Mel! Thanks for presenting the traditional alternative in which I was also steeped. But on E & I, I’m wondering why you’re so sure a “saved” person can be the same as he who will “not inherit God’s kingdom”? For many it’s a strain not to see “inheriting eternal life,” “entering God Kingdom,” and experiencing “salvation” as overlapping categories. For Jesus and Paul seem to use these terms interchangeably.
You wisely counter with the key text on those who will need to “escape through the flames,” and yet will be saved. You understandably say that it sounds like works are only about “reward,” and “not required for salvation.” (Though could even the application of this image be consistent with the view that a lack of demonstrated character can need to be purified by God’s “fire” in order for us to become what God requires?)
Your emphasis that works are optional is reasurring. And our agreement that God is savior of all men is ultimately reassurring. Your interpretation of one verse is reasonable, but most of the Biblical warnings that those who profess allegiance yet lack fruit and works will face God’s “fire” are more distressing. I’m left wondering how you understand the references in F & D where Paul appears to see obedience to God’s law as required for salvation and eternal life. Doesn’t this also suggest that a goodness seen in our actions (works) is essential?
The citations already referenced in I & E warn that it’s those who do good works who will receive eternal life, whereas those professers who did not do them will depart into God’s eternal fire and punishment. Indeed, since "The Lord will judge HIS people, those who keep on sinning must have a “terrifying expectation… for it is a dreadful thing” (Heb. 10). And likewise James rhetorically asks if a faith without works “can” save?
So on balance, the tensions of many texts with the assured outcome for those saved through “fire” in your citation are less resolved for me than you, and to take those warnings seriously, I’m relucatant to assure Christians that how we live is optional, such that only extra awards are in view, and no concern is called for about the treasures of salvation itself. I’m not even sure that promises of ‘reward,’ such as a “crown of righteousness” is not what is already assured to all who already love God and truly experience a lived out salvation. Indeed, I think being characterized by actual righteousness is what salvation will mean in everyone, when God completes his plan.