift from God, purchased with the blood of Jesus. We must not disregard his love by indulging in sin or choosing the way of the flesh. Those who decide against God abuse the grace that once saved them and put their eternal future at risk.

But God’s grace remains greater than our failure. Anyone who has gone astray can return to him at any time. Just as the father welcomed the prodigal son, God welcomes back with joy anyone who turns to him in repentance.

Therefore, let us remain vigilant, hold on to Christ and love God more than anything else. Only those who remain in faith until the end will receive the crown of life. For God’s love is faithful – but it demands that we remain faithful to it.

4 Reward & Rank in heaven

Reward in heaven is only for those who have been saved by grace through Jesus Christ. They have eternal life from the beginning.

The unsaved not only perish, but also accumulate wrath for eternity through their sins. The intensity of their misconduct determines the measure of their negative reward in eternity;

For those saved by grace who live with and for Christ:
Eternal life is the reward for those who love God and show this love through their life and service for him. Our inner motives are decisive here. Everything we do out of love and for God’s glory will be rewarded by Him;

There is great reward in eternal life for believers who use their talents generously and faithfully for God, for suffering for the sake of Christ or for the sake of righteousness and for practicing love for their enemies. However, actions that are done primarily for one’s own recognition and not for the Lord bring no reward;

Yes, we may want to be great in the kingdom of heaven, but the way to achieve this is to SERVE, to do what we say and teach ourselves and to suffer for the sake of Christ. And yet we can be completely relaxed and do not need to get involved in any apparent power struggle. In the end, the ranking in heaven will be as the Father in heaven has planned it.

Those who make nothing of their God-given opportunities for the Lord will not only receive no reward, but will also lose eternal life and suffer the same fate as unbelievers. Even those who – although in the service of God – serve themselves more than God are or will not be saved.

Rom 2:4-8 OEB
6 [God] will give to everyone what their actions deserve. 7 To those who, by perseverance in doing good, aim at glory, honor, and all that is imperishable, he will give immortal life; 8 while as to those who are factious, and disobedient to truth but obedient to evil, wrath and anger.

2 Cor 9:6 OEB
6 Scanty sowing, scanty harvest; plentiful sowing, plentiful harvest.

Matt 6:1 OEB
1 Take care not to perform your religious duties in public in order to be seen by others; if you do, your Father who is in heaven has no reward for you.

Col 3:23-25 OEB
23 Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as if working for the Master and not for people, 24 since you know that it is from the Master that you will receive the inheritance which will be your reward. You are serving Christ, the Master. 25 Those who do wrong will reap the wrong they have done; and there will be no partiality.

Luke 6:35 OEB
But love your enemies, and show them kindness, and lend to them, never despairing. Then your reward will be great.

Röm 2, 4-7; Lk 19, 16-19; Mt 25, 25-30; 2 Kor 9, 6; Mt 6, 1; Mt 20, 20-28; 1 Kor 4, 5; Offb 22, 11-12; Lk 6, 22-23 + 35; Kol 3, 23-25; 1 Kor 3, 11-15; Mt 7, 21-23; Mt 5, 19 

5 My preservation on the path to eternal salvation

In his grace and faithfulness, God cares about our preservation on our path to eternal salvation. And those who follow Jesus and make use of his grace (means) will surely reach eternal salvation.

Preservation by God

Our preservation on the path to eternal salvation

What a great God! Our salvation is not our own doing – it is in his hands. He holds us, guides us and keeps us until we reach our destination.

Phil 1:6 OEB
For of this I am confident, that he who began a good work in you will complete it in readiness for the day of Jesus Christ.

God is our keeper

God himself ensures that we stay on the path of salvation. No one can separate us from him: Jn 10:29. His hand holds us securely!

Grace carries us

Our salvation is grace – it began with God’s love and continues to the end: Eph 2:8.

Jesus intercedes for us

We are not alone – our High Priest lives to intercede for us: Hebr 7:25. He fights for us!

God’s faithfulness holds us fast

He remains faithful even when we waver: 2 Thess 3:3; 2 Tim 2:13.

God uses challenges to strengthen us

Difficult times are not punishment, but a sign of his love: Hebr 12:6.

He brings us safely to our destination!

Rom 8:38-39 OEB
38 For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor archangels, nor the present, nor the future, nor any powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord!

What glorious security! God preserves us – and nothing can snatch us out of His hand!

Our protection through the Word of God

God’s Word is our shield, our light and our source of strength. Those who hold on to it will be preserved! It guides us safely through all challenges, warns us against going astray and gives us unshakeable hope.

Ps 119:105

Those who hold fast to God’s word are preserved

The Bible is not just wisdom, but living truth. Those who love it and live by it remain secure in God’s guidance: Pr 4, 6.

Those who listen to the voice of the good shepherd are safe

Jesus knows his own and leads them safely. Whoever hears his voice and follows him is safe: John 10:27-28.

Healing correction preserved by God’s word – Make no mistake!

The word of God keeps us on course. He who is only a hearer but not a doer deceives himself: Jas 1:22.

Prepared for everything – hope that sustains!

Our hope does not lie in this world, but is firmly anchored in God’s truth. It gives us strength to endure trials and to focus on the eternal: Col 3:2.

Jesus warns us so that we can stand firm

Jesus has prepared us – his words give us courage in difficult times.

Jn 16:33 OEB
33 I have spoken to you in this way, so that in me you may find peace. In the world you will find trouble; yet, take courage! I have conquered the world!

Conclusion: God’s word keeps us safe!

God’s word remains forever – it is our support, our light and our preservation.

Isa 40:8

Preservation through your whole devotion to Christ NOW

Those who give themselves completely to Christ are preserved by him. God keeps those who surrender themselves to him, who serve him and love him above all else. Our devotion to him is not a burden, but the key to a life in his security and faithfulness.

Jn 15:5 OEB
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remains united to me, while I remain united to you – you bear fruit plentifully; for you can do nothing apart from me.

God protects those who belong to him and serve him

God is a faithful protector for all those who devote themselves to him with all their heart. Those who are under his protection need fear nothing, for the Lord holds his hand over his own: Ps 91:1-2.

God especially protects those who have faithfully followed him so far

God sees our faithfulness and stands by those who have walked their path with him. Those who remain steadfast and follow him in obedience and love can trust in his special preservation: 2 Thess 3:3.

Your devotion today will experience God’s faithfulness tomorrow

Those who give themselves completely to God today will experience his faithfulness in the future. God does not forget what is done for him, but rewards every step of trust: Hebr 6:10.

We are preserved because we keep and do God’s word

Those who live by God’s word and do it are preserved. Not only hearing, but obeying his word brings security and blessing: Jas 1:25.

Preservation through the fear of God

The fear of God keeps us on the right path. Whoever respects him and treats him with reverence will be kept by him and guided along safe paths: Pr 19:23.

Preservation through proactive loving

Love is not just a feeling – it is a decision that keeps us safe. Those who love fulfill the law and remain safe in God’s ways: Rom 13:10.

Preservation through diligence

God blesses and preserves those who work for his kingdom with dedication and zeal. A faithful servant remains under his protection: Prov 10:4.

Protection through teamwork with God

We are not on our own – God works with us. Those who live and act in harmony with him experience his preservation: 1 Cor 3:9.

