Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Understanding Grace: Does Radical Grace deny the teachings of Jesus?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 We've been in a series studying the amazing, radical Grace of Almighty God. In this series, we've seen that we have a good, good Father. That He purchased our complete redemption in the Finished Work. Currently, we have been dispelling the myths associated with Radical Grace.  

 Up to now we have quelled the myths that Radical Grace advocates sinful living and licentiousness. That Radical Grace makes believers lazy and purposeless. In our last study, we allayed the fallacious concept that God's amazing Grace espouses a belief in or substantiation of the concepts of Universalism/Inclusionism.

 Today I sense impressed to continue to dispel yet another myth critics cast upon Radical Grace. The idea that Radical Grace denies the teachings and words of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an astounding claim of our detractors. Jesus is the person of Grace. Why would we deny Him or His words? 

 The stumbling block for those who oppose Radical Grace is an improper understanding of the New Covenant. Far too many believers have the misinformed idea that the New Covenant begins with Matthew Chapter one. How did this concept take hold in people's mind? 

 It starts when believers open their Bible and after the book of Malachi they see a title page dividing Malachi from Matthew. This page contains the words the New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Folk make the assumption, as even I did, that Matthew chapter one begins the New Covenant. Therefore, some believe all the words that Jesus is speaking are New Covenant based teachings. Is this true?

 First we must rightly divide the Word of God between the Old and the New Covenant. The New Covenant according to Hebrews Chapter ten pinpoints precisely when the New Covenant began. 
 Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. Hebrews 10:9 NLT
 This is proof enough that when the New is in effect the Old is obsolete, so when did the New begin? Was it when Jesus was born? Was it when Jesus taught the Scribes in the Temple when He was merely 12 years old? No, Hebrews ten is clear, it is when He took away our sin, purchased our redemption, was resurrected and seated at God's right hand. Therefore, Matthew and the other gospels aren't in the New Covenant timeline until the latter portions of those books where the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus were recorded. 

 With this important foundation laid we can now dispel the myth that Radical Grace denies the teachings of Jesus. When one reads the gospels we must rightly divide the Word, (as Paul taught in 2 Timothy 2:15), according to the Covenants. To better understand Jesus' Words, we must consider His audience and the context. 

 With the religious leaders, He spoke strong words and frequently rebuked them. Why is this? It is a two-fold motivation. What had the scribes and Pharisees and Sadducees and "doctors" of the Law done? First, they had diluted the Law to make it a "doable" by human effort and achievement system. Secondly, in some instances they disregarded the Law and Commands of God, bypassing them altogether by the exalting of their man-made traditions.


 A word of caution here, understanding the truth that the religious leaders had, in fact, exalted traditions over the Law don't buy into a concept that the Law was merely the "big ten". The Mosaic Law recorded in the Old Covenant consisted of some 613 commands given to Israel by God. Some have made the erroneous statement "that when God gave the Law it was merely ten Commandments and when Jesus got on the scene it was now 613 commandments." This is a false notion by the religious minded who still believe the Church should abide under the Ten Commandments. 

 Many times when Jesus taught He was bringing the Law back into focus for all of Israel. He was showing to the self-righteous and those trusting in their efforts just how impossible it is to meet God's standard.
 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 NLT
 Jesus words were clear. In summation, He was basically showing Israel "the end of the rope". He was using the Law for what it was intended. To bring you to an end of yourself and your striving and efforts to meet God's standards. To reveal to all their need for a Savior. 

 Here are a couple examples of Jesus preaching the perfect standard and contrasted with the New Covenant standard.
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’ 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:17-22 NLT
When asked what must one do to inherit eternal life or receive salvation what was Jesus answer? Do this and that, and oh think you got this? Then do this too! Jesus standard under the Old was strive and achieve. 
Now let's see this same question asked and answered after the Cross.
29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household. Acts 16:29-31 NLT
A major difference in response here. What must we do to be saved under the New Covenant? Just believe. It is that simple. No striving, no actions or doings upon the part of those looking to receive. Simply respond by simply believing. Here is another example.
25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25 NLT
 Jesus taught forgive in order to be forgiven before the Cross. What is the message after the Cross under the New Covenant?

13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

 Did Jesus and Paul contradict each other? No, because they were teaching the precepts of two separate and distinct Covenants. We have been forgiven of all of our sins. All our past and present and future sins have been cleansed by the Blood of Christ. The same grace that has been extended to us in forgiveness we now extend to others.

