01.01. Part 1.1
A LETTER ON THE JUDGMENT SEAT
Dear brother X, This will be a lengthy response to your concerns about my understanding of the Judgment Seat of Christ. I am sorry if the reply seems so long, but this matter opens a wide door on many passages of Scripture that have not received adequate exposition in the past by many teachers, in my opinion. Actually, some of the topics I will touch upon will probably be absolutely new to you, and my treatment of them will probably be too brief.
I can only ask you to be prayerfully open about this response and the new ideas before you come to a conclusion. As an attempt to organize this response, I will use headings throughout the letter. Before beginning the details of the response, I want to tell you that I appreciate your care for the preservation of the perfect redemptive work of Christ, as well as your desire to honor His Word in every way. I can tell you that I share that concern as one who also has been feeding upon His holy Word for many years. Even if we end up having divergent views on this topic, I hope that we will have a mutual respect for one another’s sincerity in the exercise of interpretation, and grant one another the liberty for each to “be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5)
HONEST EXEGESIS When considering the interpretation of a passage, I feel we should be bound by accepted rules of exegesis. We should honor what the Word actually says, according to the meaning of the words, the grammar, the context, and the historical background. We should also base our teachings on what the witness of the whole Bible is, not just what one passage says. In this way we will be balanced in our understanding of any given doctrine.
If a passage plainly says something based upon these principles, then we best not ignore the plain meaning by trying to make it say something else according to our preconceived theology. Rather, I feel it is wisest to wait on the Lord to show us how the plain meaning fits with other passages (which teachings and meanings we fully accept though they may seem contradictory to us), or where our own theories need adjustment.
AGREEMENT
I am in agreement with your concern about Christ’s perfect redemption. Our eternal justification before God is a gift, given by His grace, obtained solely by faith. This justification will guarantee our salvation in eternity, and is preserved by the actions of the Father and Christ Himself (0; Romans 3:24; Romans 8:29-34; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 7:22-25; 1 John 2:1).
I state unequivocally that eternal salvation is granted to the believer by grace through faith, altogether apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 11:6). By this I mean that no deed, or accumulation of deeds, whether they be good deeds or bad deeds, whether they be performed by a Christian before the new birth, at the moment of the new birth, or in the lifetime of the believer following the new birth, can ever affect that believer’s eternal destiny or eternal security. It is faith alone in Christ alone that guarantees our place with God in eternity.
JUDGMENT BY GOD UPON A BELIEVER’S SINS This is the crux of the issue at hand. Some of the writings you passed on to me express the thought that there cannot be any judgment upon a believer due to his sins because of two reasons. Firstly, because such judgment would constitute a denial of the efficacy of Christ’s work. [Quoting from one tract where you highlighted: “There is no condemnation, because there is no judgment; there is no judgment, because there are no sins; and there are no sins, because Christ has once suffered for them, and by His death put them away for ever. Were the believer to be judged for his sins, it would be the denial of the value of that work by which they have been atoned for once for all.”]
Secondly, because if there was such a judgment upon a believer for his sins, the result would certainly be that we would be eternally condemned and lost. [Again quoting from a tract: “If any are judged for their sins, as the unsaved will surely be, there can be but one result - ‘Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.’ But we who have believed in Jesus are justified from our sins; God Himself has justified us, as Romans 3:26 says. Now it is certain that if we are justified from our sins we shall not be judged for them; ‘justified from’ and judged for’ are two distinctly opposite things.”] Therefore, according to this view, any judgment upon a believer’s sins, or bad deeds, will certainly result in a loss of justification, including a loss of salvation. In other words, any judgment upon believers for their sins will (1) depreciate Christ’s work of redemption, and (2) will necessarily result in the believer being eternally condemned. I would agree, in arguing against the Arminian view, that a “loss of salvation” due to the believer’s post conversion works would depreciate Christ’s perfect work of redemption. Moreover, I believe in Christ’s redemptive work to effect eternal salvation from the penalty of eternal death (John 3:13-18; Romans 5:18; Romans 6:23).
