...what does matter is what the Bible says.
Please remember that the responses to the question are from a Biblical perspective and not a human opinion. Anything that is stated here should be confirmed for accuracy.
If I was 'saved' in the past, am I still 'saved'?
You have touched upon a great deception of religions today. Here you will find what the Bible says about the idea that once you are saved, you are always saved. Here are some Scriptures about salvation:
Luke 1:77 "To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins,"
(must seek remission of sins for salvation)
Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
(through Jesus is our only means of salvation)
Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
(salvation is for everyone who believes)
Romans 10:10 "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
(we must confess our sins)
2 Corinthians 7:10 "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death."
(through true sorry, we will repent or turn away from our life of sin)
2 Timothy 2:10 "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."
Hebrews 5:9 "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,"
(If we are saved, we then desire to obey Jesus and receive His gift of salvation)
Salvation is a gift, we just have to accept and keep that gift.
Here are two texts that I cling to in dealing with the salvation issue:
Philippians 2:12 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;"
This verse alone is very troubling but continue to verse 13 to get the wonderful picture of our salvation:
13 "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
It is God doing the work in us not we ourselves. His "good pleasure" is that everyone should come to repentance, that everyone should be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9) If this is true, then everyone has to make the decision to allow God to work in them. That is why Paul the Apostle says, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31). 'Daily' is an ongoing process, not just a one time event.
John 17:3 tells us "and this eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Salvation comes from a knowledge of God and His Son Jesus. Not a knowledge like you know what makes a car's engine start. A knowledge like a spouse has for their mate.
We can think of two people who were likely in a "saved" condition early in life but later turned away from God. One is the first human king of Israel, Saul (I Samuel 9, 10, and 11) and Judas, the disciple that betrayed our Lord (Luke 9).
Salvation is a thing that can be received, however, to principle that once I've been saved, I can't be lost is not one that I find in the Bible.
Friend, there are many more examples of Scripture dealing with salvation. If you would like a more complete study, just let us know by contacting us through our submit a question page.