 Jesus taught a standard of perfection that was over the top, impossible to achieve. He also taught a beautiful message of a loving and compassionate Father who longed for a relationship with humanity. If you were striving and attempting to prove your worth to God then, Jesus words cut you to the heart. He said all your efforts aren't enough. If you were at the end of yourself and came to Jesus His words offered hope, compassion, grace and restoration.

 In summation, Radical Grace doesn't discount Jesus words. Radical Grace rightly divides Jesus words based upon a right understanding of the Covenants. Jesus words revealed the demands of the Law. The New Covenant reveals how Grace and the Finished Work supplies. When we study the teachings and words of Jesus in light of the New Covenant we find the message He has to us His Church, His Bride, His Children. It's a message of His acceptance, of peace, of compassion, of comfort, of victory and abundant life in Him. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Understanding Grace: Does Radical Grace encourage a belief in Universalism or Inclusionism?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
  We've been in a series studying God's amazing, over the top, Radical Grace. This is too good to be true but true good news. I am always enthusiastic when it comes to studying Grace and the Finished Work. 

 So far, we have seen how it is the Blood of Christ, not our confession that brought our total forgiveness. We explored the truth that our relationship with God is rooted in the Finished Work and not our performance. We saw how shame, guilt and condemnation are removed from us through Grace, (If you missed any of these informative studies, and you would be interested in reading them, you can easily locate them through the archives section of this Blog). 

 Now we are dispelling some of the myths associated with Radical Grace. We have already seen that Radical Grace isn't advocating sinful living. We also discovered that through His Finished Work we can be fruitful, overcoming victorious believers. That This message isn't promoting laziness or unfruitful pursuits.  

 Today, I felt impressed to dispel yet another myth associated with Radical Grace. Many of our critics have lumped together what great ministers like Pastor Joseph Prince teach, and what those proclaiming a message of Universal Salvation teach. Thus, creating a straw man argument in which to criticize the message of Radical Grace even further. Is this critique fair? Does Radical Grace encourage a belief in Universalism or the various forms of Inclusion? 

 Allow me to be crystal clear. Radical Grace does NOT encourage or promote a belief in or following of the ideologies of Universalism or Inclusion.  Just because some misguided or deceived individuals have taken a portion of the message of Radical Grace and applied it to the concept of Inclusion or Universalism, doesn't mean it's become the authentic message of Radical Grace. Truth mixed with error is still an error. 


Is Jesus really narrow-minded?

 One of the major principles of Universalism is that all humanity no matter their belief, are on the right path. That in the end, all roads lead to God. If you are an Atheist, or a follower of some other religion it isn't a factor. All will eventually be saved. Is this what Jesus said? Is Universalism the gospel of Grace?

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT

11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 NLT
 Jesus, who is the person of Grace, obviously doesn't believe in Universalism. He seems pretty narrow when He unequivocally states there is only one way to God. He says He is the only means by which salvation is received. 
 Salvation is not found in Paganism. Salvation is not found in Mysticism. It is not found in other religions or ideologies. All the World's religious, or spiritual philosophies have something in common. They are all humanistic in nature. "Paradise", or "enlightenment" or "Nirvana" or even their understanding of salvation is all rooted in achievement and works. 
 This is why we reject legalism and Law for Believers in Christ. "Strive to arrive." "Fake it 'till you make it", or "achieve to receive"mindsets are pure humanism. Salvation is only found in Christ and His Finished Work. Righteousness, healing and peace and answered prayer is all found in the Finished Work, not our performance. 
 Salvation then is only found in Jesus Christ. He purchased redemption through His vicarious death on Calvary. All one need do is freely receive by placing all their hope and trust in Jesus alone. Salvation, eternal life, is Jesus plus nothing. 

Who is included in the Finished Work?

 When discussing a subject we should always draw the right conclusions. In light of the Finished Work, many come to the conclusion that all of Humanity are included in the death and burial and resurrection of Christ. Is the concept of inclusionism the right conclusion we draw from the Finished Work? 

When were we included?

  This is where the controversy begins. This is where so many draw the wrong conclusions. In light of the Finished Work, some have drawn a conclusion all were included the moment Christ actually rose from the dead. Is this accurate?

