Those at Answers From the Book firmly believe that the Bible teaches that once a person has put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, they can never lose their salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 declare, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (NKJV). A person is saved “by grace….through faith,” which means they did nothing to merit salvation. Scripture also teaches us that the same grace that saves a person KEEPS that person. Listen to these words of assurance from the lips of the Lord Jesus Himself, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH; NEITHER SHALL ANYONE SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and NO ONE IS ABLE TO SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY FATHER’S HAND” (John 10:27-29). The moment one believes on Christ for salvation they are GIVEN ETERNAL LIFE. The believer is kept securely in the hands of the Father and the Son; they will NEVER PERISH.

Notice, the Lord didn’t say “they shall never perish UNLESS THEY SIN TOO MUCH.” I hear this argument all the time from those who do not believe in the eternal security of the believer. I usually counter that by asking, “So, how much sin is TOO MUCH?” The fact is when Jesus “suffered and died for our sins” (see 1st Peter 3:18 and 1st Corinthians 15:3) ALL of our sins were laid on Him and He bore the judgment due to ALL of those sins. This is why the apostle John could say, “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us FROM ALL SIN.”

In light of this truth, if a saved person dishonors the Lord in some way he/she is still saved. Some will say, “So, a believer can sin without any consequences whatsoever?” No, there are definitely consequences, for unjudged sin in our lives will result in the loss of peace, joy, our testimony before the world, and rewards when we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. But there is one thing they can NOT lose; the salvation of their soul. I had just mentioned the “Judgment Seat of Christ” so I will now quote two verses that confirm the truth that one will not lose their salvation. “If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; BUT HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, yet so as through fire” (1st Corinthians 3:14-15).

Now I will say a few words regarding the example you used. There are, no doubt, true believers in Christ who have become an ARTIST or a PUBLIC FIGURE on a National TV show. But to say that they are “being used by Satan as a tool to deceive people” is not our judgment call. I don’t normally mention names, but two Christian artists who became popular by performing on the show “American Idol” come to mind. I’m speaking of Danny Gokey and Colton Dixon. They were both known for giving a godly and consistent testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ while participating in that contest. One may wonder what their motives were for entering such a contest. Was it to become an “idol” to the masses or to make a lot of money? Again, this is not our judgment call, for we can’t read a person’s heart. When the Apostle Paul was being judged by his peers he had this to say about it: “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but HE WHO JUDGES ME IS THE LORD. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God” (1st Corinthians 4:3-5). I would encourage you NOT TO JUDGE one’s motives. The day is coming when the Lord will judge (perfectly) the motives of Christians who became “artists/public figures” on a TV show. He will also reveal whether or not they were “being used by Satan as a tool to deceive people.” (322.1) (DO)