Biblical Answer

Can I Lose God's Forgiveness?

The question of whether we can lose God's forgiveness is a crucial one. Some people may think that God's forgiveness is automatic and that we can't possibly lose it. However, this is not the case. According to the Bible, God's forgiveness is conditional on our relationship with Him. If we forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, He will not forgive our rebellion and sins (Josh. 24:19). This means that our actions have consequences, and if we choose to disobey God, we can indeed lose His forgiveness.

The Bible also teaches that forgiveness is a two-way street. While God forgives us for our sins, we must also forgive others who have sinned against us (Matthew 6:14-15). If we refuse to forgive others, we can't expect God to forgive us. This is because forgiveness is not just about God's mercy, but also about our attitude towards others. When we forgive others, we are not just releasing them from their sins, but also ourselves from the burden of resentment and anger. As the Bible says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:31).

In conclusion, while God's forgiveness is a gift, it is not automatic. We must maintain a relationship with Him and live according to His will in order to retain His forgiveness. If we choose to disobey God or refuse to forgive others, we can indeed lose His forgiveness. However, if we repent and turn back to God, He is always willing to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him. As the Bible says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This means that we can always come back to God and ask for His forgiveness, no matter how far we may have strayed.