Why is it impossible for Christians to lose their salvation?

It’s impossible to lose your salvation because you didn’t do anything to gain it. I’ll reverse that a little bit: if you could lose your salvation you would. If my salvation depended on me, I would lose it. I don’t have the power to keep my salvation.

Listen to the words of Hebrews, that He ever lives to make intercession for us, for the purpose of bringing us to glory (Heb. 7:25). The reason that Christians are going to get to heaven is not because they hold on; it’s because Christ holds on. He will bring many sons to glory (Heb. 2:10). If Christ didn’t hold onto me, I would never get there. That is the incredible reality of His high priestly work.

People say, “If you want to get in touch with the wonder of your salvation, think about the cross and preach the gospel to yourself.” I say, “If you want to think about the wonder of your salvation, think about this: Christ, right now, this split second, is holding onto you eternally in His everlasting arms and will not let you go.” That’s the most glorious reality. It isn’t that you look back and look at what He did. Rather, you realize what He is doing as He ever lives to make intercession for you to bring you to glory.

This transcript is from a live Ask Ligonier event with John MacArthur and has been lightly edited for readability. To ask Ligonier a biblical or theological question, email ask@ligonier.org or message us on Facebook or Twitter.