Our position is unassailable and unending.
Deserving nothing
but
eligible for everything
because
the highest court in the universe has declared me
JUSTIFIED!
Salvation is God's plan, God's work, God's accomplishment.
Salvation belongs to the Lord --
-- Psalm 3:8 - entirely of HIM.
-- Psalm 37:39 - He is the refuge.
-- Psalm 68:19 - He is our salvation and sets us free; He is the great I AM. Our salvation is as sure as God Himself.
Habakkuk 3:18 - I will rejoice in the victorious God of my salvation --
Rejoice! -- not doubt, not fear, REJOICE!
Romans 8:1 -- no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus
I John 5:12-13 -- that you may know you already have eternal life.
Romans 8:16 --the Holy Spirit assures us that we are the children of God.
I Peter 1:23 -- regenerated; not by a mortal seed or physical sperm but by the ever-living and everlasting Word of God.
SOME PROBLEM TEXTS (the problem is not with Scripture but with us)
Remember, there is no need to reconcile Scripture. It doesn't say one thing in one passage and a different thing in another. Scripture is always harmonious in all its parts.
The Bible does not bring us the assurance and comfort of eternal security in some verses, and then rip the rug from under our feet in other verses by making us fear that we could lose our salvation.
I Corinthians 9:27 - be a castaway. His salvation is not in question at all but his service. His concern was that we would be disapproved and not have God's approval on his service. (e.g. I Samuel 15:26 - Saul rejected from being king; not rejected as a person but his service rejected).
2 Corinthians 13:5 - examine yourselves and see. (prove YOURSELVES, not Christ). Their standing is being questioned. They PROFESS to be Christians but the Lord Jesus indwells all who have been truly born again. Many profess but their empty profession will be found unacceptable and then they will be rejected. (Matthew 7:21-23 – Not everyone who says, Lord, Lord).
2 Peter 2:20-21 - last condition worse than first. (should be read with 2 Peter 2:22). These professors may look like sheep but in reality they are dogs and swine. They need to be born again before they can have the sheep nature. Knowing the way of righteousness is not enough. Salvation is only for those who do not "turn from the commandment" and the commandment is – John 3:18 - to believe on Jesus Christ. Dog and hog are both unclean according to Levitical law. John 3:22 uses them as figures to represent those who trifle with God's Word. They are unsaved professors, never having been born again. It's quite possible to avoid much of the world's pollution simply by associating with God's people. Better not to have known the way of salvation, than to know it, despise it and turn away. They may profess but they don't possess. (I John 5:12) - they don't have the Son, so they don't have life).
2 Peter 2:1-2 - deny the Lord Who bought them. Apostasy crept in and they denied the great fundamental doctrines (resurrection, etc.)
(I Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:1-5) They were RELIGIOUS but strangers to God's power. The Church of Jesus Christ is not an organization like a club or a lodge; but it is an Organism, being the Body of Christ. Only truly born again believers are members of the real Church, members of Christ's Body; of His flesh and of His bones (Ephesians 5:30).
In Revelation we see the apostate church as a harlot, trying to pass herself off as the Bride of Christ, and deceiving many.
I John 2:19 - gone out from us. We all know of some who seemed to be great preachers who were recognized, accepted, admired; and now they deny everything they once preached. (e.g. Charles Templeton) They went out from us, didn't remain with us because they were never part of us and didn't belong to us.
John 15:2-6 - they are burned. Salvation is entirely by grace, not by works. When a believer sins, his communion with God is interrupted, his fellowship is suspended but his salvation is not jeopardized. When a believer sins, he is not restored by "being saved again" but by 1 John 1:9 - confession.
2 Peter 3:17 - let me warn you. This is not a threat about the possibility of being lost but an encouragement to steadfastness and a warning about the hindrances to steadfastness.
Luke 9:62 - hand to plow ... not fit. This verse has no bearing on the doctrine of eternal security. In the conversation this man had with Jesus (Luke 9:57-62), there is no indication that he was a born again believer. Like the rich young ruler, he may have recognized the truth but we're not told that he accepted it.
Philippians 2:12 - work out your own salvation. In Philippians 1:6, he says, "God will perform." Philippians 2:12 doesn't refer to eternal welfare; "salvation" can also be translated "deliverance." In Philippians 1:19 the word salvation relates to Paul's hope of being delivered from prison.
