I, as well, believe that the Scriptures do teach that salvation is eschatological, which does not downgrade the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, but upholds it. Sometimes the Scriptures say, “we are being saved”, “we have been saved”, or “we will be saved.” In the Scriptures, we are encouraged to “make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10) as well as “work out your own salvation with fear and trempling” (Phil 2:12). The action spoken of in both of those verses is of an ongoing examination by the believer. For he that endures to the end will be saved.

I’ll give you a call tonight. We’ll banter.

Your arugument, though beautiful, seems to beg a denial of eternal security (once saved always saved).

Once saved, Jesus seems to declare “I will loose none.” and further “..none can pluck them out of My hands..”.

Check out 1 Corinthians 1:18. “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Paul uses “us”, including himself in “those who are being saved”. I don’t think that anyone (anyone orthodox, anyway) would seriously argue that Paul hadn’t already had his sins forgiven by Christ at that point. He’s recognizing his continual need for (and the continual fact of) salvation by Christ. For instance, he saved me those years ago on Grandpa Whitlock’s front porch. He’s also saving me right now by keeping me from apostasizing and again becoming his enemy (perseverance/preservation of the saints). He’s saving me right now by continually conforming me to his image (sanctification). He’ll finally save me when he returns.

So yeah . . . both/and, I think. I don’t think that ol’ JP would disagree.

DesiringGod.org (John Piper) – greatest Christian site on the web…you will Love It! – no – Really!

What is the name of that church – First Pharesaical? (I’m pretty sure I did not spell that corrrectly – but I never was spelling bee material.) The leadership should be very ashamed and the membership should consider reformation.

I have wondered about the roots of your incredibly God-centered faith – I just love the “…newly justified fingertips…” stuff – thats great imagery! – I love it! I did not remember all that you shared in your writing – my memory sucks – always has – your’s has always been crystal. I thank God everyday for you because of how all your life you have blessed me – I hope it seemed that way at least some of the time. It is now forever a blessing to me to know that I opened my mouth at least one time during your childhood and the right thing came out…I will certainly pass this on to Lily…she will be abslolutely thrilled to know. She is gonna treasure your web site as I certainly do – thank you so much!

Please tell Amy and the Baby I said Hey!!

Speak with and Comment to you soon!

Always praying for you.

Love Ya!,
Dad