Subject: Eternal Security? |
Bible Note: Tim, 1) (1 Cor. 15:1-2) I never said that they should be viewed as "shallow". I simply stated that "shallow" Christians are a reality and this explanation would be one to justify "believing in vain". Notice Paul says "UNLESS".. Therefore, Paul is not viewing these people as "shallow", he is simply reinforcing his "if you hold fast" by completing the 'if/then else' structure here with an 'else' option. I am convinced that the people who Paul is speaking to are already saved. As far as "being saved" is concerned, either you are saved or you are not. There is no in-between. 2) (Col. 1:21-23) I do not see an "if" in v. 22, but I most definitely see one in verse 23. True believers will not defect from the Gospel, but remain solid on Christ who is the only foundation (1 Cor. 3:11). "IF" is not used as a 'condition' here, it is simply stating that 'by continuing in the faith, He will present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight.' If a 'believer' does not continue in this way, then they were never really apprehended by the Holy Spirit to begin with. Would you like to discuss the perseverance of the saints? 3) (2 Peter 1:10-11) Again, like Paul, Peter here is not using "IF" as a conditional statement, but saying that 'When you do these things, you will never stumble!' True believers in Jesus Christ will gain the qualities expressed in vv. 5-8, and "IF" in v. 10 is a reflection back to v. 9, which states that one who lacks the qualities in vv. 5-8 is shortsighted, etc, etc.. I interpret such verses as a 'challenge' towards maturity, not as a conditional structure warning against apostasy. Blessings, Nolan (As for Bad food jokes, I will not take the blame for that one.) |