335. The Gospel of Salvation

[@francispeter2344]

Thank you once again Brother Kevin! How we love all your teachings! Such an enormous blessing every time we watch/listen to them. God Bless you dear Brother! Mike and Ann

[@sandrajarboe7542]

Ty

[@theway9197]

Good overall presentation Pastor Kevin. However some other thoughts about verse 2 to consider could be. In the pattern of reading English to ascertain meaning. If we remove everything between the commas verse 2 in the KJV then reads "By which also ye are saved, (....), unless you have believed in vain ".This would suggest that in the verse Paul is targeting the idea of intellectual belief or believing the facts but not the saving work of our Lord and saviour in your heart. A person who just intellectually believes could easily and may I suggest would easily forget the significance of the Gospel once Paul had left. He would not then be a "new creature". Not changed and not a servant of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Paul seems to be urging them (as in communion) REMEMBER so the saving sacrifice can remain fresh in your heart. Also note the term "..ye are saved.." suggesting something outside of you saves you. 1 Tim 4:16 talks about "...save thyself.." A completely different context. The term "...ye are saved..." occurs only two times in the Bible. Once here in 1 Cor 15:2 and the other is Ephesians 2:5. In both cases it appears to be used in reference to the Saving grace of God by belief in the finished work of Christ. In other words they almost certainly seem to be Salvation from eternal separation and punishment from God for rejecting his Grace. 1 Cor 15 :1-4 is recognised almost universally as the most complete Gospel for this age of Grace to be found anywhere in the Bible and Paul's writings in particular. To remove the concept of the word '"...saved.." seems to remove that understanding as the whole 4 verses hinge on this word "...saved.." There are other good news messages in the bible that don't "save"your soul. In addition, the use of the word VAIN in the bible is always used to refer to worldly wasted physical activity. In contrast to all spiritual activity for God being valuable and precious. Ecclesiastes declares" ...all under the sun is vanity" Ecc 1:14 but more importantly results in "...vexation of spirit". Whereas SALVATION results in "peace with God" Rom 5:1. This is quite likely what Paul was referring to here would be the result if you did not truly believe . In addition Paul uses the expression in Gal 2:2 at the Jerusalem council "...or had run in vain" suggesting a false or wasted effort. Just something to consider. Praise God for you and your ministry.