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Two Opposite Trends on Being Saved
Two opposite trends:
1) Basing salvation on how much we get right doctrinally;
2) Probing the question “How much or little do we need to get right doctrinally to be saved?”
I have problems with both because the Bible as inspired by the Holy Spirit presents both as against God’s will.
1) Doesn’t understand justification by faith. When we look at Abraham (and David) God is willing to replace human shortcomings with grace because of our trust in Him (Romans 4). To get a fuller picture we need to read the account in Genesis which includes Abraham running off to Egypt out of fear from the famine. Plus, Abraham constantly lying (“half-truthing”) about Sarah being his sister and not his wife. Then there is his mistake in thinking he can fulfill God’s promise with Hagar. Abraham’s shortcomings, however, do not give us permission to be fearful, run away or lie!
2) Doesn’t understand that we should not “continue in (doctrinal) sin so that grace may abound” (Romans 6:1). That is just as wrong as “should we continue in (moral) sin that grace may abound?” (Roman’s 6:1). When someone has a moral issue how often do we comfort them saying, “That’s not a salvation issue.” If I understand justified by faith correctly, none will be saved based on personal perfection or doctrinal perfection either. But that does not mean giving ourselves a moral or doctrinal pass.
1) This makes people think they have to be perfect to be saved. There is no hope in that, and people are never confident in their salvation despite the assurances of 1 John. Too much fear is dangerous.
2) This makes people think they don’t even need to try to be right. There is no gratitude and effort, or very little. Too little fear is also dangerous.
Conclusion:
1) Stop focusing on doctrinal perfection in yourself and others for fellowship or salvation. Never does God say, “You better get everything right or else”.
2) Stop not focusing on doctrinal correction in yourself and others for fellowship or salvation. Never does God say, “Just get right the bare minimum”.
Here is what I believe is the correct balance – Strive to be perfect in all things – not in order to be saved – but to be more like the one who saves.
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