WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

[Mercy Shown]

Paul said in (1 Cor. 9:24-27) (v.24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (v.25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown: but we an incorruptible. Paul says that when you run in a race every body is running for a prize. But this prize that he is referring to is eternal life, that’s what he means by an incorruptible, he’s talking about an incorruptible body, a heavenly body. (v.26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly, so fight, not as one that beateth the air: (v.27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. You see Paul knew exactly what was going on that why he says he has to bring his body under subjection. Under subjection to what? To God’s Law, Paul knew that if he didn’t continue to keep Gods law that even after he had preached to many that he himself could still become a castaway. This doesn’t sound like Paul thinks that he has guarantee salvation.

Also Paul says in (Rom. 5:13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. If there is no law, there is no sin!

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You’re noticing a tension that many readers pick up on between Paul’s teaching that eternal life is a free gift (Romans 6:23: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”) and his call to discipline, effort, and “running to win” in 1 Corinthians 9:24–27. The key is that Paul uses different metaphors for different aspects of the Christian life. In this passage, he is not talking about earning salvation, but about living out salvation in a way that is faithful and fruitful.

Paul is clear elsewhere that you cannot earn eternal life by effort or moral performance (Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is by grace through faith—like being handed a place in the race as a free entry ticket. You don’t buy your way in; God calls and justifies you entirely apart from your own merit.

In 1 Corinthians 9, however, Paul uses athletic imagery to describe reward and faithfulness, not initial salvation. The “crown” he speaks of here is likely the reward of faithful service (see also 2 Timothy 4:7–8, where he talks about the “crown of righteousness” given to those who long for Christ’s appearing) and the satisfaction of finishing well without his ministry being discredited (“so that I myself will not be disqualified”). Disqualification here does not necessarily mean losing salvation; rather, it points to losing reward, credibility, or fruitfulness. Paul is concerned that his life’s work stand the test, as he describes in 1 Corinthians 3:12–15.

Paul knows that the gift of salvation is secure, but he also knows the Christian life is not passive. God gives eternal life freely, yet He calls believers to respond with effort, self-control, and perseverance. In Paul’s thinking, grace is not opposed to effort—it is opposed to earning. The gift saves you, the race shapes you, and the crown rewards you.

Think of it this way: you are invited to a marathon by someone who has paid your entry fee. You cannot earn your spot—it’s theirs to give. But once you are in, you still need to train and run in order to finish well. Slacking off will not cost you your entry, but it will affect your finish.

 

[Bro.T]

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You’re noticing a tension that many readers pick up on between Paul’s teaching that eternal life is a free gift (Romans 6:23: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”) and his call to discipline, effort, and “running to win” in 1 Corinthians 9:24–27. The key is that Paul uses different metaphors for different aspects of the Christian life. In this passage, he is not talking about earning salvation, but about living out salvation in a way that is faithful and fruitful.

Paul is clear elsewhere that you cannot earn eternal life by effort or moral performance (Romans 3:20; Ephesians 2:8–9). Salvation is by grace through faith—like being handed a place in the race as a free entry ticket. You don’t buy your way in; God calls and justifies you entirely apart from your own merit.

In 1 Corinthians 9, however, Paul uses athletic imagery to describe reward and faithfulness, not initial salvation. The “crown” he speaks of here is likely the reward of faithful service (see also 2 Timothy 4:7–8, where he talks about the “crown of righteousness” given to those who long for Christ’s appearing) and the satisfaction of finishing well without his ministry being discredited (“so that I myself will not be disqualified”). Disqualification here does not necessarily mean losing salvation; rather, it points to losing reward, credibility, or fruitfulness. Paul is concerned that his life’s work stand the test, as he describes in 1 Corinthians 3:12–15.

Paul knows that the gift of salvation is secure, but he also knows the Christian life is not passive. God gives eternal life freely, yet He calls believers to respond with effort, self-control, and perseverance. In Paul’s thinking, grace is not opposed to effort—it is opposed to earning. The gift saves you, the race shapes you, and the crown rewards you.

Think of it this way: you are invited to a marathon by someone who has paid your entry fee. You cannot earn your spot—it’s theirs to give. But once you are in, you still need to train and run in order to finish well. Slacking off will not cost you your entry, but it will affect your finish.

