A recent Facebook post argued that the Apostle Paul did not teach “once saved, always saved” (OSAS) or "eternal security," asserting that Paul’s use of the word “castaway” in 1 Corinthians 9:27 indicates he feared losing his soul. The post further attempted to link Paul’s statement with Jesus’ words in Luke 9:25 about losing one’s soul. While this argument may appear compelling at first glance, it is rooted in significant hermeneutical errors that lead to erroneous conclusions. In this blog post, we will explore the hermeneutical violations and provide a biblically sound interpretation of the texts in question.
Understanding 1 Corinthians 9:27: Paul’s “Castaway”
Paul writes: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27). The Greek word translated as “castaway” is adokimos, meaning “disqualified,” “unapproved,” or “failing the test.”
Hermeneutical error #1: Ignoring Context The post equates “castaway” with eternal damnation, but this interpretation ignores the immediate and broader contexts of the passage. Paul’s metaphor of an athlete competing for a prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-26) emphasizes discipline and faithfulness in ministry. His concern is not about losing salvation but about being disqualified from receiving rewards for faithful service (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Salvation, according to Paul, is by grace through faith and not contingent on human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Luke 9:25: Losing One’s Soul
Jesus says: “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” (Luke 9:25). Here, Jesus warns of the eternal consequences of prioritizing worldly gain over following Him.
Hermeneutical error #2: Conflating Different Contexts The Facebook post assumes that Jesus’ statement about losing one’s soul directly parallels Paul’s concern about being a “castaway.” However, the contexts are entirely different. Jesus is addressing the cost of discipleship and the eternal value of the soul, while Paul is discussing the discipline required for effective ministry.
Theological Implications and the Broader Context of Paul’s Teachings
Paul’s writings consistently affirm the eternal security of the believer. For instance, in Romans 8:38-39, Paul declares that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus. In Philippians 1:6, he assures that the good work God begins in a believer will be completed. These passages underscore the unshakable foundation of salvation rooted in God’s grace, not human performance.
Hermeneutical error #3: Cherry-Picking Verses The argument isolates 1 Corinthians 9:27 and Luke 9:25 without considering the broader biblical narrative. Scripture must interpret Scripture; isolated verses cannot be used to construct doctrine without aligning with the whole counsel of God.
Hermeneutical error #4: Redefining Terms The claim that “castaway” in 1 Corinthians 9:27 means “losing one’s soul” imposes an unwarranted definition on the term. The word adokimos consistently refers to disqualification or failure in specific tasks, not eternal condemnation (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5-7).
Consider also the hermeneutical principles that are being violated in Hebrews 3:12 which some interpret to mean that one can lose their salvation — The verse states, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
Hermeneutical error #1: Ignoring Context The immediate context warns against the dangers of hardening one’s heart, using Israel’s wilderness rebellion as an example (Hebrews 3:7-19). The passage encourages perseverance in faith, addressing a mixed audience that includes genuine believers and those who may not have fully trusted Christ. The warning is about unbelief, not the loss of salvation.
Hermeneutical error #2: Equating Warning with Loss Warnings in Scripture often serve to encourage self-examination and perseverance rather than assert doctrinal statements about losing salvation. Hebrews 3:12 highlights the seriousness of unbelief but does not negate the promises of eternal security found elsewhere in Scripture.
Hermeneutical error #3: Neglecting Audience and Purpose The book of Hebrews is written to Jewish believers transitioning from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The warnings are designed to prevent them from falling back into Judaism rather than affirming the possibility of losing salvation.
Hermeneutical error #4: Overlooking Theological Harmony Scripture interprets Scripture. Hebrews 3:12 must be understood alongside passages that affirm eternal security, such as John 10:28-29 and Romans 8:38-39. Failure to reconcile these passages leads to doctrinal imbalance.
Hermeneutical error #5: Misunderstanding Key Terms The term “departing” (Greek: ἀφίστημι, apistēmi) can mean to withdraw or fall away temporarily, not necessarily a permanent state of apostasy. The broader context clarifies the meaning.
Practical Considerations
Salvation is Secure, Service is Evaluated: Paul’s concern in 1 Corinthians 9:27 is about stewardship and reward, not salvation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the passage.
Avoiding Fear-Based Theology: Misinterpretations like this foster fear and legalism, contrary to the assurance and joy that come from a grace-centered understanding of salvation (John 10:28-29).
Encouraging Faithful Living: Eternal security is not a license for complacency but a foundation for faithful and joyful service to God. Paul’s call to discipline reminds believers to live purposefully, honoring Christ in all things.
The claim that Paul denied eternal security misinterprets Scripture by violating essential hermeneutical principles such as context, the harmony of Scripture, and proper word definitions. Similarly, using Hebrews 3:12 to argue that salvation can be lost overlooks its original context and purpose. When we approach the Bible with sound hermeneutical principles, we see that Paul’s teachings and the broader message of Scripture align perfectly with the doctrine of eternal security. Rather than undermining salvation by grace, these passages inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our eternal destiny is secure in Christ.
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