 Let's review the main tenets of inclusionism (with thanks to Paul Ellis)

1. Humanity has been raised, has ascended, and is now seated with Christ
“When Jesus rose, all humanity rose to new life with him; when Jesus ascended, all humanity ascended and became seated with him at the Father’s side.”
2. Humanity is righteous/justified
“Through Jesus, all humans are justified through the faith of Christ… Objectively, all people, past, present and future, are justified already …”
3. Humanity is sanctified
“All are sanctified.”
4. Humanity is reconciled/in union with Christ
“All humans—believers and non-believers—are united to God in and through Jesus… Through union with Jesus, all humanity is… reconciled to the Father…
5. Humanity is not lost but saved
“Through Jesus, all humans are… at peace with God, standing in his grace… (and) saved through Jesus’ life.”
 One last concept that has been gaining traction among the inclusion followers
6. All Humanity has been adopted into the Family of God

 Are these concepts accurate? Is this the message of Radical Grace? Absolutely not! If you are adhering to these views I urge you, I beseech you, by grace to examine your heart. I challenge you to relinquish acceptance of these ideas. Understand the Believer's heart can never again be corrupted but it can be deceived. 

 When are we included? Let's see what Paul says
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, Ephesians 1:1,12-13,15 NIV
 Paul, the Apostle of Grace says here we were included when we put our faith and trust in Christ. This is the message of Radical Grace. Undeserving man, when he places faith and trust in God alone, he finds new life. He becomes a partaker of Grace.

 When were we included in His death and burial and resurrection?
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,  Romans 6:3-5 NKJV
 When we get born again, we are baptized in the Body of Christ. This is when we were included into the death and resurrection of Christ. 
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27 NKJV
The Word is clear about when we were included.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Romans 16:7 NIV
How could Paul the Apostle of Grace state some were in Christ before he was if ALL are already in Christ? Remember when we take a text out of its context all that is left is a con. Inclusionism is a preconceived concept that looks to extrapolate portions of Scripture, out of context, to promote this philosophy. 
 Inclusion seeks to become God's "PR" man. It attempts to prove the success of the Finished Work. To the inclusionist the Finished Work isn't successful unless all humanity is saved. Again, this is drawing the wrong conclusion about the Finished Work.
 The message of Radical Grace is over the top glad news. The good news is not diminished because some choose to reject Jesus. The message of Grace doesn't dim in light of the choices of mankind. 
 We need not add to or take away from the Scripture to promote erroneous views. Grace is good news without additives and mixture. Religious tradition likes to mix grace with Law. Foolishness likes to mix the gospel truth with error. The message of Radical Grace stands alone and apart from human ideas, concepts and philosophies. It is simply the good news that sets the captives free, brings the spiritually dead to life and ushers in hope, joy and fullness of life in Him.  
 imagecourtesyofIosphere@freedigitalphotos.net

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Understanding Grace: Does Radical Grace promote laziness?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 We've been in a series studying on understanding Grace. In continuing with this study, I am now endeavoring to answer the objections, the myths, and misconceptions concerning Radical Grace. Last time, I answered the biggest myth of Radical Grace, the misconception that Grace advocates loose and sinful living. 

 Today, I would like to overthrow another myth and misconception about Grace and the Finished Work of Christ. That is, the notion that this message of Radical or "hyper" Grace produces inactive and lazy Christians. Does telling God's people that Jesus finished the work and accomplished what He came to do create a mindset of lazy, fruitless believers?

 To answer this, we must first look at the heart or motive of the one asking. To the religious legalistic mind, it would appear we are preaching a "do nothing" gospel. To a rebellious, flesh ruled mind, it would appear the message is an excuse to remain unfruitful. Both of these concepts miss it. The truth is the message of Grace and the Finished Work is a message of rest. It is trusting in what Jesus did. 

Performance vs. Response

 Is this a "do nothing" gospel? It depends on how you define do nothing. We can do nothing to earn or achieve or merit God's love and acceptance. In this sense then this is a "do nothing" gospel. 

 If spending time in prayer, and reading is a means to get your "gold star", then you are in performance. If you feed the hungry, volunteer in your local church to be recognized then you are in performance. If you give in order to get or to receive accolades then you are in performance. Performance-based faith brings burn out and frustration over time.

 We spend time with Father God because of His great love for us. His love poured out upon our hearts causes a genuine response from His children. Having partaken of new life by receiving the free gift of righteousness, my heart now desires to bask in His presence. I read and study the Word of God in order to get to know Him more. I go to a local church because I enjoy fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

 I trust you can note the distinction from performance and genuine response. We don't give our time and talent and finances in order to get God to do something for us. We genuinely respond to God's great love for us. We are deeply loved by our good Father, and this produces a reciprocal love in us. 