"Much more in my absence ...." Paul indicates that the Philippian Church is too dependent on him. In his ABSENCE he is helpless to conduct their affairs and solve their problems, so he directs their attention to God's CONSTANT PRESENCE. Paul is not there, BUT GOD IS! Therefore, work out your own. Philippians 1:13 - not in your own strength but counting on God, Who was in them, with them and working among them. Go to God and count on Him, not on Paul.
Hebrews 6:4-6 - impossible - repentance. The use of these verses to prove that a saved believer can be lost, proves the danger of lifting a verse out of context. (A text out of context becomes a pretext).
Back in Hebrews 5:5-10 -Christ a Priest after order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:11-14 - you are dull of hearing. Who? You Hebrews. Paul opens Ch.6 by exhorting his Hebrew brethren, who have a knowledge of Christ but have not yet received Him, to declare themselves openly. All the things he mentions are Old Testament doctrines and he was urging them to go on to Christ, since Christ is the One all the Old Testament doctrines pointed to. Once enlightened, as the Hebrews had been because their nation had been chosen by God, etc., they were partakers or literally, companions who were informed; they had the Good Word through the ages by the prophets; the powers of the coming age were reflected in the many miracles they had seen. After all this, if they fall away, that is do not continue to accept the whole truth, (especially the Hebrews who were alive when this epistle was written),' if they don't come all the way through the Old Testament doctrines to Jesus Christ Himself, there is no other way. Enlightenment is by the Holy Spirit and when they receive the knowledge of the Light and reject the Light, it is impossible to renew repentance in them. The "things" in Hebrews 6:4-6, are not the "things that accompany salvation" as in Hebrews 6:9. This letter was written to prevent Jewish converts from relapsing to abolished rites and ceremonies; written to oppose the errors and prejudices of Jews who were troubling the Jewish believers. (This problem is also encountered in Galatians). Christ's atonement and intercession is contrasted with the Levitical ordinances. This book is full of warnings to different sorts of persons. (e.g. Hebrews 6:8 - tares hiding among wheat).
Hebrews 3:12-14 - the warning is against unbelief; particularly to Jews who still trust to Judaism for salvation; and generally to anyone who trusts to anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ for salvation.
Hebrews 10:26 - no more sacrifice. This does not mean that a Christian who sins is lost. Again, it is a warning to Jewish people that, since Jesus came, the Jewish sacrifices will not suffice anymore. (Rather than "sacrifice," read it as "sin-offering.") They must receive Christ or judgment.
As in Revelation 22:11 - be filthy still --- not an encouragement to sin but a warning that if the message of God's Word is not accepted, there is no other means of cleansing. Disobedient Christians (Bema Judgment)
We do well to study the subject of the Judgment Seat of Christ. If we could lose our salvation when we sin, the Judgment Seat would not be necessary. I Corinthians 3:11-15 - salvation is a free gift, that is the foundation fact; but reward will differ according to our WORKS.
2 Corinthians 5:10 - all believers must appear.
I Corinthians 11:31-32 - so we will not be condemned.
Romans 8:1 - there is NO CONDEMNATION. At the Bema Judgment, it is not our believing that will be judged but OUR WORKS - wood, hay, stubble, gold, silver, precious jewels. We examine and judge ourselves by recognizing and confessing our sin. If a believer dies or is raptured with unconfessed sin, he will go to be with Christ, but because he is not fit to reign with Christ, he will be chastened as his WORKS are judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
1 Corinthians 5:5 - God allows chastening here on earth in order to draw us back to Him now for cleansing. See His goodness and mercy as He spares us -----.
Re Backsliding Christians who repent:
Isaiah 44:2, Isaiah 44:21,22 - Don't be afraid. Remember these things. You will not be forgotten by Me. I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to Me for I have redeemed you.
Jeremiah 3:12,14, 2 Chronicles 7:14 - Return to the Lord; He is merciful. Return and I will take you, individually. Humble yourself, pray and repent. I will hear, forgive and heal.
Jeremiah 36:3 - Turn ..... I will forgive.
Jeremiah 6:16 - Halt! See for yourself. Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the eternal paths. Where is the good old way? Then walk in it and you will find rest for your soul.
Jeremiah 31:9 - I will lead them back for I AM A FATHER.
Jeremiah 31:20 - My dear son, My darling child ..... I do remember him, My affection is stirred, My heart yearns for him, I will have mercy and loving-kindness, says the Lord.
