In a previous thread focused on easy believism & Lordship vs. free grace salvation, some passages have come up that require further comments. They are OT for that thread but more appropriate for this one. First after reading Stanley's views on these verses in Eternal Security, & Erwin Lutzers views on this in Your Eternal reward I have found that both Stanley & Lutzer have near identical views. Turn to pages 62, 68-69, & 71 and Your Eternal Reward and see what I mean! Lutzer seems to argue in this chapter that those that are saved by fire & whom live for themselves, with little fruit are indeed Christians, just ones that will receive few if any rewards at the judgment.
Next turn to page 282 of the second edition of The Gospel According to Jesus. Unless I am reading MacArthur wrong, he says that good works are a requirement to salvation and this would indeed be false doctrine if MacArthur meant this. Works are a result of salvation, but are in no means a requirement (Eph 2:8-10). True the book of James does speak of works, however they are a part of a Christian's salvation, and not a requirement!
The Outer darkness mentioned in Mt 22:13 I am not sure on. I do not remember what Lutzer said about it. In other passages it does refer to Hell however as Stanley argues.
John
Next turn to page 282 of the second edition of The Gospel According to Jesus. Unless I am reading MacArthur wrong, he says that good works are a requirement to salvation and this would indeed be false doctrine if MacArthur meant this. Works are a result of salvation, but are in no means a requirement (Eph 2:8-10). True the book of James does speak of works, however they are a part of a Christian's salvation, and not a requirement!
The Outer darkness mentioned in Mt 22:13 I am not sure on. I do not remember what Lutzer said about it. In other passages it does refer to Hell however as Stanley argues.
John
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