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Barely Saved
Christians need to have confidence that they are going to heaven. This confidence is based upon the faithfulness of God, who has promised eternal life (1 John 2:25). We can know that we have eternal life, and can therefore be confident of our salvation (1 John 5:13-14; 2:28, etc.). Of course, we understand our need to remain faithful to God. But the point remains: we can be confident of salvation, not because of who we are, and what we have done, but because of whom God is and what He has done on our behalf.
The Scriptures also teach that God's grace has been abundantly given to us. He has "freely bestowed" and "lavished" His grace upon us (Ephesians 1:6-8). His grace is more than sufficient to cover our sins; His grace does not just barely do the job. Further, we are taught that if we will add to our lives the godly virtues, growing in the grace and knowledge of God, we will remain in God's favor and be supplied with an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord (2 Peter 1:5-11). We need to be impressed with this: "for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you" (vs. 11). Notice: "abundantly supplied." No indication here of being just barely saved. If we are going to heaven at all, then it will be with an abundant entrance.
Now here's the problem. I have heard some question the assurance of salvation by going to 1 Peter 4:18. The King James Version says, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" From this wording, one can draw the conclusion that we will only be "scarcely" or "barely" saved. The problem with viewing this Scripture this way is that it contradicts the other passages already cited. If God's grace is so great, and if our entrance into the eternal kingdom will be so abundant, then how can it also be true that we will be "scarcely" saved?
The answer is found in the context of 1 Peter 4. Peter is speaking of the suffering that Christians will endure while on earth. Since Christ suffered, Christians need to be armed with the same purpose (vs. 1). We will be different from the world, and this will bring friction and persecution. Peter wrote, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing" (vs. 12). Then, "if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God" (vs. 16). Suffering persecution was a trial for the Christians. They had to endure it and come through it so that they could be saved. Now note verses 17-19 (NASB):
"For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; And if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."
The judgment is the testing or trials through which Christians pass. They help determine the character and faithfulness of the ones going through it. If such sufferings will be difficult for Christians, who have God on their side, then how can the disobedient deal with the calamities that are sure to come to them? If trials and tribulations will come upon God's household, then what will ultimately befall those who have spurned God?
The idea, therefore, of being saved "with difficulty" is that there are perils and trails that could obstruct our faithfulness to God. It will not be an easy walk in the park. We must overcome these trials and persevere to the end. That's what Peter is trying to encourage. This is similar to what Paul told the brethren as he and Barnabas were "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God'" (Acts 14:22). Salvation would come through difficulty and tribulation.
Salvation will still be abundant. God's grace is still great and more than sufficient for us. But there will be difficult times to overcome. We need to learn how to deal with such trials, knowing that if we continue faithfully to the end, we will have an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom. Further, if God allows these things to try us as Christians, then think of what the end will be of the ungodly. The fact that the righteous are allowed to suffer argues that the disobedient will have no hope at all, for God has promised to visit eternal punishment upon them (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
These passages serve to encourage our perseverance and faithfulness to our Lord. We look forward to heaven, and this gives us the courage to make it through this life. Therefore, let us commit our souls to the faithful Creator in doing what is right.
— via College View Columns, Florence, Alabama