 Old Covenant mindsets think this way, when I move or do this or that first, then God will respond. A New Covenant mindset is different. Under the New, Christ moved once for all time. He paid the full price. He did it all. Now, we simply respond. In other words, God already moves and now we respond in faith to what Grace already provided. 

Is Grace than a message of "do nothing"? Yes and no. Yes, it is a do nothing to earn or achieve or merit His love and goodness and blessings. No, it is not inactive. From a heart of genuine response, we follow the Spirit's leading. We give and show mercy and love not in order to get anything but as an extension and overflow of His love within and upon us. 

Grace, the great safety net

 Does grace promote laziness? Apparently, Paul the Apostle of Grace didn't think so.
10 Today I am who I am because of God’s grace, and I have made sure that the grace He offered me has not been wasted. I have worked harder, longer, and smarter than all the rest; but I realize it is not me—it is God’s grace with me that has made the difference. 1 Corinthians 15:10
Paul, under the influence of God's amazing Grace, produced more fruit than he ever did under Law and performance. Why is this? In a performance-based faith, we are constantly striving to earn and achieve. Because we can never do enough, we can never see our full potential. 

 Without Grace, we fear failure and faltering. We fear we will miss God. We fear we will falter from God's set path and, therefore, will be bypassed for another. What if you could fall but get right back up? What if the safety net of Grace caught you and placed you right back on the exact spot you fell from, allowing you to advance further and further? 

 This is why Grace doesn't make us lazy. His Grace catches us and restores us when we fall. We can't lose or be defeated. Now that you have His Grace active inside of you what will you accomplish? His Grace propels us to victory. It advances us through any enemy and obstacle. Nothing can stop us. 

 Want to see that business succeed? Want to write that book? Want to be a better husband or father? Want to be a better wife and mother? Want to see promotion and success in your career? Allow His Grace upon you to do the work. His hand of favor will lead and guide you. Now you aren't in performance, you are operating in the Spirit directed activity that will produce results.

 In summation, God's over the top, Radical Grace doesn't produce lazy people. It is the force within that propels us to success and abundant fruitful lives. His hand of favor is opening doors and changing hearts and minds to promote and advance us as we follow His leading. It is His overwhelming love compelling us to make a difference in the World. This is Radical Grace.
photocourtesyofiosphere@freedigitalphoto.net

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Understanding Grace: Does Radical Grace advocate sinful living?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 Having been in a series on the amazing grace of God, I sensed it was best to also take some time to address some "hyper-grace" myths. We rejoice in the truth. Truth dispels myths. With that let's address one of the biggest myths about radical grace.

 "Hyper-Grace gives people a license to sin." "Hyper-Grace are soft on sin." "Hyper-Grace teaches that God is ok with sin now." "Hyper-Grace advocates sinful living, people who espouse grace have secret sinful lifestyles." These accusations have been hurled upon grace teachers and those who have received the message of radical grace. Are these accusations true? 

Is Grace a license to sin? Is Grace advocating sin?

 Some would argue that knowing how forgiven we are will open the door to a life of licentiousness. This premise would have a minute amount of truth if not for one important detail. We aren't just forever forgiven sinners. That is to say, we aren't those who have experienced the removal of the disease of sin but are still spiritually dead or separated. 

 If one were simply pardoned for their bad deeds but had no heart change, certainly one could desire to return to living as they once were. However, we who have received Jesus aren't merely forgiven, sinners. We are made entirely new in Him. His very life and nature and desires indwell us. We are completely hidden in Him. 

 Does grace, therefore, give a license to sin? Does grace then advocate sin? 
11 We have cause to celebrate because the grace of God has appeared, offering the gift of salvation to all people. 12 Grace arrives with its own instruction: run away from anything that leads us away from God; abandon the lusts and passions of this world; live life now in this age with awareness and self-control, doing the right thing and keeping yourselves holy.  Titus 2:11-12

 Grace teaches us to embrace Him and who we are in Him. Therefore, Radical Grace is not for living in sin. As Joseph Prince has said, If you want to live in adultery, this message isn't for you. Of course, grace is the way to freedom but it is not the message that will soothe your conscience while you pursue sinful habits.

