Being my Own Savior

In one of Brother Stephen’s recent postings he touched on a verse of scripture usually referred to by moderns today as teaching the existence of an optional timely salvation to the child of God who is “already regenerated”. That text was Philippians 2:12:

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

As a young elder I can remember this text of scripture frequently cited. Because it contains the word work there is a felt need to “rightly divide” it, as if it contradicts our belief in salvation by grace. It reminded me of a recent quote I read in the November 2013 issue of The Banner of Love, in which conditionalist elder Hulan Bass contributed a thought in his “THE TRUTH IS” section. He writes:

“THE TRUTH IS--- The Eternal Salvation God “works in you,” gives you the ability to “work out” your own Timely Salvation. You do not “work out” so God can “work in.” God first Saves you Eternally; Then you can Save Yourself Timely. Phil. 2:12-13; Acts 2:40.”

The statement is plain so that there can be no confusion.

”…you can Save Yourself Timely”

After regeneration, it is affirmed that the sinner can SAVE HIMSELF! He needs not Christ to do it, but the sinner is HIS OWN SAVIOR with respect to this “timely salvation”.

According to this scheme the regenerate child of God must acquire his own repentance, become the author of his own evangelical faith, and be the cause of his own practical holiness.

In their teaching of conditional time salvation, Hardshells are affirming that the regenerate child of God can become His own Savior!

If this is not bordering on blasphemy, I know not what is.