Wednesday 4/9/14
One issue that has divided many Christians and churches for as long as I can remember is the matter of eternal security. In fact, there are some people who, upon meeting a Christian from another church, will immediately ask the question, “Do you believe Christians can lose their salvation?” Proponents on both sides of the issue love to bombard their listeners with one bible verse after another to validate their position. I personally believe a genuine child of God cannot lose his or her salvation, and am ready to explain why for any that will ask. Nevertheless, that does not make me a better Christian than those who believe the opposite. I also, just like they, could pound you today with many bible verses that support my belief. However, I realize that the people who are reading this blog are my friends, family, and church members, not seminary students. I always keep that in mind every time I write this blog and try not to cite more bible verses than necessary.
As in all doctrinal issues, this one has its extremists with one group saying that, since their salvation is now secure, they can live their lives any way they want, and the other side believing that they lose their salvation every time they sin in any way, even with something as common as having an evil thought. As I said before, both of these are extreme positions and neither makes any sense. The only bible passage I will use today is neither pro or con but it does address the matter of the turmoil and controversy that is caused when believers have opposing views on matters involving the Christian life. In it, the Apostle Paul wrote that this is what the bottom line should be: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19) It simply means that we should do our best to get along with believers everywhere and not squabble over matters which won’t change our standing in Christ anyway. We should focus more on things in which we agree and not on those where we don’t.
In the end, people on opposite sides of this issue who love the Lord are really intent on the same thing. That is, they seek to live their lives in such a way that God will be honored. And because they do that, they don’t give doctrinal points that much thought anyhow.
Memory verse for the week: (Proverbs 18:10) The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
