Scripture says that when one first believes, he is sealed in Christ by the Spirit, and that sealing is forever (Eph 1:13-14; 4:30; Jn 14:16). I believe this refers to the indwelling of the Spirit as well.
It’s my position that one is indwelt by the Spirit when he believes.
Paul says nothing about “mortal sin” in that passage. Paul is talking about one’s theology being built upon the right foundation, that foundation being Christ (v11). As he continues with his analogy, he brings into it those who don’t build on that foundation, referring to their works as wood, hay and straw, and he says that it will be shown in the day that those works were worthless. Nevertheless, Paul continues, the one who is God’s, and has accumulated nothing but empty and worthless works, will be saved (v12-15).
Hi Howie,
So, how do you think a person defiles his temple? Since Paul states that if people defile their temples, then God will destroy them, I believe him!
1 Corinthians 3:17 “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”
So, Paul is warning them to not defile their temples. And, if he is warning them, then it can happen. And, when it does happen, they are no longer justified. So, mortal sin has to be the reason that God destroys them.
Romans 6:16 “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of
sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?”
“Sin leading to death” is spiritual death caused by breaking God’s commandments.
How do we know this?
Matthew 19:16-19 "Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher,
what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.
But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’[d] and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
So, if you break His commandments, then you will not enter into eternal life. I find it unusual that an intelligent person like yourself does not figure this out.
The “seal” is an indelible mark received on the soul through both Baptism and Confirmation which cannot be removed even if the person sins and loses his eternal life.
Ephesians 1:13-14 “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”
“Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption” means that as long as the Holy Spirit is living in our souls/temples (abiding in) then He guarantees that we will inherit eternal life. But, if we defile our temples with disobedience to God’s commandments, then He no longer abides in us and therefore no longer guarantees eternal life for us.
Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
We keep the “seals” of Baptism and Confirmation if we sin mortally because these seals (marks) were supernatural marks and cannot be removed, but the Holy Spirit will be grieved because we will not inherit eternal life (unless we confess and repent before death).
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”
It is the Holy Spirit actually present, living in our hearts/souls/temples, Who is the guarantor of our inheritance. If we defile our temples with sin, then He no longer abides in us so our “guarantor” no longer guarantees eternal life for us but instead destroys us (hellfire). The Holy Spirit must be living in our souls at the time of our deaths in order for us to inherit eternal life.
This is why Hebrews 10:26-27 states: “
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.”
This is why John states: “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death.
There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.” 1 John 5:16-17
Mortal sins are those which lead to death (spiritual death) but venial sins do not cause spiritual death. Venial sins can weaken a person and make him more susceptible to committing mortal sins, however.
Paul used his epistles to admonish the brethren to not sin because of its consequences. Once reconciled to God through Baptism, it is important to continue in the faith and not lose your inheritance through sin.
Acts 11:23 “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart
they should continue with the Lord.”
Colossians 1:21-23 “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23** if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard**, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.”
OSAS is not scriptural. We must endure in the faith, obeying God’s commandments and producing good fruit, in order to enter eternal life.
1 John 5:13 “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and
that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.
Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Inheriting eternal life is conditional on our own actions.
). And what’s worse, he pulls you into this adolescent style of debate, and you follow suit with the bitter sarcasm and condescension. He would be worth the time if he knew how to have a gracious discussion. Consequently, I try to refrain from discourse with him. If he’s the example of Christianity for the flock exposed to him, all is well in Christendom.