Hosea 14:4 - I will heal their backsliding and will love them freely; I will love them lavishly, without reservation, I will overwhelm them with My love.
I John 1:9 - If we confess, God forgives. He is JUST to forgive. Do you realize that, so great was the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, that God would be UNJUST if He refused to forgive sin confessed by repentant believers.
2 Corinthians 2:7 - Because God forgives, Christians must forgive and comfort and encourage.
John 10:27-30 - The great doctrine of eternal security: Vs.27 - I know them. (contrast Matthew 7:21-23 - I never knew you).
Matthew 7:28 - I give and they will never lose what I give. "No man pluck" -- in the Greek it's a double negative, meaning -- not ever, never-never-never!!! Not out of My hand (even if you could wriggle out) NEVER PERISH!
Matthew 7:29 - Not out of the Father's hand.
Matthew 7:30 - I and the Father are One; One in everything and One in this matter of security and safety for believers.
John 17:12 - None lost except son of perdition/damnation. Judas was never born again. In John 6:70, Jesus called him a devil. The word used is not demon but devil/diabolos. Apart from Satan, Judas is the only one to have this term applied to him in Scripture. Scripture doesn't fully explain why Judas was called with the disciples, except for John 13:18 - "Eat bread - lift heel," but God had a righteous reason. Maybe it had something to do with love.
Compare Adam and Abraham.
Adam was a perfect man in a perfect world never touched by sin - and he disobeyed God.
Abraham was an imperfect man with a fallen nature in a wicked world - and in the great test of offering Isaac, he obeyed God.
Which one loved God more?
Romans 8:28-30 - The Bridge of Grace and its 5 supporting piers:
(the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary)
(1) The foreknowledge of God includes determination and control.
Therefore His purpose of grace was a determination to take out of our condemned race, a people for Himself. Since God foreknew them, He could not possibly be without a will and purpose in regards to their future.
(2) Predestination - set apart beforehand for conformation to the image of His Son. Predestination is the exercise of God's will by which the things He determined before, are brought to pass. God is so pleased with the Lord Jesus, that He is determined to have a whole company of people like Him. Those He foreknew, respond to the provision of His grace.
(3) God's call – John 6:37 - all the Father gives will come. As the Gospel is heard outwardly, there is an inner call of the Holy Spirit, which brings the individual to a response of faith.
(4) Justified - a criminal may be pardoned but he is still a transgressor. Justification is the action of God in declaring the believing sinner to be just and righteous because of his new relationship to Jesus Christ. Justification includes the forgiveness of sin, the imputation of Christ's righteousness and restoration to God's FAVOUR. Not only acquittal but approval; not only pardon but promotion. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the PROOF of our justification.
(5) Glorification - heirs and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.
John 17:22 - the glory You gave Me, I give them
Ephesians 1:3 - all spiritual blessings
I Peter 1:4 - inheritance undefiled
Ephesians 1:11-12 - inheritance
I Corinthians 15:20, Colossians 1:18 - our physical resurrection is assured. The height of our glorification is that God has predestined us to "be conformed to the image of His Son."
Ephesians 2:7 - the exceeding riches of His kindness toward us. We were chosen in Him -- before the world.
We were called -- out of the world.
We were justified -- while in the world.
We'll be glorified -- beyond the world.
That's how we know that all things work TOGETHER for good in spite of life's trials and uncertainties. We can be confident that the Sovereign grace of God will prevail on our behalf.
There are two great love gifts in the Bible:
John 3:16 - God gave His Son (Jesus to the people)
John 17:6 - those Thou gavest Me (the people to Jesus)
When in eternity past, God puts a person on His bridge of grace, He will, without fail, deliver him safe on the other side.
The believer's security -- our position in Christ:
Our security is based entirely on what God has done for us, not at all on what we do or might do for God. Through faith in the Saviour as our sin-Bearer, we are saved by grace and placed "in Christ" by the Holy Spirit. This becomes the position in which God sees the believer.
Ephesians 1:1 - God DECLARES us saved and saints, and therefore secure.
Romans 8:31-39 - Who, including Satan and demons, can declare us otherwise?
Philipians .1:1, Colossians 1:12 - God SEES us as saved and saints. Who can dare see us otherwise?
I Corinthians 1:2,6:11 - Sanctification -- When a believer sins he loses his experience of sanctification but he can never lose his sanctified position before God because it is based on what Christ is and has done.
