QUESTION: What does the apostle Paul mean when he says in 1 Corinthians 9:27; "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway"? Is he saying that it is possible to be saved and then lost again?

ANSWER: No. Paul is not saying that it is possible to be saved and then lost again. The Holy Spirit through Paul is saying that it is possible to preach to others and be finally castaway or lost. In discussing this Scripture let us briefly look at three things: (1) The context in which the verse is found; (2) The spiritual meaning of "I keep under my body and bring it into subjection; and, (3) The meaning of "I myself should be a castaway."

1. The context. The apostle had been writing in the preceding verses of the athlete's need for temperance in all things. The athlete must keep under his body. i.e., to buffet or discipline his body, not allowing it to control him. He must deny himself ease and self-indulgence. This is a necessity if he is to contend for a prize or medal.

2. Spiritual meaning of "I keep under my body." Paul now applies what an athlete physically does to himself spiritually. Through the power of the Holy Spirit he put to death the deeds of the body instead of living according to fleshly desires (Romans 8:13). His life was characterized by self-denial and suffering (Matthew 16:24,25). In other words, the walk must be consistent with the talk, the practice with the preaching. For it is surely possible to preach to others and yet be castaway and it is surely possible to profess Christ and yet in works deny him (see Matthew 7:21-23 and Titus 1:16). But those who do this are not those who keep the body under and bring it into subjection. The apostle did not express any fears that he would not be able to do this.

3. The meaning of "I myself should be a castaway." Paul is not referring here to his work or service but to himself. The word "castaway" is translated from the Greek word "adokemos" and is translated reprobate in Romans 1:28, 2 Corinthians 13:5,6 and other Scriptures. In each one of the Scriptures in which is appears it is used only for a professor or an unsaved person. It has then the meaning of being lost, rejected or disqualified.

In conclusion then we can see that this was a solemn warning for those in Paul's day who were preaching among the Corinthians. Paul buffeted his body and led it captive. Did they? And how much more solemn in our day as we think of the many preachers whose lives bear a sad contrast to their preaching.

Paul, therefore, has in mind the professor as he applies this principle to himself. He had no fears for himself but for those who among them needed this warning. This warning is also continued in 1 Corinthians 10 where the apostle shows that outwardly partaking of spiritual blessings does not in itself guarantee salvation or security.

No, the only security for a soul is Christ Himself. The soul that knows Him as Saviour never needs to fear as to his or her final salvation. "For ye are dead, and you life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:3,4). See also 2 Timothy 1:12 for Paul's certainty of hope.

—John D. McNeil