But, just because Christ’s work accomplished a redemption from the penalty of eternal death, does this mean that God CANNOT and DOES NOT judge a believer in ANY WAY (lesser than eternal death) for his sins? This is the question, I believe, at issue. DOES THE BIBLE REVEAL ANY DIVINE, GOVERNMENTAL JUDGMENT UPON A BELIEVER’S SINS? In fact, there are many Bible passages which I feel clearly show that the believer is in danger of judgment by God for unrepentant, unconfessed sin. Some of these “warning passages” pertain to judgment in this life, while others point to judgment in the next age, following the Judgment Seat (the 1,000 year Kingdom age precedes eternity; all judgment for the believer is consummated when eternity arrives, according to my present understanding of the Scriptures). Below is a display of verses using the terms judge, judgment, condemnation, etc.
Judgment in this life: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou has not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it. And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much. And she said, Yea, for so much. But Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to try the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out. And she fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the ghost: and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things. (Acts 5:1-11 ASV) For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern not the body. For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep. But if we discerned ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, wait one for another. If any man is hungry, let him eat at home; that your coming together be not unto judgment. And the rest will I set in order whensoever I come. (1 Corinthians 11:29-34 ASV)
“not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6 ASV) [Judged as was the devil for his pride.]
“Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4 ASV) [This verse may refer to the future Judgment after this life.]
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by the heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; that ye fall not under judgment.” (James 5:12 ASV)
“If any man see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: not concerning this do I say that he should make request.” (1 John 5:16 ASV)
Three cases above explicitly show that God can judge a believer with death for sin, and such judgment could not be termed “correctional”, a “training” by which a son’s path is corrected, as there would be no more opportunity to bring forth a righteous life after being killed.
It is clear, then, that the notion that “there is no judgment, because there are no sins” is true as respects eternity, but it is manifestly not true as respects these cases in time. God did not overlook these sins because of Christ’s redemption. He was not prevented by Christ’s perfect redemption from dealing out divine, governmental judgment upon these believers. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: whatsoever a man soweth, he shall also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ASV) Future Judgment:
Wherefore thou art without excuse, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judges another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest dost practise the same things. And we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against them that practise such things. And reckonest thou this, O man, who judgest them that practise such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? (Romans 2:1-3 ASV)
“in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.” (Romans 2:16 ASV)
Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God. (1 Corinthians 4:2-5 ASV) [Although Paul was justified for eternal life (Romans 3:24; Romans 5:18), he was not yet justified for positive reward, which is based upon works, and is decided at the coming Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Timothy 4:8; James 2:21-25). Contrast the possibility of Paul being disapproved for positive reward at the end of his race (1 Corinthians 9:27).]
“Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.” (1 Timothy 5:24 ASV) [Context is sinning elders and the rest of the assembly that is warned - 1 Timothy 5:19-22]
“And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment; . . .” (Hebrews 9:27 ASV) For if we sin wilfullly after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. A man that hath set at nought Moses law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he WAS sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. (Hebrews 10:26-30 ASV) [More will be said about this passage later. The “we”, according to the context, includes the writer and the “brethren” (Hebrews 10:19) who had come into God’s N. T. economy in Christ, but were now in danger of slipping back into Judaism. ]
“So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.” (James 2:12-13 ASV)
“Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.” (James 3:1 ASV)
“Murmur not, brethren, one against another, that ye be not judged: behold, the judge standeth before the doors.” (James 5:9 ASV)
“And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear: . . . “ (1 Peter 1:17 ASV)
“For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17 ASV) The case of John 5:24 :
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24 ASV)
I saved this verse until last, as it is the verse one of your tracts used to prove there is “no [future] judgment [upon believers], because there are no sins.” According to the context, the word “judgment” here would not mean a “process of judgment”, a future tribunal. Other verses above clearly show that there will be a future judgment of believers; we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, give an account of ourselves, and receive a recompense commensurate with our doings (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10). The sense of the word here [krisis, Gk.; Strong’s # 2920] is a judgment given, a sentence pronounced. In other words, a “condemnation”. The same Greek word is used in such a way in Matthew 23:33; John 3:19; James 5:12; Revelation 16:7. Showing a contrast to a final condemnation of eternal death, the verse declares “BUT hath passed out of death into life.”
