I am in discussion with a Greek Orthodox friend about salvation who really seems to be seeking Truth since he is coming to our CC Men’s Bible Study for a couple of years now.
It’s clear that he’s been taught a faith plus works salvation and without works you can lose your salvation, but by using several of your web teachings I am able to answer most of them.
I showed him how Matt. 24:13 is not meant for the Church. Can Matt 10:22 also be projected into the end times due to Matt 10:23? And what about Luke 21:19?
I understand that the Bible can’t contradict itself on the security of a believer, and your OSAS Anthology is a fantastic resource for this subject.
I’m praying that the Holy Spirit will enlighten this Seeker and lead him out of his works orientation. He has stated that he will not know if he has “done enough” until he is standing before the Lord. A terrible burden to be under and would love to help him relieve this burden.
Matt. 10:22 and Matt. 24:13 are almost identical phrases and both apply to believers in Israel at the end of the age. They are not meant for the Church and therefore don’t impact OSAS.
Luke 21:12-19 applies specifically to the Lord’s disciples during the time between the crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Of the original 12, only John survived this time. All the others refused to change their testimony even though it cost them their lives. By standing firm even to death they gained eternal life.