Can a person lose their salvation?

Question

Sun Myung Moon · Accepted Answer

The question of whether a person can lose their salvation delves into the very core of God's providence and our role in our spiritual journey. Understanding the nature of salvation, especially as revealed through Jesus' mission, is vital for a robust faith. The Nature of Salvation through Jesus' Cross Jesus came as the Messiah, the Son of God, to bring complete salvation. His purpose was to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and to enable humanity to become perfect, "as your Heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). This state of perfection signifies a person fully realizing the purpose of creation, living in inseparable oneness with God, and being free from Original Sin, thus not in need of redemption. However, no one, not even the most devout Christian, has yet fulfilled this ideal. Even after the grace of redemption by the cross, humanity still possesses Original Sin. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross brought spiritual salvation. Paul lamented his inability to prevent sin from infiltrating his flesh (Romans 7:25), and John confessed that "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves" (1 John 1:8). The cross provided immense grace and spiritual redemption, but it did not entirely free us from Original Sin or completely restore us physically in Jesus' time. Jesus’ last words, "It is finished," meant he had completed laying the foundation for spiritual salvation, but not the full restoration of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. This spiritual salvation is of absolute value because Jesus is the Son of God. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The Role of Human Responsibility Jesus' death on the cross was not predestined as the only necessary path for complete salvation. Instead, it was a consequence of human failure to fulfill responsibility. God's providence always presents two possible outcomes, or "dual prophecies," depending on whether humanity fulfills or fails its portion of responsibility. Had humanity, particularly the religious leaders and the people of Israel, believed in and followed Jesus as the Messiah, all humankind could have been saved both spiritually and physically, and God's nation established on Earth in Jesus' day (Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:31-33). Thus, Jesus went to the cross because of the failure of human responsibility, not because it was necessary for him to forgive sins (Matthew 26:39-46). This underscores the critical human portion of responsibility within God's providence. While God's love and foundational work are absolute, humanity bears a crucial part in actively responding to God's grace with faith, obedience, and sustained effort. Just as Adam and Eve's failure to uphold their responsibility led to the Fall, a person's failure to fulfill their portion can affect their spiritual standing. Therefore, "to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Levels of Salvation and Ongoing Growth Salvation is a progressive process. In the Old Testament, people achieved a "form spirit" stage of resurrection based on their works and following the Law. During the New Testament Age, through faith in Jesus and fulfilling their responsibility to live as he taught, people could attain "growth stage resurrection" into "life spirits," entering Paradise, as Jesus told the thief on the cross. However, the ultimate goal is to become "Divine Spirits," entirely free from Original Sin, which Jesus came to enable. This complete salvation, both spiritual and physical, is promised with the return of the Messiah, the Lord of the Second Advent. For those in the spirit world who did not reach the Divine Spirit level, the process of resurrection continues, requiring help from people on Earth. Spiritual growth and resurrection are therefore ongoing, even after physical death. Salvation is not a static state but a dynamic journey requiring continued effort and interaction. Therefore, a person's spiritual standing is impacted by their choices and actions, reflecting a continuous need to fulfill one's responsibility to attain complete salvation. "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Living the Principle Understanding our portion of responsibility means actively engaging with God's grace throughout our spiritual journey. 1. Embrace Progressive Growth: Recognize salvation as a journey toward perfection, not a one-time event, and continuously strive for spiritual development. 2. Actively Fulfill Responsibility: Consciously choose faith and obedience in daily life, knowing that these actions contribute to both personal and collective salvation. 3. Seek Complete Restoration: Understand that Jesus' first coming brought spiritual salvation, and the ultimate physical and spiritual restoration awaits the Second Advent, re

Can a person lose their salvation?

The Nature of Salvation through Jesus' Cross

The Role of Human Responsibility

Levels of Salvation and Ongoing Growth

Living the Principle

Sources and further reading