There is a condemnation of death upon all men due to sin (Romans 5:16-18) Those who do not believe are already living under that judgment (John 3:18). But, as John 3:18 also declares, “He that believeth is NOT judged.” That is, he is released from eternal death (“they shall not perish” - John 3:16), and gains eternal life - “but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). The Amplified Version gives a good sense of the usage of the word: “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words - who listens to My message - and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment - does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation - but has already passed over out of death into life.” (John 5:24, AMP) The judgment, the condemnation, we as believers will not come into is a condemnation of eternal death. We have passed out of that condemnation. Christ’s death has released us from that condemnation (John 3:14-16). But, as we have seen and shall see, believers CAN incur other, temporal penalties for disobedience to a righteous God. I have enclosed the comments of G. H. Lang, well respected teacher among the Plymouth Brethren, on this very point.
REWARD ACCORDING TO WORKS As confirmed above, eternal salvation is by grace through faith. The Bible reveals another principle, however, that applies to believers as well as unbelievers. This principle is “reward according to works.” This “reward” could never involve eternal salvation, because it is according to works. The following verses show that this principle applies to every person, believer and unbeliever alike.
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds.” (Matthew 16:27 ASV)
“Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is.” (Revelation 22:12 ASV) It is also clear from these verses that this reward takes place when the Lord Jesus returns.
We should also notice that this “reward” is according to a man’s works. That is, the reward can be either positive or negative, in accordance with the nature of the person’s work. As respects unbelievers, the reward will only be negative, since no unbeliever is capable of doing good in God’s eyes (Romans 3:12).
But, what about believers? Can they do only good (1 Corinthians 15:34; 1 Corinthians 11:17; 2 Corinthians 12:20-21)? Is it possible for believers to backslide or fail miserably at perseverance (1 Timothy 1:19; 2 Timothy 4:10; Revelation 2:4-5; Revelation 3:2-3; Revelation 3:15-19)? Can believers be carnal and thus do fleshly works (unacceptable) in God’s eyes (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)? Anyone who is honest with the record of the Bible and experience must admit that believers can do evil works, and can persist in being carnal. I do believe, however, that any record of a bad deed done by a believer can be erased before God through confession (1 John 1:9), but more will be said about that later. The terms used for “reward” in the reward passages are neutral. That is, these Greek words signify that a reward can be positive or negative. The Greek word for reward in 1 Corinthians 3:8 means “wages” and it is used positively in Matthew 5:12, but negatively in Acts 1:18 (“the price of his wickedness”).
Similarly, one word for “recompense” (antapodoma, Strong’s #468) is also neutral (Luke 14:12; Romans 11:9). The word for “reward” in Colossians 3:24 (antapodosis, Strong’s #469) is derived from # 468. The verb apodidomi (Strong’s #591) appears in two crucial passages speaking of the reward which Jesus will render to every man (Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12). This verb means “to give up or back” and is used in the New Testament in both a positive and negative sense of giving back. The thought of the “reward” going either way is highlighted in the Judgment Seat passage of 2 Corinthians 5:1-21 :
Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him. For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest unto God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:9-11 ASV) The language is very plain. Contextually, it certainly appears that Paul is making it his aim to be pleasing to the Lord because there is a coming recompense that can be positive or negative. Further, based upon that possibility, Paul, as one who knows what it is to fear the Lord, desires to persuade men to be serious about the coming Judgment.
We only resist the idea of negative “reward” for believers due to a concept that we should not have to suffer for our sin since Christ did, and due to the erroneous concept that bliss automatically awaits every believer when Christ returns. We can never atone for our sins by suffering God’s judgment upon us, but we can certainly fall under His governmental hand and suffer a penalty for our unrepentant disobedience before eternity arrives.
