Matthew 18:8-9
Nov 20, 2018
Somebody just asked me if Matt 18:8-9 contradicts the teaching of eternal security. Great question.
This passage does not contradict the teaching of eternal security if it is properly understood.
In Matt 18:1-4 Jesus is speaking to true disciples who receive Christ. In Matt 18:5-10 Jesus isn’t speaking to believers in Christ.
Because the crime of causing a little one to stumble is so great, in other words, because they not only reject Jesus but try to cause these little ones (who are believers), to sin and turn away from Christ, their punishment is very severe. It would be better for these unbelievers to be drowned in the sea before they do this than to commit these crimes and face eschatological judgment.
SOURCES USED
Figert, Thomas O. The King of the Kingdom of Heaven: A Commentary on Matthew.
Ross, Allen. “Life Under Kingdom Authority.” https://bible.org/seriespage/26-life-under-kingdom-authority-matthew-18.