Bible Discussion Thread

Do these early church members lose their salvation by yielding to carnal ways?

Bob, are you asking about 1 Timothy 5:12?

That verse has to be taken in context beginning at Verse 3 and going to Verse 16. It is Paul's instruction concerning widows in the church. There is a lot of information in these verses, and we would take those verses in context to understand Verse 12.

Verse 12 says "Having damnation, literally judgment, because they have cast off their first faith. In context, I think what Paul is saying in this chapter is that all people, husbands and wives, they are stuck in a situation where they must either please the wife, please the husband, or please the Lord. It's like what if we know what the Lord wants us to do, but we can't because the other person says "If you do that, I'll throw this lamp and hit you over the head with it!" What do you do?

As far as carnal goes, do you know that a believer can be carnal and it be perfectly normal? There is a normal carnal, and an abnormal carnal that can be applied to a believer in Christ. And since I don't believe salvation can be lost, I would have to say no to your question of them losing their salvation.

Thank you Sir! Very helpful answer! So much appreciated!