 Is God pleased when we sin?

 Those who have a misconception of grace may think so. (These are they that have heard a message but not had an intimate encounter with the person of grace, Jesus. Jesus is grace!)Those who oppose Radical Grace accuse us of teaching this. (These are they who trust in good works and Law and not the Finished Work.)The Word of God provides some insight on this.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 
Look at this passage in the original King James Version.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 KJV
 The Word is clear God is not pleased but grieved when we miss it. Now don't stop reading. I am not a bad news preacher. I preach the good news. Yes, it is true God is grieved when we miss it. But, it doesn't end there.
 Why is God grieved? He is grieved for several reasons. One is because we wound others by our poor choices. Another is we can sabotage areas of our lives, such as family and career and our good name. It also is a poor witness to others while living under the dominion of sin or destructive habits.
 The pain that something like infidelity brings, for example, is not worth the moments of pleasure. Defrauding an employer or others in order to gain something isn't worth the risks of possible termination of employment or legal consequences. These are severe reasons God is grieved but not the main reason.
 The biggest reason God is grieved though is because we are not identifying with who we actually are. This is why even when choices and lifestyles are mentioned we can still convey hope and the good news. Religion would have us concentrate on the actions of others. Law minded believers would demand we place harsh rules and restrictions on the Saints in order to ensure they remain pure and walk in honesty. This isn't the gospel or good news of grace.
 Radical Grace is the Good News. It is not sad or bad news. It is especially not "God is mad" news. In other words, God isn't holding your trespasses over you and reminding how wicked and sinful you are. Religious tradition creates an atmosphere of shame and condemnation. This arena causes men to sin "under the radar" if you will. 
 Read the New Covenant. Read Colossians 3, 1 Corinthians 6, Read Romans 6. Each time Paul was addressing wrong living or change, he never just said: "straighten up or you're out!" He didn't threaten their sonship in the family of God when people missed it. What did he do? He put into their remembrance who they already were in Christ. 
 This is the key to overcoming sin and temptation. When we remember we are the beloved children of God in whom He is well pleased and we are hidden in Him and made completely righteous in Him, nothing the World or the enemy offers will seem so enticing. God is always pleased with us. He isn't always pleased with our choices. But, we aren't the sum total of our actions or choices. We are who He says we are.
 One issue we see when we sin is the reaction so many of us have afterward. What do we do? We have this sense to run and hide. What do people endeavor to do when they are involved in porn or infidelity? They erase their browser history. They attempt to meet in discreet locations and lie to others to cover their tracks. They dread being found out. Why? They don't understand how loved they really are. 
18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18
 Believers tend to run or shy away from the things of God when they miss it. The answer why is because they fear their sin will bring some punishment. What we must know is Jesus took our place. He took all the punishment sin brings. Sin's punishment is death. Jesus died for us. Therefore, there remains no more punishment for our sins. 
 This is good news. We don't have to fear punishment from Heaven when we miss it or blow it. I didn't say poor choices won't have corresponding consequences, but these aren't coming from God. 
 Jesus took the punishment for all sins. He took all the sins of mankind far away. The only thing standing between God and humanity is their acceptance or rejection of this free gift of grace. We abide in His perfect love for us and bear fruit as a result.
 Does Radical Grace then celebrate and endorse sin? Does Radical Grace teach God winks at sinful choices? Of course not! Radical Grace is the answer to and freedom from the dominion of sin. 
imagecourtesyofVictorHabbick@freedigitalphotos.net

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Understanding Grace: Once You're Saved You're Always Saved!


18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 We've been in a series on understanding grace. So far we've seen how we are always accepted with our Father. We are forever forgiven. Our past and present and future sins are completely forgiven and cleansed by Jesus and the Finished Work. We have discovered our worth in light of redemption. 

 Today, I wish to continue with this series and address the issue of our security in Christ. Far too many believers reject the notion of a secure salvation. When presented with the truth of eternal security alarms go off and red flags are raised.

 Many believers start a panic when they even sense you are referencing a secure position in Christ. They immediately produce the "proper" Christian check list. Performance and faithfulness are suddenly the foundation of the Christian faith. Christ and His Finished Work of Redemption are no longer on the forefront. The Finished Work takes on less significance in comparison to a Believer's performance, faithfulness, obedience, achievements and their current level of faith.

