by D. Richards (Canada)
We have dealt with Scriptures which support the truth that once we have trusted
the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour, we are eternally secure. However some
use other Scriptures to object to this teaching. In these two final papers we
shall examine at least some of these objections.
Romans 3.25 “Whom [Christ Jesus] God hath set forth to be a propitiation through
faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission [forgiveness]
of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”
Some will say that this verse teaches that the work of Christ upon the cross only covers our past sins. If this is so, then what is to be done about our future sins? Are we supposed to atone for them ourselves, and if so, how? If the work of Christ is not necessary for our future sins, then why is it necessary for our past sins? This verse must not be taken on its own. Notice the following verse, v26, “To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” The words “at this time” in v26 are set in contrast to “sins that are past” in v25. V25 is referring to sins prior to the death of Christ. Heb.10.4 says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” The animal sacrifices offered in the Old Testament were not capable of putting away sins, all they could do is cover sins temporarily. This is the meaning of the word “atonement” in the Old Testament. It meant “a covering”. No one was ever saved apart from the work of Christ. When an Israelite in all sincerity offered a sacrifice for his sins in Old Testament times, his sins were covered, but not erased. But through the death of Christ upon the cross those who came to God in all sincerity have had their sins remitted. V26 goes on to speak about the effect of the work of Christ upon those who believe since the death of Christ.
Philippians 2.12 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but also in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
It is claimed that God saves us initially, but we must now work out our salvation, or else we may lose it. First of all, the verse says nothing about losing our salvation. But I want you to notice that in the expression “your own salvation,” “your” is plural, but “salvation” is singular. Paul is addressing the assembly at Philippi. They were experiencing problems with unity. I would judge that at this time it may not have been that serious, but little problems will become big problems if they are not dealt with quickly. Notice what Paul says in v2 about being “of one accord, of one mind,” and in v3, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory …”. In v12 Paul indicates that, as a prisoner in Rome, he was unable to come to help them with their problems. They would have to “work out their own salvation,” that is, their own deliverance from the problems that existed amongst them.
Col.1.21-23 “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, …”.
Again, it is suggested, that v23 teaches that if we do not “continue in the faith …” then we lose our salvation. But, notice that v21 says, “you … hath He reconciled…”. The Greek verb here is in the aorist tense, speaking of a settled, unalterable state. In v23 Paul is stating that if we don’t continue then we were never saved in the first place. Continuance is the proof of genuineness! The proof that Christ has saved us is that we continue in the things of God. Look again at v21. First of all we see what God has done for us, “hath He reconciled.” Secondly, we see how He accomplished it, “through the body of His flesh through death.” Thirdly, we see the goal that He had in mind, “to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” God’s purpose cannot be defeated!
—to be continued (D.V.)