Romans 8:29-30 - Secure in the Father's love -- The believer's salvation is not merely God's afterthought or impulse.
Ephesians 1:4-6, Ephesians 2:8-9 - We are chosen before the foundation of the world by Sovereign grace for eternal purpose.
John 10:29, Romans 4:21 - Because God is free from every barrier to forgive (Jude 24) sin, He is able to keep in His love and power, all the redeemed.
John 6:37-40 - God's love, displayed in eternal purpose, assures.
Romans 5:8-11 - fulfillment of all His plans for believers. Secure through the Son's redemptive work:
When Jesus died on the Cross, He vicariously bore ALL the believer's (Romans 8:34) sins; past, present and future. His death is the (John 3:18) is the all-sufficient answer to the condemning power or sin.
Romans 8:1 - Through His atoning work, all condemnation is removed
Forever (I Corinthians 15:20-22, 1 Corinthians 15:45-48).
Being baptized by the Spirit into
union with Christ, placed the believer in the
sphere of life which is as unending as Christ
Himself. God sees us "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
now and forever.
Secure through the Son's present intercession:
(Luke 22:32) Christ's heavenly intercession for His own, while they are in the world (John 14:19), guarantees that they will be saved forever (Romans 5:10, Hebrews 7:25).
Secure through the Son's present advocacy:
Because of God's holiness (I John 2:1-2), in every instance a believer's sin deserves eternal condemnation (Romans 8:34).
Our Advocate (Hebrews 9:24) continually pleads the efficacy of His own Blood before (Hebrews 7:25) the throne of God. He is able to save to the uttermost them that come.
Secure through the Spirit's regenerating work: (John 1:13, John 3:3-6) The Holy Spirit's operation makes us sons and (Rom.8:16-17) joint-heirs. Regenerated souls partake of the Divine (2 Peter 1:4) nature which is as eternal as God is eternal and is never removed or annulled.
Secure through the Spirit's baptizing work:
(1 Corinthians 6:17, 1 Corinthians 6:12:13) The moment a believer is regenerated, he is (Galatians 3:27) baptized into union with Christ and the Body of (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)- Christ. This new sphere of placement "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:6)
is a permanent placement. He becomes part of the
new creation. A thrilling aspect is that we are
accepted "in the Beloved" and this means that we
are as secure as the One in Whom we stand. God
sees all who are "in Christ" in the perfections of
our Saviour and never sees us in any other
position than that of His own beloved Son.
Secure through the Spirit's indwelling: John 7:37-39
At salvation, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence (Romans 5:5, Romans 8:9) in the believer.
Although a believer can grieve the (1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 6:19) Holy Spirit, He cannot be grieved away.
Though the (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19) Spirit may be quenched, He can never be extinguished.
Secure through the Spirit's sealing: (Ephesians 1:13-14) - The indwelling Spirit is Himself the Seal, which is our (Ephesians 4:30) mark of protection to guarantee security. Since the (2 Corinthians 1:22) - sealing is an act of Almighty God, no creature ---
including Satan, demons or man --- can break it. The
redeemed one is SEALED until God completes His purpose
to present the believer faultless in Heaven.
Secure through the Spirit's filling (Colossians 2:9-10)
Because God has placed us "in Christ," He sees us in the
sphere of spiritual fullness. Every believer is
POSITIONALLY filled with the Spirit and viewed as
"complete in Christ," in Whom all the fullness of Deity
dwells.
Secure in our so great Salvation:
(Hebrews 2:3, Philippians 1:6) Salvation is God's work and rests on the power and (John 6:37, John 17:15-16) faithfulness of God, not man. Sin, Satan, demons (John 10:27-29) and wicked men are powerless to destroy what Jesus Christ has accomplished.
IT IS FINISHED!
Secure in our assurance: (I John 5:13) - Personal assurance comes from believing God's Word.
Believing we are what we are "in Christ" is the only solid
ground for victory over the world, the flesh and the devil; and
assures a life that will glorify God.
We can rejoice in our glorious security "in Christ."
Our position is unassailable and unending.
Deserving nothing
but
eligible for everything
because
the highest court in the universe has declared me
JUSTIFIED!
When we comprehend and appropriate our position "in Christ," by faith we can make it realizable in our actual experience. All the riches of our unchanging, unending position can be appropriated in our daily experience.