Christian Living

PART 8 THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

by james rondinone 
12/05/25
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ETERNALLY SECURE OR ETERNALLY LOST? 

This is really what this study is all about. What a tragedy it would be to believe in a salvation message that sounds good and yet doesn’t bring us to the place where it says we’ll go when our lives here on earth are over.

What caused me to write this study was a fellow believer whose belief concerning salvation/sanctification differs from mine. I’m sure this is true for many of us. We believe what we’re taught. End of story.

As for myself, I attended two worldwide ministries churches for a significant period of time, whose views on this topic were entirely different, each of which is presented in this study. I didn’t write this to put down any church or believers who believe in one or the other perspective. However, the following verse is what we should incorporate in our spiritual walk.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. NASB

The Apostle Paul instructed his fellow co-laborer Timothy as to his pastoral duties. Likewise, each of us is responsible for growing to spiritual maturity, i.e., to becoming Christlike. With these thoughts in mind, we’re encouraged to be diligent (to study) and present ourselves approved to God. The words diligent means the act of putting the utmost effort in some activity. It’s disclosed to us what we should be most diligent in pursuing, i.e., God’s approval. The word approved describes a worker [who] diligently studies the Word and seeks to apply it to his own life.¹⁴² It also refers to someone who has been tested and found acceptable.¹⁴³

Then we’re told that this worker should not be ashamed when their work is inspected. Why not? Because of handling accurately, the word of truth. The words handling accurately means expounding something [rightly] or teaching something correctly.¹⁴⁴ And we know what this refers to: the word of truth. By analogy, this can be compared to a road to be laid out straight: Timothy must not deviate from this right line to the one side or other.¹⁴⁵

What we have before us are two lines. One is the right one, and the other is the wrong one. You might ask, how do I know which one is straight and which one is crooked? I’ll leave you with one more verse from the Old Testament, describing your responsibility in this study. Please turn to the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 14:15 The naive believes everything, But the prudent man considers his steps. NASB

The naive are those who are easily influenced. We’ve all been there, especially when we started going to church and knew very little about what was being taught. Initially, we believed everything that was spoken. Why? Because we didn’t know any better. These words also mean that the naive believe without proof or examination.¹⁴⁶

But hopefully, over time, each of us becomes a prudent (wise) man who carefully considers his steps. The word steps could mean decisions. So, the wise man carefully considers his decisions. Another beautiful rendering is from the UBS Old Testament Handbook Series, which says that the prudent man is careful not to be misled by untruth.¹⁴⁷

If, after reading this study, you’re still undecided as to which view is more favorable (scripturally sound), then go to God the Father in prayer in the name of His Son using the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance. God will answer you in His time and manner. God bless you!

Endnotes

¹⁴²The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.

¹⁴³The Bible Exposition Commentary/New Testament.

¹⁴⁴UBS New Testament Handbook Series.

¹⁴⁵Jamieson, Faucet, and Brown Commentary.

¹⁴⁶The Pulpit Commentary.

¹⁴⁷UBS Old Testament Handbook Series Pc Study Bible version 5, 2005. BIBLESOFT. WEB.

31 December 2024

˂http://www.biblesoft.com>.