1 PETER 1:9
by Bob Wilkin https://faithalone.org/magazine/y1992/92may3.html
"Receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
A casual reading of this text may seem to suggest that eternal
salvation is in view. But this is not the correct interpretation.
First, the very first word in v 9, receiving (Gk komizomenoi),
cannot be made to fit the eternal salvation interpretation. This
word is one which refers to "pay" or "wages" received for work
done
Second, the reference to faith in v 9 does not concern saving faith.
Rather, it concerns faith that stands the test of fire (v 7).
Third, what is promised is broader than eternal life. Only believers
whose works stand the test of fire will receive praise, honor, and glory
(cf. 1 Cor 3:10-15; 1 Pet 1:7).
Fourth, "soul salvation" is not used anywhere else in Scripture to
refer to eternal salvation. Elsewhere it either refers to temporal
salvation (deliverance from physical death) or to eternal rewards.
Fifth, the "soul salvation" in view here is future, not present. Eternal
life is the present possession of all who believe (John 5:24).
Sixth, the rewards view best fits the theme of the whole book as well
as this subsection. The theme is this: if believers are faithful in their
earthly trials--willingly suffering for Christ, then they will obtain an
abundant life forever. "Soul salvation" in this context is the abundant life
which faithful believers will receive.
by Bob Wilkin https://faithalone.org/magazine/y1992/92may3.html
"Receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."
A casual reading of this text may seem to suggest that eternal
salvation is in view. But this is not the correct interpretation.
First, the very first word in v 9, receiving (Gk komizomenoi),
cannot be made to fit the eternal salvation interpretation. This
word is one which refers to "pay" or "wages" received for work
done
Second, the reference to faith in v 9 does not concern saving faith.
Rather, it concerns faith that stands the test of fire (v 7).
Third, what is promised is broader than eternal life. Only believers
whose works stand the test of fire will receive praise, honor, and glory
(cf. 1 Cor 3:10-15; 1 Pet 1:7).
Fourth, "soul salvation" is not used anywhere else in Scripture to
refer to eternal salvation. Elsewhere it either refers to temporal
salvation (deliverance from physical death) or to eternal rewards.
Fifth, the "soul salvation" in view here is future, not present. Eternal
life is the present possession of all who believe (John 5:24).
Sixth, the rewards view best fits the theme of the whole book as well
as this subsection. The theme is this: if believers are faithful in their
earthly trials--willingly suffering for Christ, then they will obtain an
abundant life forever. "Soul salvation" in this context is the abundant life
which faithful believers will receive.