Is salvation eternal? Does knowing that I am eternally saved or not affect the quality of my salvation? In this article, we will discover the significance of salvation experience over debates regarding its duration, as well as explore key biblical references highlighting the essence of faith and unity in Christian beliefs.
The discussion on the importance of salvation experience vis-à-vis its duration remains pivotal within Christian doctrine. It is fundamental to acknowledge that salvation’s eternal nature holds weight only when one has experienced salvation firsthand. The comprehension of salvation’s eternal nature alone is insufficient without the initial act of salvation.
This belief lies in the foundational truth that salvation is attained through faith in the resurrection, a core tenet elucidated in various New Testament passages like Romans 10:8-17 (KJV) and Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV). These scriptures emphasize the significance of confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart for salvation, underscoring that salvation stems from grace through faith, not by works.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
– Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
Understanding the eternal nature of salvation is secondary to the primary truth: salvation is by grace through faith. Belief in the eternal aspect does not determine the quality of one’s salvation. The unity among believers is founded upon the shared experience of salvation through faith in Christ, not the unanimity in understanding its duration.
It’s crucial to avoid discord over theological nuances that may lead to unnecessary disputes, creating divisions rather than fostering unity. The apostles’ teachings centered on the manner of salvation rather than debates about its duration, highlighting the significance of salvation experience as primary.
Differences in believers’ understanding regarding the eternal nature of salvation should not be divisive. Unity within the body of Christ hinges on embracing diverse perspectives while upholding the core truth of salvation through faith.
A man need not know that his salvation is eternal to be eternally saved. (Again, we are saved by grace through faith).
Your knowledge and belief that your salvation is eternal does not make your salvation different from someone who believes his salvation is not eternal. Both are equally and eternally saved, irrespective of their knowledge disparity about it.
Additionally, as individuals share their knowledge within their congregations, it’s vital to remember that not everyone is called to teach universally. Each person is urged to focus on their designated ministry while striving to maintain unity, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:1-6 (KJV).
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
– Ephesians 4:1-6 KJV
Knowledge and ignorance coexist within the spiritual realm. However, using knowledge to belittle or shame the ignorant contradicts the essence of compassion and humility embedded in true wisdom.
With true knowledge comes great responsibility tempered with great humility. No one with the Spirit within hates knowledge. However, no one with the Spirit within hails knowledge hailing from pride, arrogance, envy, offence, mockery, a captious and critical spirit.
Compassion for those lacking knowledge is a hallmark of a minister devoted to serving God’s purposes, as reflected in Hebrews 5:1-2 (KJV).
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
Hebrews 5:1-2 (KJV)
The scriptural context here is the Old Testament priest, and the contextual objective here is Christ. However, the morale of the content here is universally instructive. We all, are still compassed with weaknesses. None among us can claim he or she is no longer learning. If this is so, we all are still ignorant of many things, concerning Christ and salvation.
And if any man thinks that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man loves God, the same is known of him.
1 Corinthians 8:2-3 KJV
The contextual issue here is food sacrificed to idol, and the contextual subject here is disparity of knowledge with respect to the subject matter. The contextual objective here is maturity, tolerance, acceptance of the ignorant, honor for the brotherhood, in the face of such disparity of knowledge, since such does not affect the state and status of our salvation or brotherhood.
The ignorant saint is not less saved, and the one with the knowledge is not more saved. In conclusion, let the dissemination of knowledge be a catalyst for preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
May our discussions and teachings always reflect the grace, love, and unity found in Christ.