Let us seek Jesus in prayer today so that we can stand in faith tomorrow

Prayer is our connection to God. Those who seek him today will be able to withstand trials tomorrow: Phil 4:6-7.

Conclusion: Your preservation lies in complete devotion to Christ!

God keeps those who fully surrender to him. The more we entrust ourselves to him, the more secure we are in his keeping!

Isa 26:3

Preservation through the use of the spiritual means of grace

Preservation through spiritual means of grace

God has not left us without means on our journey of faith. Prayer, faith, perseverance, spiritual warfare and purification are not just exercises, but means by which God preserves us. Those who use these spiritual tools remain firm in Christ and secure on their path.

Eph 2, 8 OEB
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.

Stay pure – daily renewal

Sin makes us blind, but God cleanses us through his word. Daily cleansing and sanctification keep us in the light of his presence. Only those who constantly allow themselves to be cleansed by Christ are preserved: 1 John 1:7.

God protects through a life of prayer

Prayer is our shield against temptation and our connection to the power of God. Without prayer we become weak – those who pray remain steadfast. Jesus himself called on us to pray vigilantly:

Mt 26:41 OEB
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Faith – the key to preservation

Only those who hold on to Christ remain in his keeping. Faith means trusting him and not living according to what is visible. Our support does not lie in circumstances, but in his faithfulness: 2 Cor 5:7.

Perseverance and the spiritual battle

Our faith will be tested – but those who persevere will receive the crown of life! Steadfastness and resistance to evil are crucial in order not to stray from the path: Jas 1:12, Eph 6:11.

Trials strengthen our faith

Trials are not a sign of distance from God, but opportunities to trust him more deeply. Through challenges, our faith is purified and strengthened so that we remain in his keeping. 1 Peter 1:7

Conclusion: God gives us everything we need to remain faithful

He has equipped us with everything we need to remain faithful. Those who hold on to him will surely reach their goal.

2 Pet 1:3 OEB
For his divine power has given us everything that is needful for a life of piety, as we advance in the knowledge of him who called us by a glorious manifestation of his goodness.

Preservation through the church of Christ

God has not called us as lone warriors, but as members of one body, the church of Christ. Through encouragement, exhortation, spiritual guidance and joint vigilance, the church helps us to stay on the path of salvation. Those who withdraw from the church are in danger of growing spiritually cold and falling away from the faith. God preserves us by anchoring us in the community of the saints.

Heb 10:25 OEB
Let us not forsake our assembling together, as some are wont to do, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching!

Preservation through encouragement and exhortation

No one can walk the path of faith alone – we need brothers and sisters to encourage us, but also to admonish us when we stumble. A healthy church is a place of mutual correction and strengthening. Without loving correction and edification, individuals become blind to their own faults and jeopardize their course. God uses brothers and sisters to keep us faithful.

1 Thess 5:11 OEB
Therefore encourage one another, and try to build up one another’s characters, as indeed you are doing.

Preservation through comfort and encouragement in difficult times

When temptations and trials come, we need brothers and sisters to comfort us and encourage us in the truth. The church is the place where we are encouraged to stand firm and not despair. Through fellowship and prayer, we are strengthened anew to remain steadfast: 2 Cor 1:3-4.

Obedience of faith as salvation for others

Our faith not only influences us, but also others. If one person remains faithful, it can become the salvation of another. Like a light in the darkness, the faith of one individual helps to put others on the right path: Phil 1:14.

Preservation through church discipline – protection from going astray

A just and loving approach to sin in the church protects believers from temptation. Those who live in conscious sin not only endanger themselves, but also others. Church discipline serves to preserve the purity of faith and correct errors: 1 Cor 5:12-13.

Preservation through mutual vigilance

Christians are called to watch out for one another. When we fall asleep spiritually, we need brothers and sisters to shake us awake. Mutual admonition helps us to remain faithful and not deviate from the truth: Hebrews 3:13.

Submission to a spiritually minded leadership

God appoints shepherds and leaders who bear responsibility for the church. Those who submit to spiritual leadership receive protection, guidance and spiritual support. A leader should not rule, but serve in the spirit of Christ: Hebr 13:17.

Preservation through sound doctrine and teachers according to God’s word

False teachings destroy faith. A church is preserved if it adheres to sound, scriptural teaching. God gives his church teachers who faithfully interpret his word and protect it from deception: 2 Tim 4:3-4.

Preservation through good role models

We learn most by what we see. Good role models in the church help us to remain faithful. Those who are spiritually mature should set an example to others so that they can grow in faith: 1 Cor 11:1.

Conclusion: The church is God’s instrument of preservation

Those who anchor themselves in the church of Christ not only remain strengthened, but also spiritually preserved. Encouragement, correction, spiritual guidance and sound doctrine help us to stay on the path of salvation.

Eph 4:16 OEB
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

The preservation of THE church of Christ
on the path of salvation to eternity

1. The calling and perfection of the church as the bride of Christ

The church of Christ is the bride of Jesus Christ called by God, whom he has prepared for himself pure and blameless.

Eph 5:25-27 OEB
25 Christ loved the church, and gave himself for her, 26 to make her holy, after purifying her by the washing with the water, according to his promise; 27 so that he might himself bring the church, in all her beauty, into his own presence, with no spot or wrinkle or blemish of any kind, but that she might be holy and faultless.

The church as a whole, as the body of Christ on earth, will NEVER perish, but will ultimately arrive with Christ in heaven, inherit the kingdom with him and reign for eternity.

Matth 16:18 OEB
16 Yes, and I say to you, your name is ‘Peter’ – a Rock, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail over it.

Rev 19:6-8 OEB
‘Hallelujah! For the Lord is king, our God, the Almighty. 7 Let us rejoice and exalt; and we will pay him honor, for the hour for the Marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready. 8 And to her it has been granted to robe herself in fine linen, white and pure, for that linen is the good deeds of the people of Christ.’

2. The local church of Jesus – discipleship at a crossroad

But what about each individual local church? Their eternal existence and spiritual life are by no means guaranteed.

Jesus demands sanctification and church discipline at the level of the local church, i.e. separation from anyone who remains unrepentant in sin (Matth 18:17; Lk 9:60), because otherwise sin will permeate the entire church (1 Cor 5:6-7). Furthermore, Jesus makes it unmistakably clear what the consequences are if a local church abandons its first love, does not preserve pure doctrine and renounces church discipline: Spiritual death threatens, the lampstand is moved away and the church is ultimately spit out of his mouth (Rev 2:4-5; Rev 3:16).

Rev 3:1-2 OEB
I know your deeds and that you have the reputation of being alive. But you are dead. Wake up and strengthen the remnant that still has some life in it so that it does not die! What you do cannot yet stand before my God.

Rev 2:4-5.7 OEB
But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from what you have fallen, and repent and do the first works! Otherwise I will come upon you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place if you do not repent.

Rev 3:16 OEB
But now, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

3. The preservation of the local church on the path to salvation

a) Protection from seduction by a false gospel

Even the first churches had to struggle with temptations. Paul warns that a false gospel that does not proclaim true salvation through Jesus Christ can corrupt the church.

Gal 1:6-9 OEB
I marvel that ye are so soon turned away from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel, when there is none other: but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed!

