How can one protest that he is saved whether or not he behaves righteously, when it is righteous behavior that is the salvation and proof of the salvation?

We have eternal security provided we continue to abide in Christ. But we must remember the attitude of the Apostle Paul who strove to keep his body in subjection so he would not be disqualified.

The meaning of the Greek term translated "castaway" is unapproved; rejected; reprobate.

If someone protests, "Paul would be rejected but he would still be saved"; our response is, "This is to make eternal residence in a mansion in the spirit Paradise the goal of salvation." This is what the protester means by "still be saved."

But if one adopts the view that the goal is eternal service to God in His Kingdom, then to be rejected, unapproved, reprobate, and disqualified, is seen to be an extremely undesirable fate.

All arguments relative to redemption become misleading and inappropriate when one is assuming that the goal is eternal residence in a mansion in Heaven.

We speak of being saved "as by fire." What does this mean? In terms of Kingdom theology, being saved as by fire means that much of our inheritance and much of our personality have been burned away. Our behavior has not pleased the Lord. Perhaps an "Abraham" has prayed for us and we have been admitted to the Kingdom of God. But, like Lot, our inheritance is impoverished and threadbare when it could have been a mountain of fire and glory. It is likely we shall begin life again as a small child. It is certain we shall not be a great mountain of fire and glory reigning with the Lord over God's creation.

The Apostle Paul, knowing the terror of the Lord, warned the Christians of Corinth that each one of us shall be revealed at the Judgment Seat (Greek term, beema ) of Christ.

For we must all appear [be manifested] before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (II Corinthians 5:10)

It is taught today that the beema is a kind of awards banquet in which participants receive recognition for their accomplishments. The truth is, the beema was a court where accused criminals were brought to trial. Jesus was brought before the beema of Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:19).

Every Christian will be exposed before the beema of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will receive from the Lord that which he has done in his physical body, whether good or evil.

One principal reason why Jewish people have such a difficult time accepting Jesus as Christ is that they cannot understand the Christian concept of Divine grace. The Jew is taught from birth that God requires righteous behavior. What is this "grace" that means you do not have to live righteously? Is God still the Holy Fire of Israel?

It may come as a blessing to the Jew who is seeking his Christ to learn that the new covenant is much more demanding, in terms of righteous behavior, than is the Torah. Also, the new covenant provides the virtue, power, and guidance through which the righteous behavior demanded by the new covenant can be put into practice by the worshiper.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20)

To be continued.