It has already been made clear that God can judge us severely now, so it is not inconsistent that judgment can continue into the next age, prior to eternity, especially when one considers that the recompense according to works will take place after Christ returns (Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12). I will soon share many verses that make this clear. But to further underscore this prospect of positive or negative recompense for the believer, please note the two sister passages below:
Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him. (Ephesians 6:5-9 ASV)
Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ. For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. (Colossians 3:22-25 ASV) SOME WARNING VERSES FOR THE BELIEVER IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may straightway open unto him. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh. And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all? And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. But if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful. And that servant, who knew his lord’s will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more. (Luke 12:35-48 ASV)
I will make a few comments on this portion in Luke. The servants are members of the master’s household. They should be looking for the master’s return. They have been committed with stewardship. The issue is faithfulness in carrying out stewardship - this is a matter of duty, of works.
Further, the faithful one is blessed, but the story portrays the possibility of unfaithfulness by the same servant, not another servant who is false (“But if that servant”). The overall meaning of the story should be clear. It is designed to warn the Lord’s servants, His believers who should serve Him, that they must be diligent in carrying out their responsibilities while eagerly anticipating His return. The whole tenor of the Lord’s word here is to provoke diligence in works. It is not designed to show that the servant in danger of stripes is one who should repent and believe in the Lord. Therefore, the parable has to do with reward according to works in application to the believer. Salvation is not involved.
Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual food; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was Christ. Howbeit with most of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer. Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it. Wherefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Corinthians 10:1-33; 1 Corinthians 11:1-14 ASV) The passage above shows that we believers are in a race to win a prize. As an example for us, the Israelites had left Egypt with the promised land before them as a goal. However, due to their sins, most of them were punished by God in the wilderness and died. Thus, they did not enter into the promised land.
Paul stated that he himself could yet be rejected if he did not bring his body under control. The prize is a crown, ruling responsibility in the coming Kingdom (the millennium). This can be lost due to not being approved by God (2 Timothy 2:12). While we are on this earth and in this life we are still in the race, with this prize to be awarded or lost at the future Judgment Seat (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
I say this to move you to shame. What, cannot there be found among you one wise man who shall be able to decide between his brethren, but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? Nay, already it is altogether a defect in you, that ye have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather take wrong? why not rather be defrauded? Nay, but ye yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye were washed, but ye were sanctified, but ye were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 6:5-11 ASV) The first letter to the Corinthians shows that even though the assembly there was genuine, having real believers who were positionally sanctified through their faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2), there were many problems there. The letter catalogs divisiveness, lawsuits, incest, etc. When Paul reaches chapter six, he gives them a serious warning. Based upon the fact that brothers there were wronging one another in lawsuits, he asked them, “Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit [possess] the kingdom of God?” He was saying essentially, “ Don’t you know that unrighteous practices of wronging and defrauding your brethren is going to cost you a share in the coming Kingdom of God?”
Then he warns them again, more explicitly, by cataloging unrighteous lifestyles that will be a basis for disinheritance. It is important to note that he begins this more explicit warning by saying to them: “Be not deceived. . . “ He is saying, don’t be misled about this fact - anyone practicing an unrighteous lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of God. The last verse shows that some, before justification and positional sanctification, were indeed engaged in such lifestyles. But, he is stressing in this verse that those who had lived these types of lives have now been accepted by God and justified by Him. Therefore, by implication he is declaring that such a lifestyle should be over; it should not be continued now that one belongs to the Lord Jesus.
He is not saying that a believer can not live such a life. It is amply clear that the Corinthians themselves were evidence that real believers can be fleshly and sinful. Further, he would not warn them not to be deceived about unrighteous unbelievers being disinherited. This would be self-evident. To confirm this warning of Kingdom disinheritance, there are two parallel passages in Galatians and Ephesians (see below). Honest exegesis will declare that the warnings are to Christians. The Arminian school recognizes this, but wrongfully concludes that this means a potential loss of eternal salvation. The loss is not eternal salvation, but God’s blessing in the millennial kingdom age (there is much more exegetical detail on this kingdom disinheritance in other writings that I can recommend to you).