Guardianship: The elders and leaders must watch over the doctrine of salvation, teach it unadulterated and live it out in an exemplary manner. (Tit 1:9)

b) Protection from spiritual sleep and lukewarmness

Spiritual lukewarmness is a serious danger.

Rev 3:16 OEB
But now, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Preservation: The church must be vigilant and preserve itself in the first love. (Rev 2:4-5)

c) Preservation from sin and lack of church discipline

Sin in the lives of individuals can defile the whole church and separate it from God.

1 Cor 5, 6-7 OEB
6 Your boasting is unseemly. Don’t you know that even a little yeast leavens all the dough? 7 Get rid entirely of the old leaven, so that you may be like new dough – free from leaven, as in truth you are. For our passover lamb is already sacrificed – Christ himself.

Preservation: Lived holiness and church discipline are necessary (2 Tim 4:2).

d) Preservation through spiritual leadership

Weak leadership is often the beginning of apostasy.

Acts 20:28 OEB
28 Be watchful over yourselves, and over the whole flock, of which the Holy Spirit has placed you in charge, to shepherd the church of God, which he won for himself at the cost of his life.

Preservation: Leaders must love the word and live an exemplary life. (1 Tim 3:1-7; 1 Tim 4:16)

4. Conclusion

The church as a whole, those who have overcome and remained faithful to Christ, will exist for eternity. However, every local church is in a spiritual battle to the death. Vigilance, sound doctrine, church discipline and spiritual leadership are the keys for the local church to remain on the path of salvation into eternity.

False teaching: Even the first churches were threatened by false gospels. Paul curses any message other than that of grace in Christ, as it means spiritual death (Gal 1:6-9). Therefore, elders and leaders must watch over the doctrine that brings salvation and live it in an exemplary way (Tit 1:9).

Spiritual lukewarmness is just as dangerous. A lukewarm church will spit Jesus out of its mouth. Therefore, the church must remain vigilant to keep its spiritual life alive with Jesus (Rev 2:4-5).

Individual sin defiles the whole church. Only if the church cleanses itself of it will it remain on the path of life. With persistently tolerated sin, death is already in the church’s pot. Therefore, holiness and church discipline are necessary (2 Tim 4:2).

Weak or unspiritual leadership is often the beginning of apostasy at the end of which is the spiritual downfall of the whole church. The leaders must love the word and be an example (1 Cor 5:6-7; Acts 20:28).

The church will stand, but every local church is in a spiritual battle. Vigilance, teaching, church discipline and spiritual leadership are the keys to remaining on the path to salvation as a church of Christ.

Victory over temptations –
Remaining steadfast on the narrow path

The path of faith is not an easy walk – challenges, temptations and opposition are all part of it. But God gives us everything we need to remain steadfast. Through his love, his joy, his protection and his strength, we can be victorious.

1 Cor 10:13 OEB
So far only human temptation has affected you; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also provide the way out so that you can endure it.

God’s love is our shield

God’s love is more than just a feeling – it is our strongest protection. Those who remain in it cannot be shaken because they know that nothing can tear them out of God’s hand. His love carries us through every challenge.

Rom 8:38-39 OEB
38 For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor archangels, nor the present, nor the future, nor any powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord!

Joy in the Lord is our strength

There are many worries in the world, but real strength comes from joy in the Lord. Those who stay close to him experience supernatural strength and steadfastness. Our joy is not dependent on circumstances, but on him.

Neh 8:10

Don’t be afraid: we can’t do it in our own strength, but through him!

The fear of failure prevents many from living courageously for God. But God does not expect us to come through in our own strength – he himself gives us what we need. Those who rely on him will come through!

Phil 4:13 OEB
13 I can do everything through the strength of the one who makes me strong!

Protection from false pride and condemnation

Self-righteousness and arrogant judgments of others can lead us astray from the narrow path. God saves us if we remain humble and keep our eyes on him instead of judging others. He sees the heart – and he alone judges righteously.

Jas 4:6 OEB
‘God opposes the haughty, but gives grace to the humble.’

Victory over the adversary – standing firm against the enemy

The devil wants to bring us down through lies, fear and doubt. But those who submit to God and trust him can resist. We do not fight alone – Christ has already won!

Jas 4:7-8 OEB
7 Therefore submit to God. Stand up to the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

Summary: My preservation on the path to eternal salvation

The church as a whole, of those who have overcome and remained faithful to Christ, will endure for eternity. But every local church is in a spiritual battle to the death. Continued love for Jesus, vigilance, sound doctrine, church discipline and spiritual leadership are the keys for the local church to remain on the path of salvation into eternity.

God preserves us as members of Christ on our path to eternity through his unwavering faithfulness and grace. Our salvation is not based on our own performance, but on Jesus‘ love and his sacrifice. He does not expect perfection, but a heart that remains obedient to him and lives close to him. His grace gives us the opportunity to repent and strengthens us to remain steadfast even in difficult times.

God uses his word, prayer, education and spiritual leaders to keep us on the right path. Those who take his word seriously and act accordingly protect themselves from evil. But preservation does not happen automatically – it requires our active devotion. Spiritual vigilance, good teaching and exhortation are crucial. Sloth and carelessness endanger our salvation, while a life of holy reverence leads us safely to our goal.

The greatest danger lies in pride and persistent sin. Those who rely on their own achievements distance themselves from God. But true love for Jesus is shown in a life that trusts him and acts according to his will. Sin must be resolutely resisted because it destroys our spiritual integrity. Those who give in to it jeopardize their relationship with God.

We are called to take care of one another, to love and strengthen one another so that we can enter eternal glory together. The training of spiritual leaders who love, preserve and teach God’s Word is crucial for the preservation of the church. The elders and leaders have the responsible task of watching over the salvific teaching of the one true gospel, teaching it and living it in an exemplary manner. A church that departs from the core of the one true gospel and turns to a false gospel in word and practice falls from the grace of God – as almost happened to the Galatians – and loses its salvation. Thus there will be churches that outwardly still appear to be the church of Jesus, but in reality are dead and are spit out of Jesus‘ mouth.

The church discipline commanded by Jesus serves to heal and warn us. A church that implements it carefully and faithfully protects itself from the judgment of its Lord and helps those who have been reproved to remain on the path to eternity. But the decisive protection from such developments or restoration after an apostasy that has already taken place lies in repentance and conversion to the true gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. This includes an attitude of the fear of God that avoids sin, arrogance and the pursuit of one’s own high things. Instead, we must rediscover our first love for Jesus and devote our lives to him. Sinning leaders and brothers and sisters in faith must be led to repentance in love, through exhortation and clear speech, so that the church remains preserved as the body of Christ in truth, purity and faithfulness.

God’s faithfulness is our security. He does not allow us to be tested beyond our strength and gives us the opportunity to repent. At the same time, he invites us to be vigilant, to pray and to actively await his return. Those who remain close to him experience his preserving grace in a special way.

The spiritual battle is real. The enemy tries to undermine our faith and thus bring us to spiritual death. But through God’s Word, prayer and humility, we can resist his attacks. The armor of God protects us, while prayer keeps us close to Christ.

