Bodybuilding For Salvation

False teaching: “The gospel call to faith presupposes that sinners must repent of their sin and yield to Christ’s authority.” In other words, a sinner who refuses to repent is not saved, for he cannot cling to his sin and the Savior at the same time. And a sinner who rejects Christ’s authority in his life does not have saving faith, for true faith encompasses a surrender to God. Thus, the gospel requires more than making an intellectual decision or mouthing a prayer; the gospel message is a call to discipleship. The sheep will follow their Shepherd in submissive obedience.

Many in religion today believe that submission to Christ's teaching is the key to salvation. They are tired of seeing sin permeate society and so they set out to deceive. They think by falsifying the gospel of Jesus Christ they will bring order to an otherwise chaotic world of sin.

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" Galatians 1:7-8.

Many of the self-pious believe that trust in Christ is not enough. They want to see change in society that meets their expectations. They see many who claim to have trusted Christ but yet show no fruits that prove it. They will tell you that without good works you will not be saved. "You need more," they will say, "YOU NEED OBEDIENCE."  

The problem with adding works to salvation is the same as it is with those into bodybuilding. The bodybuilder keeps examining himself to gauge his improvement and growth. However, more is going on in front of the mirror than self-help examination, the muscle man or woman is also caught up in self-admiration. Some will say and rightfully so that most bodybuilders are vain. Vanity according to this definition is having excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, etc.; character or quality of being vain; conceit. This brings me to my spiritual point that those who constantly are caught up into beholding their many marvelous works fall into the same sin as the bodybuilder.

The deceivers who constantly look at themselves with admiration and self-glory are committing a special sin of pride. Many who are trusting in their flesh to deliver them from sin have become themselves more sinful in the process. The false disciple who teaches self-works for salvation is denying the source of all good works. The Lord of glory has nothing to do with their salvation since they are doing it themselves.

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction" 2 Peter 2:1

The disciples of error who takes theirs eyes off the Lord and puts them on themselves follows a wicked path of self-admiration, self-pride, and debauchery.

"These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever" Jude 1:12-13.

The true disciple hates his flesh and doesn't trust in it. He hates the world, flesh and the devil.

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" 1 John 2:16.

His eyes are fixed only on Christ. Jesus Christ alone is perfect, and worthy of all admiration.

We have been accused often that we teach that sin doesn't matter. The false teacher says we preach that we can continue to sin and it will be well with our soul. Paul replies to such nonsense,

"And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just" Romans 3:8.

Paul responded not in toleration to the false teacher but in damnation. "Whose damnation is just." In other words, they deserve the damnation in hell where they are going.

What they preach is a lie. We preach that sin does matter. It has consequences, however, trying to live a sin-less life is a deception that misses the mark and is deserving of hell fire and judgment. We teach salvation first and then works will follow. We do not follow works for salvation.

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" Titus 2:11-13

Works are not a sign of salvation but a duty of faith and love. We work out of our devotion to God and not out of our necessity for salvation. Jesus Christ is our salvation and the work of God for eternal life.