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How can we determine which of the two messages on salvation and sanctification is biblically sound?
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COMPARING AND CONTRASTING THE TWO DIFFERENT SALVATION AND SANCTIFICATION MESSAGES—PART ONE
Now that we’ve learned there are primarily two different portrayals of the salvation/sanctification relationship, what will be presented are verses that are used to support these perspectives. Each will be translated differently depending on which view is being analyzed. If the salvation approach is based on obedience, the rending will be denoted by the words: SALVATION CAN BE LOST. If the salvation approach is determined by a person’s response to the gospel, this will be signified by the words: SALVATION IS IRREVOCABLE.
When certain words in Scripture are translated differently from the opposing salvation analysis, their meanings will be highlighted in bold text. While many verses could be used in this compare and contrast, I’ll use the ones that are most prominently referred to. Are you ready to begin? Let’s go. Please turn in your Bible to the book of Acts.
SALVATION CAN BE LOST—Thy Money Perish with Thee
Suggested Reading: Acts 8:5-24
18-20 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! NASB
Philip, one of the seven deacons of Jerusalem, traveled to Sychar in the region of Samaria. The Samaritans were a people who held to both Jewish and pagan rites. When he preached the gospel, they believed in Jesus and were baptized in water. However, at this time, they didn’t receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
When the leadership of the Jerusalem church heard about this, they sent two apostles, Peter and John to address it. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, while laying hands on them, and they received Him.
One of those who accepted Christ was a man named Simon. He was a sorcerer who exercised control over nature and people by means of demonic power and was considered by them to be the supreme Father. After witnessing that the Holy Spirit was received by the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money to obtain the same ability.
They responded to his actions with a stern rebuke: Your silver perish with you. According to Adam Clarkes Commentary, these words mean that he and his ill-gotten goods would perish together; his money should be dissipated, and his soul [goes] into perdition.39
22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. NASB
However, recovery of his standing with God would take place if he were to repent of his wickedness. The word repent means to change one’s way of life as a result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness.40
This is just a reminder. Most of the content in what follows is the same as what was just presented. If you don’t want to read everything over again, just find the bold text indicating where a change in wording/translation took place.
SALVATION IS IRREVOCABLE—Thy Money Perish with Thee
Suggested Reading: Acts 8:5-24
18-20 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit." But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! NASB
Philip, one of the seven deacons of Jerusalem, traveled to Sychar in the region of Samaria. The Samaritans were a people who held to both Jewish and pagan rites. When he preached the gospel, they believed in Jesus and were baptized in water. However, at this time, they didn’t receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
When the leadership of the Jerusalem church heard about this, they sent two apostles, Peter and John, to address it. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit while laying hands on them, and they received Him.
One of those who accepted Christ was named Simon. He was a sorcerer who exercised control over nature and people by means of demonic power and was considered by them to be the supreme Father. After witnessing that the Holy Spirit was received by the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money to obtain the same ability.
They responded to his actions with a stern rebuke: Your silver perish with you. The word perish conveys the idea that he (the Apostle Peter) [does not so much wish unto him destruction, as he tells him that the just vengeance of God hangs] over his head, that he might terrify him.41
Hebrews 12:6a For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, NASB
What this has to do with is divine discipline/chastisement for the purpose of spiritual restoration.
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, NASB
However, recovery of his communion with God would only take place if he were to repent of his wickedness. The word repent meansto change one’s way of life as a result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness.42
As we’ve learned, sometimes the core content is the same but with a different ending based on the theology of the church with respect to the topics of salvation/sanctification.
Where I’d like us to turn next in our Bibles is the book of Romans.
SALVATION CAN BE LOST—Thou Also Shalt Be Cut Off
Suggested Reading: Romans 11:1-36
2a God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. NASB
The Apostle Paul was telling the believers in Rome that God has not rejected all Israel, whom He foreknew (knew beforehand who would freely believe in His Son for salvation).
5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. NASB
There is, however, a remnant (a small number) according to God’s gracious choice (chosen beforehand based on foreknowledge).
11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. NASB
He further expounds that even though Israel did stumble because of disobedience and unbelief, this has brought about two positive effects. The first is that the offer of salvation has now also been presented to the unbelieving Gentiles. Second, as the converted Gentiles witness God working in themselves, hopefully, this will cause some of the unbelieving Jews (the remnant) to become jealous and respond to salvation.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, NASB
Romans 4:11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be reckoned to them, NASB
Galatians 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. NASB
Then Paul presents an analogy in regards to the unbelieving Gentiles who might choose not to believe in Christ. Some of the branches (unbelieving Jews) of the olive tree (cultivated olive tree; a cultivated olive, long under the training and blessing of God43) were broken off (cut off) from the blessings of the Christian church because of the unbelief of the Christian message that was prophesied about Abraham that he would be the father of all them that believe, who would receive the promise of the Spirit.