Ultimately, God’s preservation and our surrender go hand in hand. Our salvation is based on his love and faithfulness, but it is up to us to remain in him, to allow ourselves to be purified and to keep his word. Those who remain in Jesus, follow him and listen to his voice will surely reach their destination – the glory of eternity.

6 Boundaries of salvation

1. the limits of salvation and God’s unchanging love

Salvation is a gift from God that is based on his love. He does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), but for all to find repentance and eternal life. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of each individual to stay on the narrow path of life.

• Word sins and their consequences: Even if careless words can grieve the Holy Spirit, God in his faithfulness remains ready to forgive (1 John 1:9).
• Loss of salvation through deliberate apostasy: Those who remain permanently hardened risk their salvation – but God’s hand remains outstretched as long as someone is willing to repent.
• He remains faithful: Even if we are unfaithful, he remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). His grace is greater than our weaknesses, and he fights for us so that we do not perish.

2 God’s space of grace and its wide limits

God gives his children room for repentance and patience on the path of faith. He knows our struggles and will not let us fall as long as we do not consciously refuse Him.

• The escalation stages of descent: Even when believers stumble, God’s grace holds them fast. He lifts them up as long as the willingness to repent remains.
• Examples from the Bible:
  • The Galatians wavered in their faith, but Paul wrestled for them because God would not give up on them.
  • The Corinthians were living in disorder, but God was working through Paul to restore them.
• Abiding in Christ: God strengthens us so that we remain in Christ. However, those who consciously and definitively separate themselves from him step out of his saving grace – but his call to return remains until their last breath.

3 Assurance of salvation and responsibility – God’s interest in our salvation

God’s greatest concern is our salvation. Those who trust him can be sure that he not only saves once, but also preserves (John 10:28-29).

• Doing God’s will: not as a burden, but out of love for him (Mt 7:21).
• Fruits necessary for salvation: love for our brothers and sisters in faith, humility, forgiveness and faithfulness.
• What sustains us: Not our performance, but God’s faithfulness. Even when we fall, he lifts us up – as long as we do not consciously reject his saving work.

4 The prodigal son – God’s open arms for returnees

Even if someone moves away from God, his fatherly heart remains full of love.

• God never gives up on anyone too quickly! Anyone who goes astray is spiritually dead – but God is looking for them.
• Heavenly joy over everyone who returns: „Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost!“ (Lk 15:6-7).
• Grace without end: No abyss is too deep for God’s mercy.

5 Assurance of salvation – the indissoluble faithfulness of God

Our salvation is not fragile. Those who live with God can know that they will be kept.

• God keeps his children: no one can snatch them out of his hand Jn 10:28.
• The seal of the Holy Spirit: Our salvation is secured in Christ Eph 1:13.
• God himself works in us: He gives us the strength to stay on the path of life Phil 2:13.

6. distinguishing mark of the truly saved – love as the foundation

The true mark of the saved is not perfection, but love.

God’s power overcomes the world: Our faith is the key to remaining in his grace.

Love for God is expressed in obedience: Those who love God keep his commandments.

Love of brothers and sisters is indispensable: Those who love God also love their brothers and sisters in faith.

7 Summary, conclusions, outlook

Summary

Salvation happens NOW through faith without works and salvation ETERNALLY happens through faith that becomes visible through works

In the New Testament, the Greek key words for salvation (G4991 – σωτηρία – soteria) and saved (G4982 – σώζω – sozo) and their derivatives are used equally frequently both for the salvation that has already occurred through Christ at our conversion and for the future salvation. This future salvation will occur when Jesus returns and we pass from this earthly, temptation-ridden life into perfect resurrection fellowship with him, in which we will neither sin nor die. This future salvation is referred to in this book as „eternal salvation“.

After our first salvation, we are now on the way to this second, eternal salvation. Christ has redeemed us – and he will redeem us. He has saved us – and he will save us. As a down payment on this final salvation, he gave us his Spirit when we were first saved, the down payment on our future, perfect salvation.

The examination of all 545 salvation-related Bible passages in chapter 2 shows: The approximately 250 passages that deal with initial salvation are always related to grace, acceptance and election. The 250 or so biblical passages that deal with the second, eternal salvation, on the other hand, are always connected with our continued faith, visible in works of faith and in our actions.

Grace – yes, yes and yes again! But equally human responsibility to use this grace to shape a life for the glory of God – yes, yes and yes again!

The gospel is not only the good news of God’s love that saves us. It is also God’s call to obey him from now on, because Jesus is Lord. Anyone who accepts God’s love and lets Jesus into their life as Lord in faith loves Jesus. And those who love Jesus do something for him. Because the language of God’s love is action.

Anyone who experiences God’s love and remains cold and indifferent to it – or later becomes indifferent again – is embarking on the path of abusing grace. But God does not allow his grace to be abused.

The final judgment, which decides who receives eternal life, is always about works – but on the basis of undeserved grace.

Does this invalidate the gospel? After all, Paul proves in Romans, especially in chapters 1-3, that all people are sinners and that no one is saved by their own works. Yes, it is hopeless to earn salvation through our own efforts. This applies to our first salvation, our entry into a reconciled relationship with God.

But when it comes to final, eternal salvation, Paul also says in Romans:

Rom 2:6-8 OEB
6 [God] will give to everyone what their actions deserve. 7 To those who, by perseverance in doing good, aim at glory, honor, and all that is imperishable, he will give immortal life; 8 while as to those who are factious, and disobedient to truth but obedient to evil, wrath and anger.

How does this fit together? Are we ultimately saved by works? Surely eternal life is only given to those who believe in Jesus Christ?

Yes, that fits together: Those who believe in Jesus Christ are the obedient in faith (Rom 1:5). Their lives are characterized by a decisive trait: they persevere in doing good and strive for God’s glory, honor and immortality.

This is the description of those who have heard God’s call in the gospel, have been justified and saved by his grace and remain on the path to eternity. God will give them eternal life according to their works. But these works are not the cause of their salvation. Their salvation is based solely on Jesus Christ and their faith in the gospel. But they have changed their minds, repented and follow God in obedience of faith. Their works of faith are the result of their saving faith and at the same time a condition for reaching their goal. It is not the good beginning alone that saves, but the faithful journey to the end.

Jesus himself makes this clear: „Wide are the door and the way that lead to condemnation, and many walk on them. Narrow is the door and narrow the way that leads to life.“ (Matth 7:13-14). The door alone is not enough – the path is always part of it.

James confirms this: faith without works is dead. Such faith cannot save. True faith only becomes alive and perfect through works.

Works of faith do not save us causally. But truly saving faith is shown in works of faith – which in turn confirm our salvation.

According to these two passages, the grace of God in Jesus Christ has four effects and purposes for us believers – and all of them are part of God’s plan to give us eternal life. This journey begins with our conversion, and the grace of God trains us

• to serve the living and true God,
• to deny ungodliness and worldly desires,
• to live prudently, righteously and godly in this world,
• to await the blissful hope and appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Is this waiting for the Lord really necessary for salvation? Yes, it is a God-ordained part of our salvation.

Anyone who hears the word of Christ and believes receives eternal life immediately. He or she does not have to demonstrate any works in order to be accepted. The person is immediately in the right relationship with God and is with God when he or she dies.

