Eternal Security - False Teaching of a Baptist Pastor - II
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1. As noted in a previous article_about_Eternal_Security, Dr. Kirkland correctly points out that context is very important when interpreting the bible.
2. But, in his article, and in two of his emails to us, he seems to overlook the fact that the passage in question (Matt 7:13-14) is within the context of chapters five through seven wherein Jesus was speaking to his disciples.
3. That very fact (the context of Jesus speaking to his own disciples) is one of the reasons that we reject the teachings of Dr. Kirkland regarding "Eternal Security". If the doctrine of "Eternal Security" were true, as it is commonly believed and taught, then Jesus would not have warned his disciples that their salvation could be at risk under certain circumstances (see his warnings to them, in the verses below), and yet, Dr. Kirkland and most Baptist preachers (among others) promote this false doctrine that teaches their salvation (and ours) can never be at risk.
Matt:
5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
4. The doctrine of "Eternal Security" is a false doctrine taught by those who use good words and fair speeches to deceive the hearts of the simple (Rom 16:18), for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (II Tim 4:3).
5. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thess 5:21)
* Dr. Kirkland's original article appears to have been removed from his website. Nevertheless, he continues to teach the false doctrine underlying it. Also, his arguments had been presented for a time, as if they were valid; and others may still adhere to them. Therefore, we post this article as a continual counter-argument against them.