Because of such, this allowed you, a branch of the unbelieving Gentiles from a wild olive (unfruitful and barren) tree, to be grafted (inserted) into the olive tree and have the opportunity to be made partakers of the faith of [Abraham] and consequently of his blessings.44
Romans 11:20-21 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. NASB
God has broken off (rejected) the natural Jewish branches for their unbelief. However, in your case, the Gentile Christians of the church at Rome, who stand by your faith, be careful that neither will He spare you (reject thee also).
22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. NASB
He follows this up by saying to the Gentile Christians that they notice the kindness (goodness) and severity (sharpness; harshness) of God carefully. On those who fell (the Jews that chose not to believe), severity (punishment), but to you (Gentile believers), kindness (goodness), if you continue (to abide) in His kindness (friendship; companionship), otherwise you (Gentile Christians) will also be cut off (loss of salvation).
SALVATION IS IRREVOCABLE—Thou Also Shalt Be Cut Off
Suggested Reading: Romans 11:1-36
2a God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. NASB
The Apostle Paul was telling the believers at Rome that God has not rejected all Israel, whom He foreknew (knew beforehand who would freely believe in His Son for salvation).
5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice. NASB
There is, however, a remnant (a small number) according to God’s gracious choice (chosen beforehand based on foreknowledge).
11 I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous. NASB
He further expounds that even though Israel did stumble because of disobedience and unbelief, this has brought about two positive effects. The first is that the offer of salvation has now also been presented to the unbelieving Gentiles. Second, as the converted Gentiles witness God working in themselves, hopefully, this will cause some of the unbelieving Jews (the remnant) to become jealous and respond to salvation.
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, NASB
Romans 4:11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be reckoned to them, NASB
Galatians 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. NASB
Then Paul presents an analogy in regards to the unbelieving Gentiles who might choose not to believe in Christ. Some of the branches (unbelieving Jews) of the olive tree (cultivated olive tree; a cultivated olive, long under the training and blessing of God45) were broken off (cut off) from the blessings of the Christian church because of the unbelief of the Christian message that was prophesied about Abraham that he would be the father of all them that believe, who would receive the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit.
Because of such, this allowed you, a branch of the unbelieving Gentiles from a wild olive (unfruitful and barren) tree, to be grafted (inserted) into the olive tree and have the opportunity to be made partakers of the faith of [Abraham] and consequently of his blessings.46
Romans 11:20-21 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. NASB
God has broken off (rejected) the natural Jewish branches for their unbelief. However, in your case, the Gentile Christians of the church at Rome, who stand by your faith, be careful that neither will He spare you (reject thee, the unbelieving Gentiles). We’re told that those Gentiles who have already believed, i.e., those in the church at Rome, stand by their faith. The verb stand in Koine Greek is in the form of a perfect active indicative. The perfect is a tense whose action, i.e., the action of faith, believing in the gospel for salvation, was completed in the past with present continuous results, meaning they’re continually saved in the present.
22 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. NASB
He follows this up by saying to the unbelieving Gentiles that they notice the kindness (goodness; to have an opportunity to respond to the invitation for salvation) and severity (sharpness; harshness) of God carefully on those who fell (the Jews that chose not to believe). Likewise, severity(punishment), but to you (unbelieving Gentiles), kindness (goodness)if you continue (to remain) in His kindness (friendship; companionship; it is the attitude of the Gentile towards the Jew and the benevolent kindness of God in including him in the salvation offered to the Jew47). Otherwise, thou (the unbelieving Gentiles) will be cut off (rejected).
Where I’d like us to turn next is the book of 1 Corinthians.
SALVATION CAN BE LOST—I Myself Should Be a Castaway
Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24-25a Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, NASB
The Apostle Paul made himself a servant to both the Jews, who were under the Law, and the Gentiles, who weren’t under the Law, to preach the gospel to them, hoping for a favorable response. He says that Christians, are like those who run in a race in the Isthmian games, one of the four great national festivals of the Greeks that competes (agonizes) in the games. Every runner who contends exercises self-control (disciplined himself very carefully, enduring ten months of preparatory training and practice in the gymnasium under the direction of judges who had themselves done the same thing48).Self-denial and hardship were required in order to compete in the contest and possibly win a perishable wreath.
25b-26 but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; NASB
Paul said, like them, Christians, should rather strive for an imperishable award (a prize that will never fade; eternal rewards). As for himself, he boxed not in such a way beating the air practicing without an adversary but as one who, in his conflict with evil, struck straight and did not despair. As the Greek boxer wore a pair of [fur-lined] gloves covered with cowhide and loaded with lead and iron49 to punish his opponent, so should we be as energetic in addressing sin in our own lives.