But those who do not want to hear the voice of the Son of God will have lived their lives in evil and will hear the judgment of condemnation in the end.

Here it becomes clear: hearing in the biblical sense is not merely listening, but always hearing in order to obey. He who believes, obeys – and he who does not obey, does not believe. This is why the New Testament often speaks of „obedience of faith“.

Real faith in Jesus encompasses the whole personality and has clear effects: It shows itself in the fact that we hear God and do good. Doing good – out of love for God and people – is the divine standard for saving faith. Those who live in this attitude prove the genuineness of their faith and, because they truly believe, will remain saved. But those who do evil do not believe in Jesus – and are lost. These people have never heard the call of Jesus or have turned away from it.

John 5:24-29 OEB
[Jesus Christ says] 24 In truth I tell you that the person who listens to my message and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and does not come under condemnation, but has already passed out of death into life.

John 5:28-29 OEB
28 Do not wonder at this; for the time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice, 29 and will come out – those who have done good rising to life, and those who have lived evil lives rising for condemnation.

Isa 50:4-5

Mark 12:28-31OEB
‘Hear, Israel; the Lord our God is the one Lord; 30 and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this – ‘You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.

3 John 1:11 OEB
11 Dear friend, do not follow a bad example, but a good one. The person who does what is good is from God; the person who does what is bad has never seen God.

Jas 2:17 OEB
17 In just the same way faith, if not followed by actions, is, by itself, a lifeless thing.

Heb 9:28 OEB
So it is with the Christ. He was offered up once and for all, to bear away the sins of many; and the second time he will appear – but without any burden of sin – to those who are waiting for him, to bring salvation.

Rom 3:28 OEB
28 For we conclude that a person is pronounced righteous on the ground of faith, quite apart from obedience to Law.

Rom 2:6-8 OEB
6 [God] will give to everyone what their actions deserve. 7 To those who, by perseverance in doing good, aim at glory, honor, and all that is imperishable, he will give immortal life; 8 while as to those who are factious, and disobedient to truth but obedient to evil, wrath and anger.

Rom 8:13 OEB
13 If you live in obedience to your earthly nature, you will inevitably die; but if, by the power of the Spirit, you put an end to the evil habits of the body, you will live.

Rom 2:6-11; Rom 3:28; Rom 5:1;  Rom 8:13; Rom 6:20-23; Acts 5:32; Rom 1:5; Heb 5:9; 1 Pet 4:17; Mk 16:16; Rom 2:8; Gal 5:7; 2 Thess 1:8; 1 Pet 4;17; Mt 7:14; Jas 2:14-26; Isa 50:4-5; Mk 12:28-31; John 5:24; Heb 5:9; Heb 11:8; Heb 13:17; Rom 1:5; Acts 6:7; Jas 2:17; 3 Jn 1:11

Eternal salvation is also only by grace and faithfulness and the mercy of God

It is the grace and faithfulness of God and the faith (works) brought about by them through me after my redemption that keep me in salvation, which, however, was only given to me once entirely by grace and will be given to me completely.

Why else should we hope for the grace of Christ on that day (eternity) if we can be sure of it (1 Peter 1:13)? And why does an Onesiphorus, whom Paul really considers to be born again (Philem 1:10), and who serves Christ blamelessly to the best of his knowledge and conscience, still have to find „mercy“ on the part of the Lord on „that day“? The answer is: In the end, only the grace and mercy of Christ himself saves gold-proven faith at the transition to eternity. No one gets to heaven in the end through their own performance, it is still undeserved grace as the basis. But God has interwoven our part – faith (works) – with his part – the preserving power of God and his grace – in such a way that it becomes an indissoluble whole that is only effective and achieves its goal in its entirety.

Eternal salvation is for those who do not abuse the grace freely given to them, but prove themselves worthy of it and make something of this grace for the glory of God. And this is decided by our merciful but also holy Lord.

1 Pet 1:13 OEB
13 Therefore concentrate your minds, with the strictest self-control, and fix your hopes on the blessing that is coming for you at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

2 Tim 1:16-18 OEB
16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus; for he often cheered me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he arrived in Rome, he sought eagerly for me until he found me. 18 The Lord grant that he may find mercy at the hands of the Lord on that day. The many services that he rendered at Ephesus you have the best means of knowing.

Rom 5:21 OEB
But, where sins were multiplied, the loving kindness of God was lavished the more, 21 in order that, just as sin had reigned in the realm of death, so, too, might loving-kindness reign through righteousness, and result in eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

1 Peter 1:13; 2 Tim 1:16-18; Rom 5:21; Philem 1:10

The reward of discipleship

The Bible teaches that eternal life is both an undeserved gift of God’s grace and a reward for a faithful, obedient life as a follower of Jesus. These two aspects are inseparable: Grace and responsibility.

Those who truly believe love Christ and serve him. These works confirm faith and prove it to be genuine. Saving faith always shows itself in action.

Eternal life is therefore a gift for all those who sincerely entrust themselves to Jesus, and at the same time it is linked to the promise of a reward. The faithfulness and devotion of the believer on earth determine the measure of the reward in heaven. Some are richly rewarded because they have faithfully served God in love and obedience. Others are saved, but without any special reward because their works had no lasting value. However, there is also a serious warning that those who leave the opportunities entrusted to them by God unused and remain spiritually lazy may ultimately be rejected and perish.

Jesus shows this in the parable of the talents, among other things. Those who multiply what has been entrusted to them will be rewarded and receive greater responsibility in eternity. However, those who do nothing with what they have received will be cast out into the outer darkness with the unbelievers.

Paul speaks of the work of a Christian being tested in the fire at the end. Those who faithfully build on Christ will stand and receive their reward. However, those who live with wrong motives or indifference will be burned up. He can be saved, but only as if through fire – without any special reward.

Not every deed for God is automatically rewarded. The decisive factor is the attitude of the heart, as Jesus teaches us in the Sermon on the Mount. Those who serve out of love for Christ and not to please people will be richly rewarded by God. However, those who seek the applause of men have already received their reward here and will go away empty-handed in eternity.

True greatness in the kingdom of God lies in service. Those who humble themselves and serve others in love will be exalted and richly rewarded in eternity.

Yes, we may want to be great in the kingdom of heaven, but the way to achieve this is to SERVE, to do what we say and teach ourselves and to suffer for the sake of Christ. And yet we can be completely relaxed and do not need to get involved in any apparent power struggle. In the end, the order of precedence in heaven will be as the Father in heaven intended.

In summary, the New Testament makes it clear that eternal life is a gift of grace for all those who entrust themselves to Jesus in faith. But this saving faith always manifests itself in a life of love, service and faithfulness. Those who live this way will not only inherit eternal life, but will also receive a rich reward in eternity. However, those who abuse the grace they have received indifferently or selfishly run the risk of ending up empty-handed in eternity or even losing their salvation.

This is tough talk, who can hear it? On God’s pedagogy and the balance of our current sermon

You don’t agree or don’t agree at all with the conclusion and message of this book? Jesus was also accused of this in the Gospel of John by many who followed him in relation to his speech. The question is rather, is the „hard speech“ right or wrong.

I have a homework assignment for you before you read on. It will take some time, effort and diligence, but it only makes sense for you to continue reading here if you do it:

1. Write down or mark down all the promises of God and Jesus and all the encouraging verses from the Gospel of Matthew alone.
   
