Key Verse: "The Lord is not slack
concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is
longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that
all should come to repentance."
- 2 Peter 3:9 KJV
Narcissism is a condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While the term "narcissism" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the Bible provides profound insights into the nature of pride and selfishness, which are central to narcissism. Today, we'll explore whether a narcissist can be saved, drawing from key verses in the Bible.
The Heart of the Matter
At the root of narcissism lies pride—a sin the Bible addresses often and severely. "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" Proverbs 16:18. Pride blinds the sinner to their need for God. Narcissism, in its spiritual form, elevates the self and pushes God aside. But this is not a new struggle. Even Lucifer fell because of pride (Isaiah 14:12–15). And yet, the God who cast him out still offers redemption to humanity.
The Call to Humility
Jesus emphasized humility as a fundamental virtue. In Matthew 23:12, He says, "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Narcissism thrives on arrogance and self-elevation, making humility a critical step toward obtaining salvation.
God’s Power to Transform
Though narcissism is a deeply rooted issue, the power of God’s grace is greater. "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" 1 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV).
Paul reminds the Corinthian church that their past identities, including pride, selfishness, and various sins were transformed through Christ. No heart is too hard for the Lord to soften. What seems impossible for man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).
The Need for Repentance
Salvation requires repentance, which is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. "Repent ye therefore, and
be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of
refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" Acts 3:19 (KJV).
The Promise of Forgiveness
God offers forgiveness to those who repent. In 1 John 1:9, we read, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise extends to everyone, including those struggling with narcissistic tendencies.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transforming lives. Romans 8:2 says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." Through the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome their sinful nature, including narcissistic traits.
Overcoming Narcissism Through Faith
Believers are called to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5). Faith in Jesus Christ enables us to trust in His power to transform us. Philippians Chapter 2 encourages us to have the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2).
Conclusion
In Matthew 19:24 Jesus states, "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." The narcissist is similar to the rich man. Both are relying on something other than God, wealth for the rich man, and self for the narcissist. Every person believes that there is nothing wrong in their lives, thus there is no need to repent and turn to God for salvation.
The good news is that after his disciples asked Jesus who then can be saved, He responded in Matthew 19:26 saying, "...With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Yes, a narcissist can be saved.
Even the narcissist, if brought low by conviction, can repent. The
challenge is for such a person to recognize their need. Often, God uses
suffering, broken relationships, or a crisis to pierce the shell of
pride and awaken the soul. For a narcissist to be saved, they must first
recognize their pride and selfishness as sins and genuinely repent of
them.
Rather than writing off the narcissist as “too far gone,” believers are called to pray and to love—even when it’s hard.
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
—Galatians 6:1 (KJV)
Restoration is always God’s heart. We must believe that the same God who saved Saul of Tarsus, a prideful persecutor and murderer, can also redeem the narcissist who seems unreachable.
Salvation is available to all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. The Bible provides hope and guidance for overcoming narcissistic tendencies through humility, repentance, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
