Why are there verses in the bible that seem to support both loss of salvation and security?
In fact Paul says in Galatians 1:15-16
[SUP]15 [/SUP]But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased[SUP]16 [/SUP]to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
But then he also says 1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Is paul teaching that He both can and cannot lose salvation?
I mean thread after thread comes up here on CC and I'm willing to wager every other christian board out there...why are there seemingly two messages in the bible on this issue?
In fact Paul says in Galatians 1:15-16
[SUP]15 [/SUP]But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased[SUP]16 [/SUP]to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
But then he also says 1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Is paul teaching that He both can and cannot lose salvation?
I mean thread after thread comes up here on CC and I'm willing to wager every other christian board out there...why are there seemingly two messages in the bible on this issue?
[SUP]24 [/SUP]·You [[SUP]L [/SUP]Don’t you…?] know that in a ·race [[SUP]L [/SUP]stadium] all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win! [SUP]25 [/SUP]All those who compete in the games ·use self-control [train with strict discipline] so they can win a ·crown [victor’s wreath]. That ·crown [victor’s wreath] is ·an earthly thing that lasts only a short time [[SUP]L [/SUP]perishable], but our crown ·will never be destroyed [[SUP]L [/SUP]is imperishable]. [SUP]26 [/SUP]So I do not run ·without a goal [aimlessly]. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air. [SUP]27 [/SUP]I ·treat my body hard [discipline/subdue/pummel my body] and ·make it my slave [subdue it] so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others.
The prize is not salvation in this context, it's winning others for Christ, Paul is talking how he trains for knowing, speaking, reasoning for the Gospel as if he was training for a physical race or boxing match. The more you are equipped with the word and experienced in presenting it, the more God can use you for the advancement of His kingdom. The word is Spirit, a double edge sword that pierces the heart to convict men of their sin and rebellion against the Creator.