   How many sermons have you heard about this?
2. In the next step, write down or mark all of Jesus‘ open warnings or threats in the Gospel of Matthew.

Then compare: How many sermons, devotions or Bible studies have you heard on this subject?

Is what you hear from the Word of God through others a balanced reflection of what Jesus said? If not, then you have been preached a one-sided Jesus and you have a distorted picture of what Jesus is like.

Promise and claim – a balanced gospel?

I have examined the Gospel of Matthew more closely myself as an example. To do this, I divided all the text passages into 4 sections and color-coded them, evaluating them at the end (for more details, see the „Overview“ level). The result is as follows:

Taking the Gospel of Matthew as an example, we see a remarkable balance between encouragement and God’s demands.

About 15% of the text contains exhortations about what we should do as believers, while 13% emphasizes encouragement, promises and God’s love. However, the largest amount of space, around 32%, is devoted to Jesus‘ harsh speech, which announces warnings, consequences and judgment. Around 40 % of the text is neutral.

This weighting challenges us: Do we perceive Jesus in all his truth, or do we only seize on the pleasant aspects of his message?

In today’s preaching landscape – even in the evangelical sector – the goodness and mercy of God is almost exclusively emphasized. His holiness and the serious claim that is also directed at believers are often neglected. The result? A distorted gospel that presents God in a one-sided way and produces followers who do not really know him in his entirety and follow him in all seriousness. But the Bible clearly shows that God’s holiness is just as central as his love.

This applies not only to the Gospel of Matthew, but also to the other writings of the New Testament. However, God as a good teacher, who knows that we need above all / a lot of encouragement as followers of Jesus, often presents very serious issues in a pedagogically sensitive and therefore more acceptable way for us.

Examples from the letters – encouragement and clear boundaries

The apostles and Jesus himself often emphasize difficult but necessary truths in their message, embedded in encouragement and encouragement.

1. purity and holiness – „Flee fornication!“ (1 Cor 6, 15-20)

Paul calls on the Corinthians to be aware of their belonging to Christ and to honor God through purity. He makes a positive point here, without making any threats. Nevertheless, other passages make it clear that continued fornication leads to exclusion from the kingdom of God. Positive encouragement and clear warnings are both necessary.

2. devotion to the true Christ – „No other Jesus!“ (2 Cor 11, 2-4)

Paul lovingly admonishes the church not to be tempted. He compares this to the temptation of Eve, which ended in spiritual death. Although the warning consequence is only hinted at, the message remains clear: our eternal salvation depends on our constant devotion to the true Christ and the true gospel.

3. way of life – „No inheritance in the kingdom of God!“ (Eph 5, 3-11)

Paul emphasizes that followers of Jesus should live differently. Positive encouragement and clear consequences – such as exclusion from salvation for persistent sin – go hand in hand. The appeal to honor God is supplemented with serious warnings against an ungodly life.

4 Spiritual strength – „Put on the armor of God!“ (Eph 6, 10-13)

Paul encourages us to put on the armor of God in order to fight the spiritual battle. He does not say what will happen if we do not do this – presumably to shift the focus to the path of victory. Nevertheless, it is clear that there is no alternative to this path, and defeat requires repentance and restoration through Christ.

Conclusion

Proclaiming a balanced gospel

The message of the Bible shows a tension between promise and claim. In our preaching culture, it is crucial to keep both in balance in order to proclaim the wholeness of God. One-sided emphasis – whether only on love or only on judgment – leads to a distorted image of God and a false discipleship.

Our salvation depends on a constant relationship of faith with Christ. This includes recognizing the whole Christ: the loving Saviour and the righteous Judge. Only in this way can we remain faithful to him, approach him with reverence and walk the path of life to the goal.

Conclusions

An examination of the numerous biblical passages on salvation and faith in the New Testament clearly shows that the path to eternal salvation cannot be reduced to a one-time confession. Rather, the Bible presents salvation as a path that begins with conversion, but is completed through a life of obedience of faith to the end.

1. Saving faith is obedient, active faith: The analysis shows that genuine saving faith always takes hold of the whole personality. It manifests itself in obedience to God’s Word and in good works. Hearing the word in the biblical sense does not mean passively listening, but actively putting it into practice. He who believes, follows. He who believes does good. He who believes stays on the narrow path.

Jesus himself describes eternal life as the goal of those who do God’s will and good, while those who work evil go to judgment (Mt 7:15-28; Jn 5:28-29). Paul summarizes the life of those who are eternally saved as constant living and striving for God’s glory by doing good and separating from evil (Rom 2, 7; Rom 8, 13). James makes it clear (Jas 2, 17-26) that faith without works is dead. Faith in Jesus is the beginning, but continued obedience and faithfulness in everyday life prove this faith to be genuine.

2. Salvation is grace – and yet required: Faithfulness to the end: Scripture emphasizes the grace of God as the basis of all salvation. No one is justified by works. Nevertheless, man remains responsible for making this grace effective in his life. The New Testament shows that final salvation is linked to works. These works are not the cause of salvation, but the proof that faith is genuine.

Paul says in Romans 2:6-8 that in the end God will reward everyone according to his works: Whoever does good with perseverance will inherit eternal life. This text does not contradict grace, but describes the consequence of a life that has been shaped by God’s grace.

3. The way is just as necessary for salvation as the beginning: Jesus describes the way to salvation as narrow and difficult. The entrance through the narrow door is the beginning. But the path itself only leads to final salvation. Those who stop at the beginning will not reach the goal. Saving faith is demonstrated by the fact that it remains. Grace enables obedience, but this obedience remains necessary.
4. Hope and sanctification are part of salvation: The Bible makes it clear that waiting for Christ and striving for sanctification are essential elements of the journey of faith. Hebrews 9:28 says that Christ will appear for salvation to those who wait for him. This attitude of waiting is not passivity, but is expressed in a life of devotion and sanctification.

Scripture shows (Tit 2, 11-13) that God’s grace not only saves us, but also trains us to live a godly life. The expectation of Christ’s return strengthens us in sanctification. Final salvation is thus closely linked to a life lived in hope in Christ and in separation from sin.

5. The final judgment will evaluate the fruit of life: The judgment at the end of days will reveal the works. Jesus and the apostles emphasize that this is not about a new basis for salvation, but about the reality of faith becoming visible. Works show whether faith was genuine. Anyone who has abandoned faith, who has abused grace, who persists in sin will be lost.
6. Assurance of grace: It is by the grace of God that we are saved. By the grace of God we remain saved, even if we fall along the way. God always accepts us again, no matter how often we fall on the narrow path, if we turn back to him.
7. Warning against misuse of grace: A central result of the study is the warning against a false understanding of grace. Grace is not a license to sin. Anyone who abuses grace devalues it. Scripture warns against turning grace into debauchery. Grace leads to sanctification. Whoever leaves sanctification leaves the path of grace.
8. Grace and responsibility form a unity: The Bible maintains the tension between grace and responsibility. Man is saved by grace alone. But this grace works in life. Whoever remains in grace will be saved. But whoever leaves grace, whether through unbelief, sin or lukewarmness, loses salvation. It is man’s responsibility to remain in grace.

