“Lest after having preached to others, I should be myself rejected” (1 Cor. 9:27).

The words are written, as in the point just discussed, in a section that deals with the proper use and the abuse of privileges that God has given to His own (1 Cor. 8:1 – 11:1). Instead of addressing a direct exhortation to the Corinthians, Paul – as he so often does – sets himself as an example. In contrast to them, who did not want to acknowledge the seriousness of their responsibility, he lived in constant self-denial in order to maintain and develop his spiritual strength. He was not at all afraid of being lost but was completely sure of his eternal salvationSalvation is part of God's plan of saving people. Those who are in danger and cannot help themselves need salvation. We owe our salvation to our Savior, who went to... More, as many passages in his letters prove (e.g. Phil. 1:21, 23; 2 Tim. 1:12).

On the other hand, however, it is conceivable that someone might preach all his life and yet be eternally lost. What Paul is presenting here in his own person is again the inseparability of graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More and responsibility. Anyone who professes that he has been saved by graceTo the one who earns something through performance, the reward is not according to grace but according to debt (Rom. 4:4). Grace is a favor that is not given by... More also has the responsibility to live accordingly. A mere profession is not enough; it leads to eternal ruin.