Can a Christian LOSE Their Salvation? | Live Free with Josh Howerton

July 27, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

“The righteous fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” That verse from Proverbs 24:16 became the anchor for a long conversation about whether a Christian can lose their salvation. Pastor Josh Howerton, joined by Paul Cunningham and Carlos Araso, walked through the theological tension, the pastoral heartbreak, and the practical questions that surround one of the most emotionally charged topics in the faith.

The Three Parts of Saving Faith

The conversation began with a framework for understanding what saving faith actually is. Josh introduced a classic theological distinction, often traced to Augustine, that breaks faith into three Latin components: notitia, ascensus, and fiducia.

Notitia is simply knowledge—awareness of a claim. Ascensus is assent—agreeing that the claim is true. But the critical third element is fiducia, which means trust. Saving faith, Josh argued, requires all three. A person can know that Jesus claims to be Lord and even agree that it is true, but without placing the entire weight of their life on that truth, they do not have salvific faith.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **Can a Christian Lose Their Salvation?** - The hosts introduce the episode's central question: whether a Christian can lose their salvation and how to distinguish saving faith from fake faith.
2 (01:09) **Opening Banter and Project Hail Mary Analysis** - The hosts engage in lighthearted conversation and then analyze the movie "Project Hail Mary" as a Christian allegory.
3 (10:59) **Four Types of Faith from Sermon Series** - Pastor Josh outlines four types of faith from a recent sermon, using the movie "The Young Woman of the Sea" as an illustration.
4 (14:30) **Biblical Examples of Non-Saving Faith** - The hosts examine figures like Judas and demons to show that faith without trust is not saving faith.
5 (18:11) **The Object of Faith Saves, Not Its Strength** - The discussion shifts to emphasize that it is not the intensity of faith but the object of faith (Jesus) that saves.
6 (24:25) **Faith Activates God's Power** - The hosts discuss how faith is the mechanism that activates God's power, citing multiple biblical examples.
7 (28:36) **Personal Stories of Walking by Faith** - The hosts share personal testimonies of times they had to exercise faith despite fear.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Josh Howerton Paul Cunningham

Show Notes

Can a Christian lose their salvation? What does the Bible actually teach about eternal security, perseverance, and genuine saving faith?

In this episode of LIVE FREE, Pastors Josh Howerton, Paul Cunningham, and Carlos Erazo tackle one of Christianity's most debated questions by walking through Scripture—not opinions. Together they examine John 10, Romans 8, Hebrews 6, Hebrews 10, James 5, and other key passages to explain the difference between genuine faith and superficial belief, why difficult warning passages matter, and how believers can have true assurance in Christ.

If you've ever struggled with doubts, wondered whether you've done enough, or questioned if someone who walked away from the faith was ever truly saved, this conversation offers biblical clarity and gospel hope.

In this episode you'll discover:

What saving faith really is
Whether a Christian can lose their salvation
How to understand Hebrews 6 and Hebrews 10
The difference between conviction and condemnation
Why your confidence belongs in Christ—not yourself

Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, this episode will encourage you to rest in God's promises while continuing to pursue Him faithfully.

Stand firm. Think biblically. Live free.

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