And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Do people have an awe and reverence over hell?
Or do people have a fear of hell? (Besides the unbelievers).
Luke 12 opens up in verse 1 with, "..Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." 4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him! So we are to fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell in CONTRAST to those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
The Lord is not saying here that He will throw His saints/the righteous into hell. Instead, we read that His saints are
preserved forever (Psalm 37:28) and
the righteous will go into eternal life. (Matthew 25:46)
Obviously we fear hell which is why we ran as quickly as possible to safety in the gospel. And also why we will continue in the gospels' refuge.
I certainly had a fear of hell when I came to realize that I was a sinner who was on his way to hell and could not save myself. (Romans 3:23; 6:23) As would anyone who came to the same realization, prior to choosing to repent and believe the gospel.
But many are like Felix:
[Felix] sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned or righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee (Acts 24:24-25).
I guess the OSAS answer would be something along this line:
"I have nothing to fear, I am eternally secure"
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Verse 26
At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. Felix may have trembled at the words spoken by Paul, but that was it. Many may tremble at the word of God, yet are not changed by it. Many may be afraid of the consequences of sin, yet continue in the love and practice of sin instead of repenting and believing the gospel.
But look at what the scripture says that fear produces:
Proverbs 14:16
A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but he fool rageth, and is confident.
Some OSAS'ers rage and rail against those who point out the scriptures that contradict their cherished doctrine. But they are soo confident in their belief that they seem to have allowed themselves to be blinded in order not to see the contradictions. This is truly something to behold.
I don't see any scriptures that contradict (Psalm 37:28; John 5:24; 6:37; 10:27-29; Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:8; Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:40; Philippians 1:6 etc..). What's not to cherish about eternal security of the believer in Christ? Do you instead prefer to cherish fear and bondage to IN-security? Can you show me just one verse in the Bible that specifically says, "lose or lost salvation?" I've noticed that ALL false religions and cults teach salvation by works AND strongly oppose OSAS, which has always been a
red flag for me and I've noticed that even professing believers who subscribe to NOSAS are quick to join hands with them and sing, "kumbaya" in unity over believing in NOSAS and attacking OSAS believers, which is truly something to behold.
By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Proverbs 1:7 - The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Departing from evil/cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit/perfecting holiness in the fear of God is absolutely what the body of Christ is to strive for, yet someone may try to abuse these verses by saying anything short of sinless perfection means that we will not be saved and/or lose salvation. I've heard that argument before using these verses from 'sinless perfectionists.'