Who Is a Lost Soul (According to Galatians 5)?
A lost soul is anyone who lives by the flesh and practices the works of the flesh described in Galatians 5:19–21.
Paul lists the acts of the flesh:
a. Sexual sins: Sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery.
b. Spiritual sins: Idolatry and witchcraft
Relational sins: Hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dimensions, factions, and envy.
c. Excess sins: Drunkenness, orgies, and the like
The key verse is Galatians 5:21:
”I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Therefore, a lost soul is:
*Someone who lives by the flesh rather than by the Spirit.*
a. Someone who practices these sins (not just struggles with them occasionally)
b. Someone who will not inherit the kingdom of God because they are separated from God.
c. Someone who has not crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (unlike those who belong to Christ)
*Is a Backslider a Lost Soul?*
YES! according to Galatians 5, a backslider IS a lost soul.
Here’s why, based on the principles in Galatians 5:
1. Galatians 5:21 — “Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God”
A backslider who lives in the works of the flesh — sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, drunkenness, etc. — will not inherit the kingdom. Paul’s warning is clear and applies to anyone who practices these things.
2. Galatians 5:24 — “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh”
A backslider who has reverted to old ways and is not crucifying the flesh shows they do not belong to Christ. If the flesh is being lived by, not crucified, then they do not belong to Christ Jesus.
3. Galatians 5:25 — “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit”
A backslider is not keeping in step with the Spirit — they are regressing spiritually. Those who live by the Spirit stay in step with it; backsliders drift away from it.
4. Galatians 5:22–23 — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
A backslider does not show the fruit of the Spirit but shows the works of the flesh instead. The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. If someone is producing the works of the flesh instead, they are not living by the Spirit.
Summary
Based on Galatians 5:19–26:
1. A lost soul = Anyone who lives by the flesh and practices the works listed in verses 19–21
2. A backslider = Someone who has reverted to old sinful ways and is living by the flesh again.
3. Therefore, a backslider IS a lost soul — because they are living in the works of the flesh and will not inherit the kingdom of God according to Paul’s clear warning in Galatians 5:21
4. According to Galatians 5: If someone is experiencing spiritual regression and living in the works of the flesh, they are lost — not saved. The Bible does not say “you can keep practicing sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, drunkenness” and still be saved. It says those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Compiled by:
Dr Gyamfi. A divinely gifted Virtual Teacher and Counselor without boundaries.
