James 1:21 Part 5—Assured or not assured—that is the question

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

After my “deep-sea fishing expedition” (see the two previous entries), I became very familiar with James 1:21. In fact, it radicalized how I approached my flubs, flaws, and fleshly finagling. But even more amazing was what I learned about my original question: Why does a Christian need to save his soul? In pursuit of the answer, I was reminded of a section of 1 Corinthians 3 which addressed the quality of each man’s work built upon the one true foundation of life—Jesus Christ.

In Christianity today, hot debates exist about the doctrine “once saved, always saved”. Both sides of the issue are adamant about their stance, each citing Scripture in support of their strongly-held positions. And in the meantime, many believers live their lives in turmoil, questioning the validity of their own salvation as they fall into repetitive sin and spiral into despair while they hear that no assurance of salvation is to be expected for the likes of them—“you are obviously an unsaved sinner—profession of faith or not—just look at your life”. At the same time, many other believers blithely go their way, with an “anything goes” attitude, believing that grace covers it all, and any concern over questionable behavior is sin-consciousness: “Hey! Jesus died for me and I never have to be concerned about my lifestyle again—I live by grace!”

Although most of us don’t live at either extreme, such extremes do thrive within the body of Christ, and are made worse—not helped—by both ends of this debate spectrum.

It is my opinion that the disparity between the Christian doctrine of new creation life and the actual experience of the average believer is at the root of this debate. Because of this inconsistency, I believe that the body of Christ needs to be aware of the three-part nature of man and how it operates—both as a unit and individually—within the born-again person.

You are saved by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8); you are a new creature in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17); you are saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (see Titus 3:5). Whoever comes to Jesus will not be rejected (see John 6:37), and that includes you, despite your struggles, questions, or inconsistencies.

At issue here is not “were you really born again when you asked Jesus to be your Lord?” The relevant questions—which you alone can answer—are these: “Are you being transformed by the renewing of your mind (see Romans 12:2)? Are you—by the Spirit—seeking to put to death the deeds of the flesh (see Romans 8:13)? Are you working out your salvation with fear and trembling (see Philippians 2:12)? And, are you putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, and in humility, are you receiving the word implanted, which is able to save your soul (James 1:21)?”

None of these questions—or the related Scriptures—are meant to be legalistic clubs by which you bludgeon bad behavior; no. They are the fresh air of the Holy Spirit and the active, life-saving, surgical capacity of His Sword, revealing to you His willingness to be actively involved in the details of your life if you dare to ask for and seek it.

James said, “Receive the Word implanted which is able to save your souls.” Paul said, “If any man’s work which he has built…remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (emphasis added).

I believe that those who receive Jesus as Lord will be saved. Of course, unfortunately, exceptions may occur; Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-27 are a couple of verses that indicate that this is so. However, Jesus said, “…I give eternal life to them [not referring to those discussed in the two Hebrews verses], and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand (John 10:28). If you are concerned about your eternal destination as a believer, then that—your concern—is an excellent sign that you have not discarded your salvation; be assured, and keep living for Jesus—you’re in.

I am able to believe in a secure salvation because I am convinced by 1 Corinthians 3:15. It says that some of us will receive reward; some of us will suffer loss—but those of us who do bear loss will be saved, yet as through fire. This tells me that some professors of Christ—whom we may discount due to their works or lack thereof—will indeed receive entrance into His presence on that Day.

Tomorrow I will focus on my original question: Why does a Christian need to save his soul?

Until then, rejoice in the consistency of our Savior and His faithfulness toward you.

Dorothy

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28, NIV