SCRIPTURE 1 Timothy 1:18–19 “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”  

COMMENTARY Paul wrote Timothy that we must hold to our faith and a good conscience; otherwise our faith will be shipwrecked.  The term “shipwreck” (Greek nauageō) here references a traditional shipwreck where the ship is literally wrecked or destroyed.  The passage suggests this is the case for some; their faith will be shipwrecked or destroyed.  You cannot shipwreck something that does not exist. 

This is another passage that is problematic for those who believe in guaranteed, unconditional eternal security, because faith is the basis of our salvation.  No faith = no salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1–2).  If we abandon or destroy our faith, we are no longer secure in our salvation.  While Paul is handing Hymenaeus and Alexander over to Satan in the hope they will repent, this remains a hope.