Re: Eternal Security Goes Along w/ Salvation by Faith, Not Works
Well NewB, it is good that while one affirms that God's word is basically clear (with some obtuse passages), yet we may err on the interpretation of a verse. I see the 2 Cor passage at that spot as a place where Paul is giving a sample of his message, and that the "you" refers to unsaved men to whom he preaches that they need to be reconciled, throughly changed so that the old things pass away and all becomes new.
Of course in Corinth there were associated with the church there, a number of unsaved persons. In the NT the church of Corinth was a particularly problematic church. There certainly is nothing in Corinthians indicating that saved persons got lost, though there is a particularly rigorous chastisement assigned to a fornicator in 1 Cor 6. 2 Cor has " brother goeth to law with brother," sinning Christians who were still brothers -- nothing about them "losing salvation."
BTW, as long as one believes "losing salvation," that shows that one does not believe in salvation, nor in the Savior. To such a one, the Gospel is Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved. Somehow such a one must come to the realization that he needs to trust the Lord Jesus for His eternal destiny.
There is too much at stake here my friend...I believe in Christ and thus I obey him...
[SUP]21 [/SUP]For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
[SUP]22 [/SUP]Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
Well NewB, it is good that while one affirms that God's word is basically clear (with some obtuse passages), yet we may err on the interpretation of a verse. I see the 2 Cor passage at that spot as a place where Paul is giving a sample of his message, and that the "you" refers to unsaved men to whom he preaches that they need to be reconciled, throughly changed so that the old things pass away and all becomes new.
Of course in Corinth there were associated with the church there, a number of unsaved persons. In the NT the church of Corinth was a particularly problematic church. There certainly is nothing in Corinthians indicating that saved persons got lost, though there is a particularly rigorous chastisement assigned to a fornicator in 1 Cor 6. 2 Cor has " brother goeth to law with brother," sinning Christians who were still brothers -- nothing about them "losing salvation."
BTW, as long as one believes "losing salvation," that shows that one does not believe in salvation, nor in the Savior. To such a one, the Gospel is Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved. Somehow such a one must come to the realization that he needs to trust the Lord Jesus for His eternal destiny.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
[SUP]22 [/SUP]Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.