Stale Doctrines
Stale Doctrine #1: "You cannot lose your salvation"
Why do preachers blunt Paul's strong warnings?
One of the most pernicious of the stale doctrines is that you can't lose your salvation. Admittedly, my position on this issue is at odds with prominent Christian teachers I respect. But let's look at what Scripture has to say.
First, if salvation is by grace (see Ephesians 2:1-10), that means it can be withdrawn. In contrast, if salvation were earned, it couldn't be taken away but must be paid as an obligation. Paul makes clear grace can be withdrawn in Romans 11:
"For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sterness of God: sterness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you will also be cut off." (Romans 11:21-22)
What I don't understand is: Why do preachers feel obligated, after reading one of Paul's strong passages, to say, "This doesn't mean you lose your salvation?" If God's word is precious and doesn't return void, why must preachers blunt it? Let Paul's warnings stand on their own without commentary! For instance, here is Paul's strong warning in Ephesians:
"For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient." (Ephesians 5:5-6)
Similar warnings from Paul may be found in 1 Corinthians 6 and Galatians 5. Interesting that Paul feels it necessary to warn against deception in his warnings. Might such deception be coming from the pulpit?
The impression I get from some preachers is that Christians are "fireproof" (i.e., impervious to Hell) if they have made a profession of faith, but Scripture doesn't offer such assurances.
More could be said by using a doctrinal/analytical approach, but that is unnecessary. It is easier and more effective to just let Scripture speak for itself. For as Charles Spurgeon said,