Originally posted by Pastor Larry:
In fact, this is exactly the position that Paul espouses in 1 Tim 2:8-10 when he says he endures all things for the sake of the elect so that they may be saved. It is obvious that he believed some were elect but not yet saved. It cannot be physical salvation for one would be hardpressed to explain how Paul's imprisonment for preaching would lead to physical salvation of the elect. It must therefore be spiritual salvation. So we see that election precedes salvation (not comes as a result of it as some would have us believe).
Pastor Larry,
May I respectfully acknowledge that you meant 2 Timothy 2:8-10.
I believe that Paul is referring to the Church when he uses the term "elect." The sense is, What I suffer is in the cause of the church, spoken of here, as it is often, as chosen, or elected.
Their salvation, though they were elected, could not be secured without proper efforts. The meaning of the apostle here is, that he was willing to suffer if he might save others; and any one ought to be willing to suffer in order to secure the salvation of the elect.
Salvation refers to the "final salvation" with eternal glory. The same principle is taught in:
1Peter 5:10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."
2Cor 4:17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;"
2Cor 1:6 "And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation."
It is important to note that Paul was addressing Christians when he spoke of their "future salvation."
