Peter said:
Two things that are quite related, scripture and holy tradition.
In scripture we see the concept of having been saved by God's grace (Eph 2:5 & 2 Tim. 1:9) , the concept of being saved (an ongoing process. Paul speaks about himself being counted among those who are being saved. Cant find the reference!) and the concept of being saved in the future (Mark 13:13).
Holy tradition, how scripture has been understood and taught from the very beginning, shows us that from the first century the church has understood salvation to be a process as opposed to a single event.
Peace.
Peter
The reference to Paul that you're referring to is 1st Cor. 1:18.
I can see where one may draw the conclusion that because we are being saved, we can, perhaps "withdraw from the process?"
But actually, if we look at the phrase "are being saved" we will notice that it is attached to what is known in the greek as a
present passive participle. What this means is that the subject (us) is being acted upon (by God). We have no say in this process, whivh is consistent with slavation being of the Lord, and not any of our works...and since we know that God certainly will not lose any, salvation is as good as a done deal.
I know that many will disagree with this, but this is exactly what that passage says. What Paul is referring to here is the process of sanctification, in which we are acted upon by God, in order to change us into the image he desires.
As for Mark 13:13. this passage really does not address the mechanics behind how salvation works....just the outward evidence. Just as Jesus revealed things about himself progressively, such is the case with the details regarding how salvation works. If you examine all 4 Gospels, you will find very little information on how we are justified and sanctified. However, we find very specific instruction on this in Romans 8:28-39, which is clear in reference to how salvation works from start to finish.
...I'm still confused about apostacy...but on a higher level than before