Many Calvinists will not admit that these verses apply to believers, simply because they too fear that it would mean a loss of eternal salvation. What both the Arminian and Calvinist schools miss is that the warning has nothing whatsoever to do with salvation. Rather, it has to do with reward. Cooperation with God in one’s living after the new birth is a matter of works, the basis of reward. For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:13-21 ASV) Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them; For ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:1-8 ASV) The last verse in the Ephesian passage is similar to the final one in the First Corinthian passage I discussed. Once the believers were darkness (compare “And such were some of you”), but now they are light in the Lord (compare “ye were washed”, etc); therefore, the believers should now WALK (have their conduct) as children of light. And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister. (Colossians 1:21-23 ASV)
“Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him: if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us: if we are faithless, he abideth faithful; for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13 ASV)
“At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.” (2 Timothy 4:16 ASV) [Here Paul is expressing his wish that God not count something against unfaithful believers.]
Hebrews: The background of the epistle to the Hebrews is pretty universally agreed upon. The purpose of the letter was to urge those Jews who had believed in Christ to continue in their faith. They were in danger of slipping backwards into Judaism. The writer helped them by arguing for the superiority of Christ and the things of the New Covenant. He demonstrated how many Old Testament rituals and promises found their fulfillment in Christ. That the recipients of the letter were born again believers is proven by the following: (1) they were addressed as “holy brethren” who had Jesus as the High Priest of their confession (Hebrews 3:1); (2) they had accepted the basic teachings of the faith and were partakers of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:1-5); (3) they had already demonstrated works that accompany initial salvation (Hebrews 6:9-11); (4) they were already assembling together in Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:25); (5) they had already been persecuted for their faith in Jesus (Hebrews 10:32-34); (6) they were already in the Christian race, surrounded by a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1); (7) they were considered by the writer as sons of God who had been born in spirit (Hebrews 12:7-9).
Therefore, if we are to be honest in our exegesis, we must consider the admonitions of this book as being addressed to born again believers. With this fact in mind, we need to look at the five major warnings to the recipients of the letter. The Arminian camp has already agreed that the warnings are real and solemn warnings to believers. However, they again err in thinking that these warnings portray the possible loss of eternal salvation. Rather, these warnings point to negative reward in the coming age, decided by the righteous, impartial Judge at His Judgment Seat. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard; God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will. For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak. (Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 2:1-5 ASV) The word “salvation” is a Greek word simply meaning deliverance from a negative situation into a positive one (see a good concordance for the usage of the verb sozo). The context of the word must determine what salvation is at issue; every usage is not eternal salvation. The salvation, or deliverance, at issue here is future, one to be possessed in the world to come, which world belongs to the millennial age. If you read the verses following this quote, these verses further describe that world as one where the rulership of Christ is exercised - the 1,000 year kingdom age. To neglect future salvation, which should be ours, which involves ruling with Christ in the millennium, is to invite a negative recompense from God at the coming Judgment.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. For he hath been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by so much as he that built the house hath more honor than the house. For every house is builded by some one; but he that built all things is God. And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken; but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end. Wherefore, even as the Holy Spirit saith, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, Like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tried me by proving me, And saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was displeased with this generation, And said, They do always err in their heart: But they did not know my ways; As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest. Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For who, when they heard, did provoke? nay, did not all they that came out of Egypt by Moses? And with whom was he displeased forty years? was it not with them that sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient? And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief. Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. For we who have believed do enter into that rest; even as he hath said, As I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he hath said somewhere of the seventh day on this wise, And God rested on the seventh day from all his works; and in this place again, They shall not enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some should enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings were before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience, he again defineth a certain day, To-day, saying in David so long a time afterward (even as hath been said before), To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts. For if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day. There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest for the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-11 ASV)
Jesus is our sabbath rest. However, the Bible also speaks here of a future sabbath rest that is entered by diligence [obedience according to the entire context] - a matter of works. This is the promise of the sharing of the blessings of the Kingdom (millennial Kingdom) by the faithful believer. There are many other passages that could be brought to bear on this promise (and I can share them with you if you wish). For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak: for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister. And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 5:12-14; Hebrews 6:1-12 ASV)
Above, the writer of Hebrews is encouraging the believers to move on toward maturity. They had laid a basic foundation of repentance and faith, but needed to mature. If such fall away from the path, contextually probably meaning an apostasy from Christ with a reversion to Judaism, it may become nigh “impossible” to be renewed unto repentance . This may mean that while such ones are in such an apostate state, a return to their initial repentance may be near impossible.
