#278 - If You Hold Fast

"If" can be a very important word if someone thinks it means they can lose their salvation. That is how some might interpret 1 Corinthians 15:2 where the Apostle Paul says, "you are saved , if you hold fast to that word which I preached to you." The word that Paul preached is the gospel he reminds them of in verses 3-4. The readers had received the gospel and believed it, so there is no doubt they are saved (as many other passages in the epistle show). They were saved or delivered from hell. But what does Paul mean by using the present tense as if to say "you are being saved"? He is telling them that their steadfastness to the truths of the gospel will continue to deliver them from sin. That is why he reminds them about the death of Christ for our sins and His resurrectioin in verses 3-4. Those truths that were the foundation of our salvation are also the foundation of our Christian growth and sanctification, as also explained by our union with Christ in Romans 6:2-5. If they depart from these identification truths, then their salvation will be "in vain," or not reach its intended purpose of their sanctification. The gospel truths that saved us also sanctify us, or continue to save us. This episode is from GraceNotes no. 62. Please let us know what you think, like it, and share it. #GraceLifeMinistries#sanctification#eternalsecurity