If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
The question of the condition.
Albert Barnes says, “The meaning is, that it will be impossible to be saved unless we continue to lead lives becoming the gospel.”
There is no question that he is correct. The question comes as to upon whom the “if” rests.
The “if” does not rest upon the Christian
If it did, if our salvation were conditioned upon our ability to continue leading a life becoming of the gospel, then salvation would be all of works and none of faith. It would make the work of Christ on the cross and the renewing of the Holy Ghost temporary at best. The New Testament message falls apart if our faith begins in Christ but finishes in us.
The “if” rests upon Christ
Those who are saved will continue in the faith, grounded, and settled. It’s not a question. There is no doubt.
Here’s the key: such a thing as a false profession exists. Such a profession is proven because it never continues in the faith. It may begin well. It may blossom temporarily. In the end, because it is not grounded in Christ, it moves away from the hope of the gospel.
We must preach not a religion but a relationship with Jesus. Religion will produce a soul deceived into a false profession that can never last.
It is better a soul never makes a profession than to make a bad profession and then move away from it.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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