Conclusion: The results of the investigation lead to a clear and at the same time challenging conclusion: salvation is a gift of grace that is received through faith. But this faith is an obedient, active faith that remains to the end. Those who stop believing, stop obeying and do not align their lives with God’s will forfeit the gift of salvation.

True grace is not cheap, but demands our whole life. But it also gives us the strength to walk this path – all the way to the goal, to eternal glory with Christ.

Outlook: The narrow way and the goal – Essential steps for faithful and consistent discipleship – personally and as a church

The following practicalsteps I strongly recommend to encourage and ensure how we as individuals and as a church can faithfully and savingly follow Jesus. The list is not exhaustive.

1. individual strengthening in faith

• Strengthen hope: The Word of God reminds us of the return of Jesus and eternal glory.
• Biographies of role models: Reading the life stories of believing Christians who believed to the end.
• Theology of suffering: rediscovery and teaching about suffering and persecution according to the promises of Jesus and the apostles.
• Encouragement and exhortation: Key to personal growth and consolidation in faith.
• Daily Bible study: Independent Bible reading protects against superficial teaching and deepens faith.

2. measures at the church level

• Preaching and teaching: Promote devotion to Jesus and detachment from worldly things through clear, Bible-based preaching.
• Devotional material: Developing in-depth books and devotionals that communicate biblical truths about salvation and discipleship.
• Art and media: Use of contemporary Christian art (e.g. pictures, theater, films) that illustrates the path to eternal life, especially a contemporary re-creation of the image „The Broad and the Narrow Way“
• Cultural sensitivity: Teaching about the difference between form and content in worship and life.
• Church discipline: Rediscovering and implementing biblical church discipline in response to increasing individualism.
• Sermon Content: Striking a balance between God’s love and holiness to promote reverence for God and genuine repentance.

3. essential teachings

• Righteous fruits of repentance: Necessary signs of true discipleship and a prerequisite for salvation.
• Salvation by grace and faithfulness: Salvation is given by grace, but maintained by persevering faith and devotion.
• Time and responsibility: Greater knowledge and resources mean greater responsibility before God. At the same time, even the smallest faithfulness is seen and honored by God.
• Education in the fear of God: training to distinguish between cultural influences and biblical truth.
• Teamwork with God: cooperation of divine grace and human responsibility on the way to salvation
• Encouragement through role models: Encouraging discipleship through spiritual role models, including Jesus as the ultimate role model.

Conclusion

Balanced teaching, personal commitment and community engagement are essential to keep the faith and stay on the path to eternity as a church of Jesus. Both individual and communal steps are necessary to foster deep, effective discipleship.

8 Appendix: Counterarguments and Answers from the Word of God

Salvation is by grace alone and not by works (Eph 2:8-9), but genuine faith necessarily produces good works (Jas 2:17, 26). Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13), but this seal only applies to those who abide in Christ (Jn 10:27). The work of Christ is perfect (Jn 19:30), but we must remain in it in order to remain saved (Mt 7:24).

Presentation of the counter-arguments to salvation by faith alone and their refutation

Counterargument 1: Salvation is by faith alone, not by works

Argumentation: Salvation is by grace and not by works (Eph 2, 8-9). Works before conversion are „dead works“ and cannot please God (Hebrews 6:1). Saving faith is a one-off act and not a process.

Repudiation: God’s Word clearly distinguishes our salvation NOW by faith without works, and our future ETERNAL salvation by faith (works). True faith necessarily produces works (Jas 2:17, 26). Jesus teaches that true disciples must do God’s will (Mt 7:21-23). Good works are a sign of true faith and genuine salvation (Eph 2, 10).

Counterargument 2: We are sealed with the Holy Spirit and no one can break the seal

Argumentation: Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1, 13). No one can snatch them out of Jesus‘ hand (Jn 10, 27-29).

Invalidation: Scripture shows examples in which God cancels his seal due to disobedience (Jer 22, 24). Jesus only proclaims safety for those who follow him (Jn 10:27).

Counterargument 3: Salvation in the Old Testament was imperfect, in the New Testament it is perfect

Argumentation: Salvation in the new covenant is final, as it is based on the perfect sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 7:25).

Repudiation: The principle of the necessary faithfulness to God on the part of His children remains in both covenants (Jud 1, 5). Whoever does not remain in Christ loses salvation (Jn 15, 6).

Counter-argument 4: The work of Christ is perfect – we can do nothing about it

Argumentation: Jesus has accomplished salvation (John 19:30), and anyone who doubts this diminishes his sacrifice.

Rebuttal: The Bible distinguishes between the foundation of salvation and the need to remain in it (Mt 7:24-27).

Counterargument 5: The temple of God is here, the temple of God is here!

Argumentation: Believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3, 16), which God does not destroy.

Invalidation: The temple of God can be destroyed, desolate and abandoned through sin (Ezek 8:6-7).

Counterargument 6: The saved are sanctified once and for all

Argumentation: Once sanctified, one remains holy (Heb 10:14).

Rebuttal: Sanctification is both a one-time act at our conversion and a lifelong process, not a completed state (Heb 10:19-22) Those who leave the path of sanctification abandon and lose their initial sanctification.

Counterargument 7: Burnt works and yet saved

Argumentation: In 1 Cor 3, 15 it says: „If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, just as through fire.“ From this it is concluded that salvation is not lost even in the case of lacking or bad works.

Repudiation: This passage shows that the firm foundation on which we must still build is the foundation that Jesus defined in the Sermon on the Mount. And that is to do God’s will. Whose work burns has done the will of God, but for wrong motives – and therefore loses his reward and not salvation. Many other scriptures therefore warn against a false sense of security (Hebrews 10:26-27). Whoever does not do God’s will has not built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and will not be saved (Mt 7, 21).

Counterargument 8: Danger of pride in works, danger of comparing, danger of judging, danger of discouragement

Reasoning: If good works are seen as necessary for salvation, pride in one’s own achievements could arise. Likewise, emphasizing works could lead to comparing oneself to others or condemning others. Those who feel unable to do enough works could become discouraged.

Discouragement: Scripture emphasizes that God Himself has prepared our good works and without Him we can do nothing of value (Jn 15:5; Eph 2:10). Since our works for God result from faith and love for God, they is no reason for pride (Eph 2, 8-10; 1 John 5:3). Everyone has different gifts, which is why comparisons are inappropriate (Rom 12:4-6). God will only judge us according to our own abilities (Matt 25, 15). Jesus teaches us not to judge others (Mt 7:1-2). Our salvation and our reward do not depend on the amount of works, but on the attitude of heart behind them. In the end, we will all be saved by the grace of God and the patience of our Lord (Phil 1:6; 2 Peter 3:9).

