(Robb Brunansky – The Cripplegate) After Paul Washer’s sermon at Shepherds Conference on Friday afternoon, a firestorm erupted on social media criticizing one particular aspect of the sermon. Washer detailed his final visit with the late John MacArthur, sharing what he said to MacArthur during his time with him last March. Washer inquired about the condition of MacArthur’s soul and followed up that question by asking about MacArthur’s fellowship with Christ as his life drew near its close.
Legions of critics have decried what Washer said as preaching “law” to a dying man, calling it cruel and heartless, dis-inviting Washer from visiting them on their death beds (as if he were coming anyways), and saying that these queries were tone deaf….
Such commentary routinely is followed up by asserting that assurance of salvation is found by “looking to Christ” rather than “looking within.” Rather than looking to the condition of our souls, we ought to fix our gaze on the resurrected Lord, and find our full assurance in His finished work on the cross.
These criticisms have a ring of truth because they are partly true, but they miss an important strand of teaching within the New Testament. Repeatedly, we find the NT writers warning readers about a false assurance of salvation. We find again and again that multitudes of people will think they are on the road to glory, only to learn devastatingly on the Day of Judgment that they were never converted to begin with.
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