So, I’m at Dallas Theological Seminary working on my dissertation (in print at www.backtofaith.com) and I take breaks by talking to the students who work in the book store, cafeteria, etc.  Here’s the basic dialog:

Me: Hey, you like theology don’t you?  I need some help on what I’m working on and have a conundrum.

They: Sure!

Me: OK.  So can we look at somebody out there (I point outside) and tell by their works if they’re going to heaven (saved)?

They: No way!  They could just be trying to work hard to get into heaven…you know, not faith in Christ but trusting in their works.

Me:  Yeah, good.  But, if I can’t tell by their works that they are going to heaven…how can I tell by their lack of works that they are not going to heaven (unsaved)?

They: Hmm…good question.

…………………………….

I think this is indeed a very strange drift in our thinking (that is, those of us who hold to the eternal security of the believer).  We often talk likes works prove faith (or a lack of works proves a lack of faith), while at the same time admit that works don’t really prove anything.

It comes across like we are saying it is THEORETICALLY TRUE but PRACTICALLY UNPROVABLE.

Maybe we should just let God be the Judge; that’s what I’m working hard at doing.

Grace,

Fred Lybrand