27a but I buffet my body and make it my slave, NASB
As a spiritual combatant, Paul applies temperance to his body, which is where the sin nature resides that must be made his slave, like the horses in a chariot race that must be kept well in hand by whip and rein if the prize is to be secured.50
27b lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. NASB
Lest (otherwise), after he preached to others, he’d be like those who the herald of the games rejected as having not deserved the prize, thus describing himself as being disqualified (those which will not bear the “test” that is applied to them51; unfit to enter heaven).
SALVATION IS IRREVOCABLE—I Myself Should Be a Castaway
Suggested Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24-25a Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, NASB
The Apostle Paul made himself a servant to both the Jews, who were under the Law, and the Gentiles, who weren’t under the Law, to preach the gospel to them, hoping for a favorable response. He says that Christians, are like those who run in a race in the Isthmian games, one of the four great national festivals of the Greeks that competes (agonizes) in the games. Every runner who contended is exercising self-control (disciplined himself very carefully, enduring ten months of preparatory training and practice in the gymnasium under the direction of judges who had themselves done the same thing52).Self-denial and hardship were required in order to compete in the contest and possibly win a perishable wreath.
25b-26 but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; NASB
Paul said, like them, Christians should rather strive for an imperishable award (a prize that will never fade; eternal rewards). As for himself, he boxed not in such a way beating the air practicing without an adversary but as one who, in his conflict with evil, struck straight and did not despair. As the Greek boxer wore a pair of [fur-lined] gloves covered with cowhide and loaded with lead and iron53 to punish his opponent, so should we be as energetic in addressing sin in our own lives.
27a but I buffet my body and make it my slave, NASB
As a spiritual combatant, Paul applies temperance to his body, which is where the sin nature resides that must be made his slave, like the horses in a chariot race that must be kept well in hand by whip and rein if the prize is to be secured.54
27b lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. NASB
Lest (otherwise), after he preached to others, he’d be like those who the herald of the games rejected as having not deserved the prize, thus describing himself as being disqualified (those which will not bear the “test” that is applied to them55; unfit to be used by God;the disqualified Greek athlete did not lose his citizenship, only his opportunity to win a prize56). Bearing a test has to do with a believer’s walk with God. This is conditional as it’s based on their free will to learn about who they are in Christ and how they should think whether in the midst of outward circumstances or inward mental projections. The following verse reflects this analysis.
Galatians 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. NASB
If we live (wherein we are continually alive though sometimes inactive;57 the new divine life resident in their beings58) by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit (to conduct [ourselves] under the guidance, impulses, and energy of that life59). The word walk in Koine Greek is a present active subjunctive. The present tense denotes continuous action in the present. The active voice indicates that the subject produces the action. The subjunctive mood denotes possible action of the verb if certain existing facts take place. Putting these together, here’s what we could deduce.
Whether these believers continue to walk in the Spirit is a decision they’ll have to make. Exercising judgment to grow spiritually is a choice that each of us must determine daily. Therefore, progressive sanctification is conditional. This confirms that salvation is once and for all and is not affected by the choices a believer makes in time.
As we’ve learned, sometimes the change in the meaning of a word or words along with the inclusion of one or more verses that support the rendering can alter the salvation/sanctification perspective.
There’s another section of the Scriptures that I’d like us to look at, which is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. This will reveal to us that how someone interprets a phrase will determine whether those in question were actually saved. Likewise, if this is analyzed differently, an entirely different conclusion would emerge.
SALVATION CAN BE LOST—Whether Ye be in the Faith
Suggested reading: 2 Corinthians 13:1-9
3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. NASB
The Apostle Paul was addressing the believers in Corinth, some of whom were seeking proof (called into question his apostolic authority; demanded the evidence of his divine commission60) that Christ speaks in him. To which he responded in two ways:
●Who, i.e., Christ to you is not weak (not without [the] power of chastisement in relation to you, by me generally, and in this very letter61)
●But is also mighty in you (has given proofs of power in [miracles] and in punishing offenders62)
In these two avenues, Paul was reminding them that God has evidenced His working through him.
5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test? NASB
With that said, Paul asked them to test themselves (ascertain one’s spiritual condition) whether they are in the faith (find out whether [they] are true Christians63).
What were they to do to find out if this was so?
They were instructed to examine themselves, i.e., to find out whether they [were] living as Christians should live.64
How would this be determined?
Paul answered that they needed to recognize this about themselves by testing their character, principles, and conduct65 to see whether Christ is in them. Does Jesus Christ dwell in you? You have his Spirit, his power, [and his mind, if ye be Christians, and the Spirit of Christ bears witness with your spirit that you] are the children of God.66
Otherwise, they’d be considered as those who failed the test (counterfeit coins; of being cast off or abandoned by God67).
