Entangled and Overcome
One of the most misinterpreted scriptures to be sure. Greek Lexicon word 1096 for “overcome” includes the root meaning “to be made, finished.” Overcome means surrender, having lost the battle. An alcoholic is offered a drink. There are two possible outcomes founded on a single choice. By definition, an alcoholic always chooses the drink. This is sin. A righteous man, knowing it is sin to drink will choose to abstain. In each choice the offer recieves a response and there are three dimensions to this choice. Acceptance or Refusal Honor or Condemnation Obedience or Presumption Put it another way... A believer has to “escape” salvation, become “entangled again in sins” and finish by “surrendering” – to a permanently reprobate mind, having asked for a divorce in spirit from the Lord. One refuses the conviction of the spirit long enough, and yes ... there are consequences – but not the second death. One has to divorce oneself from God to return. The Saved will ...”escape” become “entangled” and finish with “repentance.” These are the fulcrums on which Salvation is based: Faith to believe and confession of Christ. On the question of the “Once Saved Always Saved” doctrine, a response claims the scripture “Work out your salvation...” applies forcefully to evidence. As a Berean – dig out scripture the true manner of things. Scripture is so often misapplied -- leading to a more-or-less works-based theology, which one mustn't ascribe. Christ said “This is the work of the Father: that you believe in the one whom He sent.” Trust completely in Grace, because we can’t be perfect; cannot be sinless. It takes only one sin to kill. But believers sin less, the closer they draw to Him. |
Failure >