All Christians struggle with sin, those that say they don’t are lying (1John 1). Even the apostle Paul anguished over his (see Romans 7). What determines our salvation is what Christ has done for us and not how well we behave. That is not saying that we should not endeavor to obey, but that God’s grace through Christ ensures us that we are His. If He has chosen us, then He will complete His work of conforming us to the image of Christ. This may not be according to our own timing, and may or may not always be visible to us or others, specially those who are also blinded by the sin in their own lives and has zero bearing eternally. It is a waste of time to question other’s salvation, specially after they are gone, there is nothing to be gained by it.
——>It is a waste of time to question other’s salvation, specially after they are gone, there is nothing to be gained by it.
Ravi’s salvation is no one’s business, except God’s (now that Ravi is dead). But, he lived the OSAS/OJAJ doctrine. He was the poster boy. There is certainly a lesson to be learned. Living that kind of sinful life, while claiming God’s saving grace and believing in the OSAS/OJAJ doctrine, will cause loss of salvation. Did Ravi genuinely repent before he died? Who knows. None of my business. But, his story should make everyone think about the bigger picture.
When I saw the title, John MacArthur questions Ravi Zacharias salvation, I immediately thought two things:
MacArthur is really big on "good works" as proof of salvation. He opposes "easy-believism" (and then doesn't--it's weird). I think John MacArthur is a little quick to judge other's on this. [[and I must quickly add - I love his teaching]]
and
I make it a practice NEVER to question someone else's position before God (their salvation status). I am supposed to "examine" myself.
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 2 Corinthians 13:5-9