Salvation Security?

I recently had this question posed:

I have heard some in church say when someone falls away that they were never saved to begin with. There are those that believe that once saved always saved. Others that believe that you can be saved but YOU can walk away from God.

There are many verses in the Bible that I think will support either view.  Have you settled on a view?

The answer could have been lengthy with many a verse, but this was what readily came to mind:

• I believe once saved, always saved – John 6:37-39 among many others.
• I believe there are false Christians – look like, talk like, act like.
  Judas is an example.  Not saved, John 17:12.
  Many on that day are going to say, “Lord, Lord, did we not…”
  Jesus’ response? “Depart,  I don’t know you!”  Luke 13:25-27
• I believe Christians can stray – even far!
  The Prodigal son was very sinful and yet still a son.
  The good Shepherd leaves the 99 and goes after the one that strays.
• I believe that we can know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16), which is important in selecting elders and pastors but it is not foolproof (I Timothy 1:19-20).
• I believe God knows who are His (II Timothy 2:19).
  We can have a good idea but only God alone knows for sure.
  Romans 8:16 says that His spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are His.
  There should be a confidence with those who are truly saved, I John 5:13.
• I believe my name was written in the Lamb’s Book of Life before the creation of the world (Revelation 13:8) and that my salvation does not rest on my goodness or works before salvation or after salvation, but on His grace and declarations.  Thus, I did not do anything to be saved and I can’t do anything to be unsaved (II Timothy 1:9).  God’s covenant with me is irreversible, eternal, and absolute, John 3:16 – those saved shall NOT perish with no “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts”.

So, I believe once saved, always saved.

And true salvation shows in a life that is…

humbled/contrite,

submissive/”not my will”,

loving/forgiving,

sacrificial/giving,

worshiping/”to God be the glory”,

loving other Christians/loving church,

hungering for truth/the Bible,

and troubled that many are not saved.