 When one references our secure salvation we must first understand what salvation is. Just exactly what does it mean to be saved? Does salvation mean we quit cussing and smoking and drunkenness and go to church? Although it is beneficial to attend church, and cut out tobacco and drunkenness, and exchange profane speech for more wholesome speech this is not what salvation is. 

Salvation means we have placed all our faith and hope and trust in Jesus Christ alone for redemption, new life and a blessed hope. It means we have passed from death unto life. 
 24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. 1 John 1:24

 Salvation means we have been Justified (declared and made righteous through the Blood) and have peace with God
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1 

 Salvation means we have been redeemed and cleansed by the precious Blood of Jesus
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7

 Salvation means we are forgiven of all our sins once for all time
...Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. Colossians 2:13b
12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Hebrews 9:12

 I liken Salvation to mean we are:
 Saved from the penalty of sin, spiritual death and eternal separation from God. Saved from a guilty conscience and condemnation from the Law and the accusations of the enemy.
 Saved for a beautiful and fulfilling relationship with Father God. Made new creations in Him, always acceptable to Him, and made sons and daughters in His Family. 
 Saved unto a new life with overcoming faith and fruitful life in abundance in Him. It is Christ living through us. 

 For one to lose this salvation then one would therefore be unredeemed, unforgiven, unclean, unrighteous, and passed from life back to death. If we could lose it this process could be repeated many times throughout our lifetime. 

 The proponents of eternal insecurity have never been able to pinpoint exactly when someone has in fact forfeited or lost their salvation. Remember this is their standard, confess in order to be forgiven. They then also cannot pinpoint the standing of a believer before God who has just sinned but has yet to "confess" this sin in order to be forgiven. 


Why it is vital for the Church to understand Eternal Security

 The Word of God is clear. It perfectly illustrates the condition of man before and after redemption. What is man apart from redemption? He is spiritually dead (separated, not ceasing to exist) and has the "disease" of sin dominating him. 

 The Finished Work reveals that Christ on the Cross put away sins forever. His Blood has eternally cleansed us. That through the resurrection of Christ He gave new life to spiritually dead men. Jesus didn't die to make bad people good but dead men alive! He purchased new life and forgiveness once for all time for those who freely receive it.

 Follow this illustration then. If one had stage four cancer and died in the hospital what would that one need to experience life again? If you healed the disease then all you would have is a healed dead man. If you raised him back to life and didn't remove the disease he would die again. 

 For redemption to be perfected, we needed to have the "disease" of sin removed from us and then be made alive to God. If we believe that our salvation is insecure this means we are just made alive in Christ but still susceptible to sin's dominion and curse. 

 More plainly stated, look at Adam. He was born innocent. Now how many sins did it take for him to fall and need redemption? It only took one. So for the Christian what precisely occurs the moment we blow it and sin? In the span of time between the having just committed transgression and the time we must "confess" it to be forgiven? 

 Now remember Old Covenant minded Saints believe we must confess in order to be forgiven. Therefore pinpoint that time between the transgression and confession. What is that person's standing before God? If you truly believe we must confess in order to be forgiven and that salvation is insecure you are only left with one option. You must believe each time you sin you are unrighteous and spiritually dead again. 

 This is why it is vital to believe in eternal security. Either we are  spiritually lost each time we sin, and are without hope if we fail to confess. Or we are eternally cleansed by the blood and our sins have been forever put away by Jesus. Redemption isn't opposing itself. It only took one sin for Adam to fall. Therefore redemption is one or the other. Meaning it is complete and secure or it is partially complete and only perfected by our continual confession for forgiveness. 

 Since it only took one sin for Adam to be lost. Why then are we not lost the moment we sin? This is the key to understanding the vital importance of once saved always saved. Jesus forever put away sins in His body on the tree. Sin has no longer the ability to separate the Believer from God. Because of the Blood of Jesus we are eternally redeemed and cleansed. 

 This blood and Finished Work was enough.  
18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices. Hebrews 10:18
In light of this, we can't confess enough to be forgiven. We can't perform enough to be forgiven. We can't do anything to be forgiven. We simply put our faith and trust in Jesus' Blood for our redemption and forgiveness. 

 Once you're born again and made righteous you aren't on the indentured servant program attempting to repay Jesus back. You're eternally redeemed and secure. This is grace. This is perfect redemption. Grace is the safety net. This security enables us to freely pursue God and do great things without fear of falling, failing or forfeiting our place in Him.