Two Interpretations of Luke 13:1-5

In view of Luke 18:9-14, the demand to stop trusting in one's works as a precondition for salvation is clearly part of the contextual fabric of Luke.  And it is clear that Luke 13:1-5 is directed to trusting in one's self righteousness.  To do so is to secure God's judgment unto eternal condemnation.  This provides contextual support for the soteriological interpretation of Luke 13:1-5.  Moreover, when one is trusting in the works of the law to save oneself, a warning of national judgment hardly seems appropriate!  The most urgent need of such a person is not the temporal deliverance of their nation, but the salvation of their eternal soul.  Returning to our summary questions, therefore:

1)     Is this passage in Luke soteriological (dealing with eternal salvation)?  Yes, in all likelihood.  Reasonable arguments can be advanced for interpreting Luke 13:1-5 as a warning of temporal judgment on Israel, or of the eternal judgment of the unbeliever.  Each student of Scripture holds in his hands the scale of judgment, and bears the responsibility before God for interpreting Scripture.

2)     Is repentance in Luke 13:1-5 presented as a requirement for eternal salvation?  Repentance is clearly required to avoid God's judgment.  If one understands Luke 13:1-5 as referring to eternal judgment, the answer is yes.  Repentance is needed for eternal salvation.

3)     Is the object of repentance consistent with the message of salvation in Scripture?  Yes, throughout Scripture, men are told they must accept God's offer of salvation by faith alone, apart from the works of the law.

Repentence from Self Righteousness, Luke 13:4-5