Then the thought of blessing or judgment by God comes in for those who should be maturing. If they bring forth the proper fruit after they have drunk the rain (received the Spirit), then there will be blessing. But if “thorns and thistles” are produced, such ground is near a curse (not acutally cursed) and its end is burning (signifying severe judgment). The fruit are things that “accompany” salvation (not salvation itself), and the writer indicates that at this point he is persuaded that the works of these believers is classed as “better things” that God will not forget. The indication is that they are continuing in good works, and are thus “okay” in God’s sight. However, they need to be diligent in these works until the end in order to be assured of inheriting the promises.
Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; having a great priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised: and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh. For if we sin wilfullly after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. A man that hath set at nought Moses law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:18-31 ASV) Who is the “we” of Hebrews 10:26 above? It must refer to the “brethren” of Hebrews 10:19, along with the writer of the letter. These brothers are those who already hold fast a confession of hope, and are being encouraged by the writer to provoke one another to love and good works. These would be those Jews who have trusted in Jesus as their Messiah and were assembling together as New Testament believers. But, the temptation to drift back into Judaism with its practices was there, and some had already forsaken the assembling as believers. With this background we can interpret the key “scary” verse, Hebrews 10:26. The willful sin in context here is the abandonment of the New Testament way by these converted Jews. Hebrews 10:26 is linked to Hebrews 10:25, which speaks of forsaking the assembling they had begun as believers. This forsaking is tied to the same thought of abandoning the New Testament economy in Christ that is indicated in Hebrews 10:29, where one is trodding underfoot the Son of God and regarding the blood of Christ as common - the blood by which he was already sanctified.
Indeed, if a converted Jew turns back to the Judaistic way, following its rituals, the word spoken here indicates that a sin sacrifice that might be offered in accordance with the Old Testament Law is now totally meaningless, because “there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins.” (Hebrews 10:26) This interpretation is supported by the earlier declaration in Hebrews 10:18 : “there is no more offering for sin.” Hebrews 10:26-27 should be interpreted in this way then: “For if we [converted Jewish believers] sin wilfully [abandon God’s New Testament economy in Christ and revert to Judaism]. . . there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins [the Jewish sacrifices are of no effect for us], but [on the other hand] a certain fearful expectation of judgment [awaits those who have so abandoned Christ].” To return to the blood sacrifices of the Temple is to put aside the blood [Christ’s blood] of the New Testament Hebrews 10:29). Such a forsaking of the way of faith by a genuine believer is cause for severe punishment by God, and Hebrews 10:30 indicates that the punishment will be a “recompense” carried out by God, seemingly when He judges His people (upon Christ’s return). Such a prospect should be a fearful thing (Hebrews 10:30). If believers had such a fear of God’s judgment, they would be much more likely to live for God. “And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.” (Proverbs 16:6 b ASV)
Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise. For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry. But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him. But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:35-39 ASV) The passage above must be studied carefully. The reward is tied to the promise, which is dependent upon patience (better translated endurance) in completing a course in doing the will of God. Once again, we see works is in view, linked with reward. And, again, we see that if one falls short, God will be displeased.
Then, how shall we interpret the phrase, “but we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition, but of them that have faith . . .?” Does this mean that all Christians will automatically persevere with no faltering or shrinking back? I do not believe so, because the book of Hebrews itself, the rest of the New Testament, and even this chapter portray the possibility of backsliding. I believe the meaning of “we are not of them” is that who we are, in our new nature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), our “stock”, if you will, is not of a “shrinking back” character. The new creation that we are in Christ (in our regenerated spirit; 1 Corinthians 6:17) is fully able to persevere, not shrinking back. This phrase was written as a word of encouragement to the believers that they “have the right stuff” to make it, if they live in the spirit in contact with the overcoming Christ within them. But what about “perdition” and “the saving of the soul?” Isn’t this talking about “salvation”, not “reward”? The word here for perdition is apoleia (Strong’s #684), which like any word can carry various meanings dependent upon the context. Basically, the word means a destruction, a loss, a ruin or a waste. It does not necessarily carry a “theological” meaning of eternal loss of salvation. It is used of the waste of the ointment in Mark 14:4, for example. In this verse in Hebrews it does stand in opposition to the “saving” of the soul. The word translated here for “saving” is peripoiesis (Strong’s #4047), which carries a meaning of obtaining or acquiring. By implication here it means a preservation of the soul, as opposed to some type of ruin to the soul. But the question remains: “What is the possible loss to the soul here?” This opens up a new realm in the Scripture, of which you have probably never heard. As there is a difference between the soul and spirit of man (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12), so God deals with these parts of man differently in His plan.