SALVATION IS IRREVOCABLE—Whether Ye Be in the Faith
Suggested reading: 2 Corinthians 13:1-9
3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. NASB
The Apostle Paul was addressing the believers in Corinth, some of whom were seeking proof (called into question his apostolic authority; demanded the evidence of his divine commission68) that Christ speaks in him. To which he responded in two ways:
●Who, i.e., Christ to you is not weak (not without [the] power of chastisement in relation to you, by me generally, and in this very letter69)
●But is also mighty in you (has given proofs of power in [miracles] and in punishing offenders70)
In these two avenues, Paul was reminding them that God has evidenced His working through him.
5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test? NASB
With that said, Paul asked them to examine themselves (ascertain one’s spiritual condition; look into one’s self), whether they are in the faith (practical sanctification; were demonstrating that they were in the faith), and that Christ is in them (by obeying His will).
What were they to do to find out if this was so?
They were instructed to recognize this about themselves, i.e., test themselves and do what was right. Otherwise, they’d be considered as those who failed the test (disapproved; to fail was to be disobedient and therefore subject to God's discipline71).
In the next chapter, we’ll continue to compare and contrast Scriptures that pertain to the
salvation/sanctification debate. But before we do, I’d like to leave you with an article about how we discuss doctrinal differences with Christian friends. This dialogue took place between three servants of the Lord. Enjoy.
HOW SHOULD WE APPROACH FRIENDS WE DISAGREE WITH THEOLOGICALLY?
FERGUSON: You must remember that you and they hold different doctrines and that it takes two to have a theological discussion.
There are many biblical considerations that speak to this issue. First, you must understand that you are speaking to another human being. Second, you must remember that you probably did not come to the doctrines you hold overnight. So, be careful about treating somebody who does not share them as [stupid] because you once were in a similar position. Third, you need to discern the difference between people who are coming down the hill and people who are going up the hill.
With people going down the hill, you need to think of ways to prevent them from rolling down any further. As for people going up the hill, you need to patiently help them because of how patient God was with you before it suddenly clicked, and you thought, “Now I understand.” This is why Paul told Timothy to instruct others with great patience (2 Tim. 4:2). So, those are a few principles that I use.
PARSONS: The emphasis on patience is important. We must remember that we are not the Holy Spirit in the lives of our friends and loved ones, that we need to trust the Holy Spirit to do the work that He will do, and that we need to spend time pointing them to Scripture. Over the years, when people have wanted to argue a point with me, I have said, “Let’s spend some time in Scripture together, not just reading it, but studying it and getting some good commentaries.” So, be patient, trust the Spirit, and pour over Scripture.
FERGUSON: I want to add to what I said before. I have often felt that in areas of doctrinal disagreement, one of the keys that helps resolve the issue is to ask, “What did Jesus believe about this?” If you can get into that, it helps dissolve some of the emotional hang-ups and distortions that people often have been taught by the tradition they were raised in and by the books they have read.
One thing you have in common is that you are both Christians and are supposed to believe whatever Jesus taught. However, we tend to look for answers outside Jesus. So, thinking about Jesus as the master theologian, knowing the Gospels, and then understanding how the Apostles taught what Jesus had commanded them to teach is a great way to dissolve some of the emotional angst and antagonism that can be created.
THOMAS: This is an important question because Paul makes the point that some truths are of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3). In other words, there are primary [truths, and, by implication, some truths are secondary, and some] are even tertiary. If the difference of opinion is over justification by faith alone in Christ alone, that’s one thing. But if it is over the mode of baptism, that’s another thing—not all of them are equal. So, our response to friends who have different opinions also depends on the doctrine we are defending.72
Endnotes
39Adam Clarke’s Commentary.
40Greek-English Lexicon Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005. BIBLESOFT. WEB. 5 December 2024 ˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.
41Calvin's Commentaries Pc Study Bible version 5, 2006. BIBLESOFT. WEB. 6 December 2024
˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.
42Greek-English Lexicon.
43Barnes’ Notes.
44Adam Clarke’s Commentary.
45Barnes’ Notes.
46Adam Clarke’s Commentary.
47Weust’s Word Studies.
48Weust’s Word Studies.
49Weust’s Word Studies.
50Robertson’s New Testament Word Pictures Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005, 22 September 2012˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.
51Barnes’ Notes.
52Weust’s Word Studies.
53Weust.’s Word Studies.
54Robertson’s New Testament Word Pictures.
55Barnes’ Notes.
56The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.
57Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown Commentary.
58Weust’s Word Studies.
59Weust’s Word Studies.
60Barnes’ Notes.
61Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown Commentary.
62Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown Commentary.
63Barnes’ Notes.
64UBS New Testament Handbook Series.
65Barnes’ Notes.
66Adam Clarke’s Commentary.
67Barnes’ Notes.
68Barnes’ Notes.
69Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown Commentary.
70Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown Commentary.
71Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament.
72Burk Parsons. “How should we approach friends we disagree with theologically?” ASK LIGONIER 27 December 2024
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