Frankly Answered Questions - FAQs

Can a believer lose his salvation according to Matthew 24:45-51?

Q: Hi, I was reading your article about assurance of salvation. I believe in it, but some friends came to me and doubt it because of the scripture in Matthew. In Matthew 24:45-51 it talks about the servant that was not aware of his master. If the servant is a believer, why would God throw him in hell since he has salvation?

A: Thanks for writing! It is always a joy to hear from people!

I think the answer to your question is that the servant is NOT a believer. Note that he is said to be "wicked" even at the beginning (verse 48). There are many who claim to be servants of Christ and yet in the end prove to be "hypocrites" (verse 51) and receive the penalty of hypocrites (like Judas). In Matthew 7:21 Jesus tells us that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" is a believer, but only those who prove they have true faith. This faith is proved or evidenced by "doing the will of the Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Those who claim to be servants of Christ and call Him "Lord," but are only hypocrites, were never saved from the beginning. Note what Jesus says in Matthew 7:23: "I NEVER knew you."

You may also wish to see:

• Can a Christian lose their salvation?