First let me say that God had Peter to clearly warn us about some of Paul’s writing. (2Peter:3:15-16) (v.15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (v.16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Now let us take heed to this warning, we can’t ignore all the bible and just concentrate on a hand full of verses out of the writings of Paul. Because some of Paul’s writing is hard to be understood.

Also Paul says in (Rom. 5:13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. If there is no law, there is no sin! Paul says in Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. You wouldn’t know what sin was if there was no law. Paul concerning the unchangeable Royal Law of God. (Rom. 13:7-10) (v.7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (v.8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. That’s the biblical definition of love, the keeping of God’s law. (v.9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. (v.10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that is what God’s holy commandments are all about; the first four tells you how to love God and the last six tells you how to love your neighbor. If you love your God you will not do any thing to offend him, like having other gods before him. You will do as he says like remember the sabbath day to keep it holy on the seventh day of the week. If you love him you will obey him when he tells you not to eat certain meats etc… And the same goes for your fellow man, if you love your neighbor you wouldn’t steal from him, you wouldn’t kill him, you wouldn’t try and sleep with his wife and so on and so forth. (See exodus 20: 1-17)

 

[Mercy Shown]

First let me say that God had Peter to clearly warn us about some of Paul’s writing. (2Peter:3:15-16) (v.15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (v.16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Now let us take heed to this warning, we can’t ignore all the bible and just concentrate on a hand full of verses out of the writings of Paul. Because some of Paul’s writing is hard to be understood.

I understand where you’re coming from now. I know there are some Christians who share your doubts about Paul. Personally, I don’t see a conflict between Paul and Peter, but I can see why some people might perceive one and feel the need to decide which is correct. For me, it’s important not to dismiss any scripture simply because it challenges our own reasoning. I also think it’s worth considering that it can be inconsistent to use some of Paul’s writings to make a point while disregarding others. From what I’ve read, Paul speaks more often about righteousness as a free gift than about striving to earn salvation. In fact, I don't believe that he contradicts himself at all.

 

[Mercy Shown]

First let me say that God had Peter to clearly warn us about some of Paul’s writing. (2Peter:3:15-16) (v.15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; (v.16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Now let us take heed to this warning, we can’t ignore all the bible and just concentrate on a hand full of verses out of the writings of Paul. Because some of Paul’s writing is hard to be understood.

Also Paul says in (Rom. 5:13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. If there is no law, there is no sin! Paul says in Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. You wouldn’t know what sin was if there was no law. Paul concerning the unchangeable Royal Law of God. (Rom. 13:7-10) (v.7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (v.8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. That’s the biblical definition of love, the keeping of God’s law. (v.9) For this, THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, THOU SHALT NOT KILL, THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, THOU SHALT NOT COVET; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. (v.10) Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that is what God’s holy commandments are all about; the first four tells you how to love God and the last six tells you how to love your neighbor. If you love your God you will not do any thing to offend him, like having other gods before him. You will do as he says like remember the sabbath day to keep it holy on the seventh day of the week. If you love him you will obey him when he tells you not to eat certain meats etc… And the same goes for your fellow man, if you love your neighbor you wouldn’t steal from him, you wouldn’t kill him, you wouldn’t try and sleep with his wife and so on and so forth. (See exodus 20: 1-17)

Since we are using Romans for our authority let me say that I think Romans helps shed light on how the law is fulfilled, not by our own striving, but through the righteousness God credits to us through faith. In Romans 3:20–22, Paul says that no one is declared righteous by works of the law; rather, righteousness comes apart from the law and is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.


He expands on this in Romans 4, pointing to Abraham: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Abraham’s standing before God wasn’t earned through his own works but was a gift, received through faith — and Paul says this applies to us as well (Romans 4:23–24).


Then in Romans 8:3–4, Paul explains that what the law was powerless to do — because of our weakness — God did by sending His Son. The result is that “the righteous requirement of the law” is fully met in us, not because we perfectly keep it ourselves, but because we “walk according to the Spirit” who applies Christ’s righteousness to us.


In other words, the law is fulfilled in us because Christ’s righteousness is counted as ours, and the Spirit transforms us from within. Our obedience flows from that gift, rather than being the means of securing it.

The law was not done away with for if it had been than Christ would not have had to die to fullfill it by taking its punsihment for us. Our current righteousness does not come from the law but apart from the law: through Jesus Christ imputed righteousness to us.