Correspondence
Ques. How do you understand 2 Peter 2:20-22, when John 10:28 gives positive assurance of the believer's eternal security?
Ans. You must ever remember that Scripture cannot contradict itself. Hence, when you read in John 10 such words as these, "My sheep shall never perish," your heart should rest in the full assurance of the eternal security of the very feeblest of Christ's blood-bought sheep. Many other scriptures establish the same precious truth.
Evidently, then, 2 Peter 2:20-22 cannot possibly clash with John 10 and kindred passages. But what does it teach? Simply that when professors of religion return to their old habits, they are in a worse condition than if they had never made a profession at all. It is obvious that true Christians are not in question here. A "dog and a sow" cannot be looked upon as "sheep," however they may profess "the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Ques. Please explain John 15:2.
Ans. The real secret of the difficulty felt by so many in this scripture is that they seek to make it a question of eternal life and security, whereas it is simply a question of fruitbearing. If we do not abide in the vine, we shall prove fruitless branches, and all such branches the Husbandman removes from the place of fruitbearing. The question of salvation is not touched.
Ques. What is the meaning of "the concision" in Phil. 3:2?
Ans. The concision mean those who are trying to improve the flesh by cutting off bad habits. The truth teaches us that the death of Christ is the end of the flesh before God, and that our old man is crucified with Him. (Rom. 6:6). The circumcision in Phil. 3:3 recognize this. Col. 2:11 means dead with Christ. "The concision" do not know this, but teach the improvement of man without redemption.