It is man’s spirit where God’s work begins. It is man’s spirit that is born of the Spirit (John 3:6; Hebrews 12:9). It is here, in the deepest part of man, that God has given His life. Through God’s justification in redemption, our spirit is made alive (Romans 5:18; Romans 8:10). This justification insures the preservation from loss of our spirit, where our new nature in Christ lives. Paul declared that the spirit of the sinful believer in Corinth would be preserved in the next age, and Paul declared this even before there was evidence of repentance on this sinning brother’s part (1 Corinthians 5:5).
However, as we shall prove by further exposition later in this letter, the salvation (preservation from loss or ruin) of a believer’s soul is an altogether different matter, and is linked to works. Any loss to the soul of the believer, however, is limited to the 1,000 year Kingdom period only, not eternity. I am sure this sounds most unusual to you (simply because you have never heard of it), but please bear with me. This matter will be expounded shortly.
Suffice it to say for now that what is at issue here in Hebrews 10:35-39 is reward, which is based upon endurance in obedience (works) by the believer. This reward involves the preservation of the soul. Conversely, a lack of endurance will cause the Lord to be displeased with the believer when He returns, resulting in a loss to the soul of the believer. And think about this: if the salvation of the soul in Hebrews 10:39 is interpreted to mean eternal salvation of the believer, then such salvation is based upon a continuance in obedience in order to receive it; it is not a matter of grace received by faith in a moment of time. The whole context of verses 35-39 (which follows the doings of the believers in earlier days) is a continued doing of the will of God unto the end.
Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord: looking carefully lest there be any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; lest there be any fornication, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright. For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought it diligently with tears. (Hebrews 12:14-17 ASV) The twelfth chapter of Hebrews contains the fifth series of warnings to the Hebrew believers. That the ones warned are believers is evident if you read Hebrews 12:7-10, where the writer is telling the believers that they are sons of God and, as such, are under His chastening in order to produce practical holiness. The thought of practical sanctification is continued in the verses quoted above. The warning advises that Esau is an example for us. Although he is a son of Isaac, and as the firstborn is eligible for a special blessing, he lost this blessing due to his desire for a fleshly enjoyment. So here is a warning about a loss of privilege and blessing, a loss that will no doubt be regretted by tears as Esau later regretted his loss. The lost blessing is not explicitly defined here, but it has to do with the blessings available to the believer in the Kingdom age, as is portrayed elsewhere in the book. There is some good exegesis available on this passage by G. H. Lang, if you wish to study it further (see Lang’s The Epistle to the Hebrews, and his book entitled Firstborn Sons: Their Rights & Risks). The salvation of the soul:
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds. Verily I say unto you, there are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. (Matthew 16:24-28 ASV) The word translated as “life” in Matthew 16:25-26 is soul (psuche, Strong’s # 5590) in Greek, and is so translated in other versions. Further, the term “himself” in Matthew 16:24, although not the word psuche, refers to the soul also. This is proven by the parallel passage in Luke, where Luke 9:25 speaks of forfeiting “himself” but Matthew 16:26 speaks of forfeiting his “life” (soul).
So, the terms “himself” and “life” both refer to the soul here in Matthew 16:1-28. Remember that the soul is that part of man that contains the mind, the emotion and the will of man. Thus the soul is really the natural life (the inner, non-physical life, ) of man, but it is that natural life apart from the spirit in man. That is not to say that the spirit within man should not and does not affect the soul (Proverbs 20:27).
