A Free Grace Perspective on a Highly Contested Verse

By - Pastor Freddy Cortez, National Capital Bible Church

2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified."

Context and Meaning

• Paul is addressing believers, not questioning their salvation.

• “In the faith" refers to living out faith, not questioning salvation status.

• Self-examination encourages spiritual growth and maturity.

• "Disqualified" (adokimos) relates to Christian service, not loss of salvation.

Across these passages, Paul encourages:

1. Active engagement with faith (1 Corinthians 16:13).

2. Deepening spiritual roots (Colossians 2:7).

3. Sound, healthy faith practices (Titus 1:13).

4. Self-examination for growth (2 Corinthians 13:5).

1. 1 Corinthians 16:13: "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."

• Emphasizes active engagement and steadfastness in faith.

• Demonstrates Paul's focus on practical application of faith in daily life.

2. Colossians 2:7: "Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."

• Focuses on spiritual maturity and ongoing growth process.

• Emphasizes importance of solid doctrinal foundation and gratitude.

3. Titus 1:13: "This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,"

• Stresses the importance of healthy, robust faith impacting daily life.

• Shows that being "in the faith" includes adhering to correct teachings.

4. 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified."

Persuasive Argument

Paul's consistent use of "in the faith" emphasizes living according to Christian beliefs, not questioning salvation. This aligns with the Free Grace view that salvation is secure, while Christian living requires ongoing growth and commitment. 

2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified." ("Disqualified" is "adokimos")

2 Corinthians 13:7: "Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified." ("Approved" is "dokimos")

The contrast between "adokimos" (disqualified) and "dokimos" (approved) highlights faithful versus unfaithful living, not saved versus unsaved states.

Conclusion

Understanding 2 Corinthians 13:5 properly is crucial for believers' spiritual well-being and assurance. Misinterpretation can lead to doubt, insecurity, and a works-based mentality. Recognizing Paul's intent to encourage living out faith rather than questioning its existence allows believers to:

1. Rest secure in their salvation while striving for spiritual growth.

2. Engage in healthy self-examination without undermining their assurance.

3. Focus on becoming more effective in their Christian service.

4. Cultivate a deeper, more mature faith that impacts all areas of life.

This NCBC interpretation aligns with broader biblical teaching on the security of the believer while emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and faithful living post-salvation. It encourages believers to live confidently in their secure relationship with Christ while continually seeking to grow in faith and effectiveness in Christian service.