Answer and CONCLUSION

Our salvation is always and only in Christ – if you are in Christ, then you are safe

Our salvation is not in ourselves, but in Christ alone. He sustains us with his unchanging love (Jn 10, 28-29). Those who live and abide in Jesus are eternally secure. Jesus is our good shepherd (Jn 10, 11). Even when we waver, he remains faithful (2 Tim 2, 13). He gives us everything we need to remain in him: his word, his Spirit and his grace. If we fail, the door of forgiveness remains open (1 John 1:9). Those who follow Jesus NOW remain in Christ. And those who are in Christ can live in deep joy and security – today, tomorrow and for all eternity. But the temple of God can be destroyed and abandoned by God through persistent unrepentant sin (Ezek 8:6-7). Sanctification is an ongoing process (Heb 10, 19-22). Whoever does not remain in Christ will be thrown into the fire like a withered vine (Jn 15:6). Nevertheless, God wants everyone to repent and be saved in time (2 Peter 3:9), and he always receives the prodigal son with joy (Lk 15:20-24). The good shepherd follows every lost sheep in his love until he has found it and holds it safely in his arms. Those who follow Jesus permanently as the saved remain in Christ. He and she can live in deep joy and security – today, tomorrow and for all eternity.

About

The motivation behind this work

This book arose from a long, personal struggle. Over 35 years ago, I preached my first sermon on Romans 11:22 on the goodness and severity of God. A sister told me afterwards that she did not believe that a Christian could lose his salvation. This statement triggered my lifelong preoccupation with the subject.

For a long time, I couldn’t decide which view was closer to the truth – both sides had strong arguments. But the current debates were mostly based on a limited selection of biblical passages (5-15 verses), supplemented by theological principles. This seemed insufficient to me. With a small selection of scriptures, you can represent almost any point of view.

I therefore had the desire to examine all relevant New Testament passages in the Bible – without omission, without pre-decision. Today, in March 2025, after three years of intensive work, this dream has become reality: About 545 biblical passages relevant to salvation and thus about 35% of the entire New Testament texthave been carefully analyzed. The main message of this book is supported and clearly elaborated at all levels and through every deepening.

In the end, it is about the glory of God. About a people who love him, who bring him joy with their lives – and about as many people as possible being saved and led to the knowledge of the truth and to eternal salvation.

Join me on a journey of discovery – through God’s grace, faithfulness, love and wisdom. He has prepared everything so that we – and many with us – can safely reach temporal and eternal salvation.

The question

The New Testament proclaims: Jesus Christ saves us from our sins so that we can now live reconciled with God. This gives rise to the certainty and hope that we will enter into eternal glory after death.

The Greek word sōtēria („salvation“, „salvation“) describes both the present and future dimensions of salvation. It includes forgiveness, deliverance, preservation and eternal life in fellowship with God. We already have salvation – and at the same time await its completion.

This means that our salvation begins with our conversion to God, but is not yet complete. We are saved, we are reconciled with God, we are his beloved children – and at the same time on the way to being saved for good. The Spirit of God has been given to us as a pledge, but the journey to eternal glory has not yet come to an end.

This raises the crucial question of this book: Does the second, final salvation after conversion come to us automatically – or is it conditional? Are there factors that promote or hinder it?

The New Testament shows that Christ has accomplished a perfect work of redemption (Hebrews 10:14-18). Many are called to share in it through faith. But the same scripture poses the serious question: can a Christian who believes in Jesus still be lost?

The clarification of this tension is the subject and concern of this book.

Basic convictions

This book is based on the following basic convictions. (Only) those who agree with them can and will read this book with profit and be able to comment on it constructively.

The decisive basis of this book is the trust in the divine inspiration and infallibility of the entire Holy Scriptures. The 66 canonical books – and in particular the New Testament as the perfect revelation of God in Jesus Christ – are regarded as the highest authority for doctrine and life. It follows from this: God’s word is true and does not contradict itself.

Scripture interprets itself – not through theological systems or dogmatic models, but through its own context and the interplay of all relevant statements. For this reason, biblical passages will not be considered in isolation in this study, but rather

• in the direct context of each individual Bible book (chapter 2)
• in the light of the entire New Testament revelation (chapter 3)

Clear scriptural passages take precedence over derived statements. No single verse may be placed above others as a „leading verse“. The truth is not revealed in individual fragments, but in the harmonious whole – and this whole contains both promises of grace and urgent warnings.

Approach to developing the topic and writing this book

In the first year of my research, I identified around 545 biblical passages in the New Testament that are relevant to salvation. The focus was on central themes such as salvation from lostness, eternal salvation, possible losses on the path of discipleship and reward in heaven. Each Bible passage was assigned to a cause (e.g. grace, God’s faithfulness, initial or continuing faith) and assigned to the respective NT book.

For each book, I organized the salvation-relevant verses thematically, commented on them theologically and evaluated them in their context. This resulted in a separate „theology of salvation“ for each book by the respective author. On average, around 35% of the Bible text per book was included in this study (for details, see chapter Salvation in figures). Each verse was interpreted, summarized and brought into a concise core sentence.

On this basis, I have created five systematic summary levels for each NT book:

• Overview: Thematically organized, complete, with nuances – suitable for deeper theological discussions.
• Summary: Reduces redundancies, remains complete, easier to read.
• Essence: Concentrates on the central topics – compact, clear, nuanced.
• Core ideas: Focuses on the main messages of the book – clear thrust, deliberately simplifying.
• Motto: One central statement per book – as a condensed introduction or comparison of the book perspectives.

A comparison of these levels across all 27 NT writings clearly shows the theological unity in the doctrine of salvation of the various authors and provided the basis for the chapter structure of chapter 2.

In the second year of the study, the results were evaluated across all topics in the entire NT. Statements on the same topics were brought together, divided into overarching themes and the chapter structure of chapter 3 was developed from this – not predetermined, but derived from the texts themselves. The three summary levels Overview, Essence and Motto are also used here – as well as in chapter 4 (Reward in heaven), chapter 5 (Preservation in salvation) and other chapters.

This methodical and systematic way of working characterized the entire project.

In the third year, the book was compiled, finalized and revised, and the website was developed.

How to read this book

Notes on reading this book and the vielesindberufen.de website

This book – and the associated website vielesindberufen.de – follows a special structure: it resembles a pyramid, where the most important things come first. Unlike many theological books, it begins with the main statement (level 1) and gradually leads deeper into the reasons and investigations. If you wish, you can start immediately and work your way through levels 1 to 7 in greater depth – or, depending on your interests, start directly at a suitable level.

The overview block: Levels 1-4 (English summary part)

The first four levels form the overview section. They summarize the research results – with increasing depth and detail:

• Level 1: The main message of the book
• Level 2: The most important basic results and key concepts
• Level 3: An overview of all the areas examined – deliberately concise but systematic
• Level 4: Detailed, argumentative level – suitable for talks and discussions for the first time

The detailed block: levels 5-7 (German part only)

The second block contains the three in-depth investigation levels:

• Level 5 (motto): Very compact, topic-specific orientation for each book or sub-topic
• Level 6 (essence): First in-depth evaluation with a high level of detail and comprehensible argumentation
• Level 7 (Overview): Deepest level with the complete theological examination – including interpretation of all salvation-relevant Bible verses (chapter 2) and all salvation-relevant topics in the New Testament (chapter 3)

Navigation on the website

On levels 5, 6 and 7 of the website, the desired topics or chapters can be easily selected via a fold-out table of contents. Almost all Bible passages are provided directly with clickable links to bibleserver.com (thanks to ERF Medien for this excellent platform). Even with simple references without a full text, every Bible passage can be found quickly.

Furthermore, there are additional summary pages in almost every topic section to make orientation and overview easier.