Further, this passage speaks of one denying himself and taking up his cross (Matthew 16:24). Then, since Matthew 16:25 starts with an explanatory “for”, we naturally must consider such self-denial as equivalent to “losing one’s soul.” The contrast to losing one’s soul is to save it. Remember that the word for “to save,” sozo, basically means to preserve from some type of loss or ruin.
Now, let’s put these thoughts together and begin to understand this passage. Jesus is teaching concerning saving one’s soul, that is, keeping it from loss or destruction, versus losing one’s soul, that is, allowing it to suffer loss.
Look at the verses that just precede this section (read Matthew 16:21-23). Here Jesus was telling His disciples that “He must go unto Jerusalem and suffer” (Matthew 16:21 ASV). Peter, inspired by Satan, immediately tried to stop this! He did not want Jesus to suffer! Jesus rebuked him, declaring that Peter’s mind-set was completely wrong: “Get thee behind Me, Satan! Thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men” (Matthew 16:23, ASV).
Fallen man wishes only to please his soul, doing what keeps it whole and happy, preserving it from any suffering or loss. Jesus immediately gave the needed teaching after Peter expressed this natural thought of man. Jesus taught His disciples that if anyone wished to come after Him (to really follow Him), that person must be willing to deny himself and take up his cross. That person must be willing to lose his soul, to let his soul suffer loss. This could mean to the point of physical death, martyrdom, if need be, although that is not the explicit point here. Jesus is not teaching that every disciple must so prove himself by being a martyr. Only God’s sovereign will decides who will be martyred; it is not our decision. But God wants us to be willing to deny ourselves so completely. In our experience, what does it really mean to “deny ourselves”, “take up the cross”, and “lose our soul”? To “deny ourselves” means to be willing to give up one’s own thoughts, emotions and desires concerning any matter - to set our thoughts and intentions aside in order to find and accept the mind of God. To “take up the cross” means to accept God’s will in a matter, that is to obey Him even if it means suffering to us. This attitude was demonstrated for us by Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38-39). The overall result of this activity is to experientially “lose our soul” (or “life”).
If we so lose our soul, or soul-life now, then we “shall [future tense] find it” (Matthew 16:25 ASV). If we are not willing to lose our soul-life now, then we “shall [future tense] lose it” (Matthew 16:25 ASV). The point in the future when this loss or gain of the disciple’s soul happens is explained in the passage: “For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then shall He render unto every man according to his deeds.” (Matthew 16:27 ASV) To follow Christ in self -denying obedience is obviously a cooperative work on the part of a disciple. This is not simple “belief” in the Savior. Also, it does not occur in a moment of time, as does initial justification and eternal salvation (Luke 18:13-14; Romans 3:22-24; Ephesians 2:8-9). The salvation of the soul in this passage is altogether based upon works and faithfulness over a lifetime (even note the parallel passage in Luke 9:23-27, where the cross bearing is shown to be a daily matter). Therefore, this passage cannot be speaking of the eternal salvation of the believer, unless one holds to an eternal salvation by works. On the other hand, the passage is speaking of a certain gain or loss to the soul of the believer in the future when Christ returns. This gain or loss is dependent upon our faithfulness now as disciples. The gain to the soul would be for it to be preserved from any loss and to be fulfilled in satisfaction. Conversely, the loss will involve a loss to the soul of its satisfaction.
What is at stake is so great that the Lord Jesus stated here that if the whole world could now be gained and enjoyed by someone’s soul, it would not be a profit when offset with the future loss to one’s soul (Matthew 16:26). This is a sober statement, worthy of deep contemplation by any believer who would choose to satisfy himself with this world and its enjoyment. Again, I want to emphasize that this gain or loss of the soul takes place during the millennium (in time), and does not involve eternity.
There is much more that can be said about the salvation of the soul, and there are a number of other passages that refer to it. However, for the sake of brevity we will leave this subject now, with what we have shared constituting just an introduction. If you wish to study it further, the best exposition I have found is Watchman Nee’s work entitled The Salvation of the Soul (published by Christian Fellowship Publishers).