Can a True Christian Fall Away From the Faith?

Essentially, there are two differing interpretations: the Arminian view (PRO) and the Reformed view (CONTRA).

PRO

Key Bible Verses:

• Galatians 5:4

• 1 Timothy 1:19–20

• Hebrews 6:4–6

• Hebrews 10:26–27

• 2 Peter 2:20–21

Main Claim:

A believing Christian can consciously and permanently turn away from Jesus, even after being born again.

Core Teaching:

Human beings retain free will even after conversion. God’s grace is not irresistible—it can be rejected or abandoned.

Arguments:

• The warnings against falling away are addressed to believers and are real (Hebrews 6:10; 2 Peter 2).

• Faith is presented as a continuous condition: “If you continue in your faith…” (Colossians 1:23).

• This position draws a parallel with Israel, which fell despite being chosen (Romans 11:20–22).

CONTRA

Key Bible Verses:

• Luke 22:32

• John 3:36

• John 6:37–40

• John 10:27–29

• Romans 8:38–39

• Philippians 1:6

• Hebrews 12:2

• and many more

Main Claim:

Born-again believers cannot fall away from the faith. If someone appears to fall away, either they were never truly saved (their faith was merely external and not a result of true regeneration), or they will eventually return—like the “prodigal son.”

Core Teaching:

By the power of the Holy Spirit, born-again believers will persevere and be preserved to the end—they will remain Christians.

Arguments:

• God completes what He has begun (Philippians 1:6).

• No one can snatch us out of God’s hand—not even we ourselves (John 10:28).

• True believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).

• This view holds that the warnings about falling away are directed at those whose faith is not genuine. Paul did not want to give false assurance to such people, which is why he issued these warnings. The mark of true believers is that they will persevere. Those who do not remain in the faith show that they never had genuine faith to begin with (1 John 2:19).

Let’s discuss it! What position do you agree with and why? Write it in the comments 🙂

Love,
Mirjana Joy