Can One's impentitent sin bring Damnation
This will be settled by looking at what the Scriptures themself say.
To do brief exegetical work on this question.
James 2:26-Says faith without works is dead, just as the body is dead without the spirit. This is a similar reference to Ephesians 2:1-3, which states the same thing about the flesh being dead without works. So what I think James 2:26-means is that without a conviction of sin, without being able to see the flaw of your own merits, one is not in any need of faith. For when sin is revealed, should sin abound well as Paul says in Romans 6:1-14 absolutely not. One should not take pride in Sin upon salvation. So Biblical Warnings against falling from faith seems to be meaning to do this (Hebrews 3:12-19). One in need of Christ shouldn't be proud of their own sin nor self-righteousness. For as Romans 8:9- says you should be controlled by the spirit, not the flesh. Though this isn't to deny the our sinfulness as stated in Romans 5:12-21.
This is not to deny the promises of God which stay forever as Romans 9 speaks of God's election being sure. But if our own sinfulness can lead to unbelief as stated in Acts 7:51, which as Jesus says in Mark 3:28-29 can never be forgiven. Unbelief is that which denies our need for Christ.
So what about 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. This passage states, a similar message to Galatians 5:16-26.
1. That our own sinfulness/wickedness is deserving of judgement.
2. The contrast between what the impenitent and the justified in regard to these actions.
The question that shall occur next is am I saying people aren't sinful, so they probably want to do these actions? Absoutely not for I affirm a Biblical doctrine of Sin. I also hold scripture to be inspired, so therefore Romans 5:12-21 and I Corinthians 6:9-11 aren't rampant contradictions. Looking at I Corinthians 6 it seems to state, we shouldn't be totallying delighting in the things of this world, but rather the things of God. Our need for Christ, and the Spirit should drive us to repentance from these things.
This is why Luther speaks of in Article 9 of the Smalcald Articles and the Large Cathecism as possibly eating and drinking in accordance with I Corinthians 11:28 unto your damnation, and people not being ready to receive forgiveness of sins. If one's sinful nature has no desire for Christ, it is natural that one acts as if they have no need for Christ. This is what is being expressed in Hebrews 10:26.
Some might ask what about Suicide? This really isn't a Biblical Issue, obviously this occurs when one goes through great anguish. This occurs generally after great inner conflict. For theologically this is acting upon the desires of our flesh, as we all do. I have no doubts Christ can save in these situations, but our ulimate salvation is found in Grace through faith alone (Romans 1:17, and Ephesians 2:8-9)
To do brief exegetical work on this question.
James 2:26-Says faith without works is dead, just as the body is dead without the spirit. This is a similar reference to Ephesians 2:1-3, which states the same thing about the flesh being dead without works. So what I think James 2:26-means is that without a conviction of sin, without being able to see the flaw of your own merits, one is not in any need of faith. For when sin is revealed, should sin abound well as Paul says in Romans 6:1-14 absolutely not. One should not take pride in Sin upon salvation. So Biblical Warnings against falling from faith seems to be meaning to do this (Hebrews 3:12-19). One in need of Christ shouldn't be proud of their own sin nor self-righteousness. For as Romans 8:9- says you should be controlled by the spirit, not the flesh. Though this isn't to deny the our sinfulness as stated in Romans 5:12-21.
This is not to deny the promises of God which stay forever as Romans 9 speaks of God's election being sure. But if our own sinfulness can lead to unbelief as stated in Acts 7:51, which as Jesus says in Mark 3:28-29 can never be forgiven. Unbelief is that which denies our need for Christ.
So what about 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. This passage states, a similar message to Galatians 5:16-26.
1. That our own sinfulness/wickedness is deserving of judgement.
2. The contrast between what the impenitent and the justified in regard to these actions.
The question that shall occur next is am I saying people aren't sinful, so they probably want to do these actions? Absoutely not for I affirm a Biblical doctrine of Sin. I also hold scripture to be inspired, so therefore Romans 5:12-21 and I Corinthians 6:9-11 aren't rampant contradictions. Looking at I Corinthians 6 it seems to state, we shouldn't be totallying delighting in the things of this world, but rather the things of God. Our need for Christ, and the Spirit should drive us to repentance from these things.
This is why Luther speaks of in Article 9 of the Smalcald Articles and the Large Cathecism as possibly eating and drinking in accordance with I Corinthians 11:28 unto your damnation, and people not being ready to receive forgiveness of sins. If one's sinful nature has no desire for Christ, it is natural that one acts as if they have no need for Christ. This is what is being expressed in Hebrews 10:26.
Some might ask what about Suicide? This really isn't a Biblical Issue, obviously this occurs when one goes through great anguish. This occurs generally after great inner conflict. For theologically this is acting upon the desires of our flesh, as we all do. I have no doubts Christ can save in these situations, but our ulimate salvation is found in Grace through faith alone (Romans 1:17, and Ephesians 2:8-9)
posted by Stew at 10:47 PM
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