Yes salvation is a gift given to us because of Jesus dying on the cross for us. We pick up that gift and have eternal salvation but then we can always put that gift back down and refuse to take it any longer. This is why I say you can give it up but not lose it. We have freedom of choice. To take it and keep it or to take it and give it back.
How does one forfeit being right with God after they have been saved.
The Bible gives the answer.
When we come to God and confess Christ we should understand that God hates sin,for He says that it is sin that separates us from Him,so when we confess Christ,and repent of our sins,we should know that it means to turn away from sins,and hate sins,and allow the Spirit to lead us to be able to abstain from sins,for a Spirit led life will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh,for they have crucified the flesh with the lusts and affections.
If God hates sin would not a person led of the Spirit hate sin,and those that sin are not led of the Spirit at that time.
Some people when they confess Christ,and repent of their sins,they do not abstain from sins,but hold unto sin thinking they are alright with God,which the Bible says they have a form of godliness,but deny the power thereof,ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth,which it points out it is because of sin why they do not come to the truth,for God wants us to abstain from sins by the Spirit,and there is no excuse.
Some did not even start out right when they confessed Christ.
And some started our right,but then they went back to sin,and were wrong with God,which the Bible points out that it is possible if the person does not keep doing what is right,which the Bible says work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,because responsibility is laid upon us,for we still have a choice between good and evil,and the Spirit will not twist our arm to live for God.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
This is the seal that they depart from iniquity.
1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
1Co 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2Pe 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2Pe 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Some will say that when a person is saved they can never be in a wrong position after that,but the Bible says that they can,and the reason that this happens is because of sin.
The people that believe they cannot abstain from sin,and sin does not affect their relationship with God,did they start out right with God,but then went to that belief later,or did they have that belief all along,and did not start out right with the Lord.
I tend to believe for the majority of them that they did not start out right with the Lord,but had that belief all along,that they cannot abstain from sin,and sin does not affect their relationship with God,so many will hold unto sin thinking they are alright with God,which you can witness in society as you observe their hypocrisy.
Which the Bible says give offense in nothing that the ministry be not blamed,and hypocrisy puts much blame on Christianity by the world.