Clarification?

Based on some of the feedback I have received, I have concluded that it is necessary to provide some details of my position and clarify statements I made in my last post.  No doubt additional questions and concerns will arise based on the following:

Regarding salvation

1)  Salvation is an act of God and is made effectual in individuals through the Holy Spirit convicting and regenerating the heart of sinners.  The preaching of the gospel is the means through which this is accomplished.

2)  Salvation is not the result of responding to an altar call or saying a sinner’s prayer.

3)  Salvation is not the result of church discipline, however biblically it may be practiced.

Regarding Eternal Security

1)  I believe the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” is one of the most grievously misunderstood teachings of the modern American church.

2)  Just as salvation is granted by grace and not earned by any human means (including ancestry, behavior, or personal decision), eternal security is attributable only to the steadfast trustworthiness of God’s election and purpose.  We are eternally secure only if we are predestined unto salvation before the foundation of the world.

3)  Without an overall biblical perspective about salvation and the duty and role of the Church, this doctrine can lead to unspeakable evil acts conducted by dedicated church goers — those that believe themselves to be “born again” Christians with an assured place in heaven regardless of immoral, sinful behavior.

Regarding Church Discipline

1)  Since church discipline does not have the power of conversion, by itself it would not have been responsible for the rebirth of Dr. Tiller.

2)  The lack of church discipline can generate unwarranted satisfaction with one’s standing before the Lord.  In other words, without church discipline as a part of the overall practice of the Church, unrepentant sinners are led to believe (or are specifically taught) that their salvation is assured.

3)  In the book of Romans, Paul tells us “you are not under law but under grace.”   Nevertheless, in the next verse and throughout the New Testament, the Bible makes it clear that conversion results in fruit.  Christians are expected to demonstrate that they are a new creature by their words and actions.

In summary, I think Dr. Tiller was not aware of the basic principles of the faith.  He may have known that the wages of sin is death, but what did that matter to him?  He was not aware that he was a sinner and that his actions were contrary to the law of God.  The Church’s failure to discipline him sanctioned the choices he continued to make.  He did not think it necessary to repent because he had not been made aware of his error.

Dr. Tiller’s sin remains his responsibility, but his blood is on the hands of all of those that know Christ and had an opportunity hold Dr. Tiller accountable, but did not act.