Overcomer Doctrine (Merged Thread)

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

... but I think "punishment" is too strong a word. I believe the preponderance of verses that apply don't have to do so much with punishment as they do with loss of reward.

(To clarify, we get redeemed and born of God and that redemption is sure! And then we do whatever we will, but there is accountability for what God's children do: "For we must all appear before the [bema] seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10). One doesn't normally get punished for not winning a prize[/I]

There are many verses that show not only loss of reward but also discipline and/or punishment for believers. We also have many cases, both in the Old T. and New T. concerning D and P. Entire chapters, books and accounts. And it´s relative, there is a large range, depending on every case....

Concerning the metaphorical use of a competition there is a third aspect you are not including:

1.) win = reward
2.) not win = lose reward
3.) cheat = discipline or punishment

Yes, maybe no punishment for not winning a prize, but surely punishment for behaving bad.