A: I
now write to you about 1Corinthians 5:5, which states, "To deliver
such
an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit maybe saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
Again, I give you my thoughts. This verse contrasts the temporal
sufferings brought on by the turning over to Satan with the eternal glory
these sufferings may bring in the day of the return of Jesus Christ.
I
think our problems come because we do not have a full biblical
understanding of the key words in the phrase you mentioned - "that
the
spirit may be saved." Both the word, spirit, and the word,
saved, are
taken to mean something according to one application of the word. But
forcing these definitions into every verse causes many problems.
The most basic meaning of save is to deliver. The most basic meaning
of
spirit is the unseen nature of something and that which gives life and
liveliness to man and beast. Now, there are many applications of these
words and they all (as far as I know) fit these general definitions.
But
they have other very specific applications of meaning as well. Save can
refer to the eternal salvation of the believer.
Spirit can refer to the part of man that works with his soul and body
to
make him a three-in-one being. But every biblical reference to spirit
does not refer to this third part of man. Some references simply refer
to
the inner man as opposed to the seem part of man. This should help you
understand the other references which were bothering you: Joshua 5:1;
Judges 15:19; 1Samuel 30:12. This also explains why a beast can have
a
spirit (Ecclesiastes 3:21).
So, what about our problem passage in 1Corinthians 5:1? What is the
spirit and what does it mean that it is to be saved in the day of the
Lord Jesus? I believe that this passage teaches that this man is probably
saved, but is committing a horrible sin. Paul recommends that he be
turned over to Satan to do to his flesh as he sees fit, so that he will
not suffer loss and embarrassment when the Lord Jesus returns; so his
inner man (spirit) will be delivered (saved) from loss of rewards at
the
judgment seat of Christ.
Now, let me admit something. Taken by itself, this verse could readily
be
used to teach the loss of salvation. It is by comparing scripture with
scripture that I know this is not the case here. Our salvation is
eternal. Therefore, if this man is saved, he will remain saved. One more
thought: Paul may have meant it as a test to see if he was truly saved.
The destruction of the flesh would either turn him back to God (and the
saving of the spirit) or else it would show him his need for salvation
(the saving of the spirit).
I will try to get to other questions later. Keep looking up.
Till He comes,
Pastor David Reagan