Originally posted by blakbuzzrd
Hmm. Why this passage? It sounds a lot like salvation through honest good work. Plenty of folks have indulged in self-mortification without confessing Jesus as their savior.
Part of this is that Paul is a really not a very good writer. How does what was he trying to say in this passage relate to the central doctrine of salvation by grace through faith ...[text shortened]... 1:21-22 where the author(s) talk about those who believe having been "sealed in the Spirit."
So, epiphinehas, are you saying that a person can lose his or her salvation, once it has been gained?
Definitely. And that is hardly a charismatic viewpoint. Are you saying that if a former believer denounces Christ, disobeys the Holy Spirit, lives a life of sin and lead others into sin, perhaps even actively leads people astray from God's word, that that person will nevertheless inherit the kingdom?
"For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for our sins; no further offering to which to look forward. There is nothing left for us then but a kind of awful and fearful prospect and expectation of divine judgment and the fury of burning wrath and indignation which will consume those who put themselves in opposition to God" (Hebrews 10:26-27).
"Remember that it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you. You will say, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’ That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand only through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity towards those who have fallen, but God’s kindness towards you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off" (Romans 11:18-22).
"‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us”, then in reply he will say to you, “I do not know where you come from"" (Luke 13:24-25).
These warnings are legitimate. God's way of salvation never allows us the opportunity to cease fearing the Lord. On the one hand we are able, through faith, to come boldly before the throne of grace; and on the other hand, we are able to reject God's salvation after receiving it: "how can we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3). The fear of the Lord keeps us in line with him and growing in discipline, instead of becoming lukewarm: "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-17).