Subject: The unpardonable sin? |
Bible Note: Tim, In re-reading your post, I understand your belief that salvation is a past completed action and that this is instrumental to your faith. Your post stated, “Titus (3):4 - " But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Every action of God in this verse (is) in the tense of past completed action. We aren't being saved. We aren't hoping to be saved. We are saved, justified, and have already become heir of eternal life.” Consider this regarding your comments: Titus 3:7 states that we “might” become heirs having the “hope” of eternal life. These words are not definite, but conditional. Furthermore, we should continue reading this chapter: Titus 3:8 8This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. NAS Paul directs Christians to speak confidently of those things they have learned to encourage all Christians to WORK! Christians must be careful to engage in good deeds! We also must note that this concept of serving God is a process of “being saved”. 1 Cor 1:18 18For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. NAS As long as a Christian is working to do what God desires of him, he is saved. If he is lazy, he should expect no better treatment than what scripture affords the lazy slave in the parable of the talents. If you desire to explore this further I am at your service. AO |