Salvation, Security, and Sin: Can we sin away our salvation?

12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12 NKJV

12 And he has entered once and forever into the Holiest Sanctuary of All, not with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the sacred blood of his own sacrifice. And he alone has made our salvation secure forever! Hebrews 9:12 TPT

 In our last few articles posted we have been looking at the subject of sin and its relation to Grace, our salvation, and God's great Love. It really wasn't my intention to study about sin and Grace. Each time I made a brief point, it seems that as I wrote it, I noticed that it could generate another question. So I want to leave no stone unturned. 

 So in our last study, we examined more closely the idea of sin and the freedom in Grace and our liberty in Christ. It is clear that God is looking for sincere hearts, not rule-keeping hearts. A rule-keeping heart isn't looking for a relationship but more so focused on being dutiful, subservient, and obedient. 

 When I was serving in the Military, this attribute was desired and what one needed to excel in service. Certainly, because I was there to follow orders, not develop a relationship with the top brass. God is the commander of legions of Angels, He is the God of the whole Universe, yet He is my Father. He isn't looking for subjects but sons and daughters.

 Know God is seeking relationship above all else. In a sense, He sowed His Son to reap a family. God has always longed for a family. God is a Good Father, not a harsh taskmaster driving subjects to complete all the tasks He commands. 

 Looking again at sin, we must ask in all sincerity can we sin away our salvation? Is it possible to sin too much, once too often? Can we out sin His Grace? Can our behavior and actions exhaust His supply of Grace and forgiveness? 

  For in the Son all our sins are canceled and we have the release of redemption through his very blood. Colossians 1:14 TPT

13 And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. Colossians 2:13-14 AMPC

 Can we sin away our salvation? Can we exhaust His supply of Grace? We could if redemption wasn't perfectly purchased by the Precious Blood of Jesus. We could if our redemption wasn't eternal. We could if our forgiveness wasn't once for all time. We could if we could again come under condemnation. But we know our redemption is paid for by the Blood, our redemption is eternal, we are forever forgiven and Jesus said we would never again be condemned for our sins, therefore we know we cannot exhaust Grace.

 Once we have received Jesus we are eternally His. That which He began in us He will perfect and complete it until the end. He gave us the downpayment of our eternal life by giving us His Holy Spirit. We are sealed for eternity as His very own.

Account versus accountability 

I want to bring even more clarity to His Grace and goodness and Love in relation to our sins. In our last post, I said God isn't holding anyone accountable for the sins Jesus already paid for. Does that mean God will never correct us when we sin?

 Let's gather some understanding together. When we sin, what can we do to "fix it" if you will? What can we do to warrant forgiveness? What can we do to pay for that sin? 

 When I made that statement, I was referencing the truth that no man can pay for their sins. No matter how big or small there is nothing any man can do to recompense for their sinful deeds or thoughts. What payment could any man offer anyway? The price for sin is the shedding of blood. Our blood is imperfect, that's why we have a perfect Savior who shed His perfect Blood that perfectly procured our forgiveness and eternal salvation.

 With that understanding, I want to make it understood that we can make amends for those we have hurt by our actions. That is not paying for our sins, that is genuine repentance. If you wish to apologize or replace something that was broken, that is not wrong. Just let Love motivate you, not some religious attempt to curry favor with God. 

 As for accountability, I am saying God isn't charging our sins to our accounts if you will. Remember, we can't pay for them anyway. However, there is an accountability factor under Grace. For instance, if I was committing adultery, that is a behavior that needs to be addressed. Another brother or sister should come to me in confidence and plainly say brother this behavior is wrong, it's hurtful and unloving to all involved. Someone would need to tell me, brother you're Righteous in Him but this behavior is highly unrighteous. 

 That isn't God holding my sins against me. That's God bringing correction to the situation because He loves all people involved and wouldn't want anyone to suffer such harm. I trust you're tracking what I am saying. Correcting harmful behavior and actions isn't the same as asking someone to pay for their sins. 

 In summation, let's herald the Good News for all to hear. We cannot exhaust or out sin His Grace. His Love and Grace are eternal. His Love unconditional, His Grace greater than all sin, and His forgiveness is once for all time. The Cross worked, it is finished!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Sin, Grace, and our Liberty in Christ Jesus

 

For freedom Christ freed us. Stand fast therefore and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 MEV

 We've concluded a series answering the question, what are the laws God has written on our hearts. In the last post of that series, I touched on a controversial topic. Freedom and sin. 

 Today, I sense the impression to continue examining this subject more closely. With a topic so sensitive and controversial it is important to give it the proper attention so as not to lead anyone astray. So is it ok to sin, knowing we are forever forgiven? are we free to sin? Is it even possible to sin under this New Covenant? We will fully answer these questions in depth. 

 First, is it possible to sin under this New Covenant? Some reason that since sin can be defined as transgression of the Law, and the Law having been fulfilled in Christ, therefore there can be no sin. That is a foolish and ignorant assumption. This is the result of a lack of understanding and study of all the New Covenant Scripture. 

 Paul defines sin this way in Romans. James defines sin this way in James 4. John defines it this way in 1 John. So we see, wrongdoing, knowing to do good but refusing to, and doing something apart from Faith are all defined as sin. The Greek word for sin is hamartia. It simply means to miss the mark. What is the mark? God's perfect standard. Since He is Love it may be defined as missing that mark of perfect love, love toward ourselves or others. 

 So can we sin under the New? What does Paul say in Romans 6? How can Paul admonish us not to let sin reign in our bodies if it is impossible to sin under the New? Don't follow foolishness, we can sin under the New.

 Having then established the truth that we can in fact sin under the New, let's dig deeper and answer these hard questions, is it ok to sin, and are we free to sin? Is it ok to sin? To answer this, we must really ask what do you mean by ok? 

 Having it be ok to sin would mean that there would be zero consequences or repercussions for sinning. We only have to read a newspaper or watch television news to know that is not true. People robbing a bank go to jail. 

 Yet when you answer the question are we free to sin it seems there is a contradiction. If I answer we are free to sin, then it appears as if I am saying it is ok to sin. Nothing can be further from the truth. Why?

 Having the freedom to do something doesn't necessarily mean it is an encouragement to do so. In America, we have the freedom of speech. Does that mean the founders were encouraging me years and years ago to go curse my neighbor with my words? That's absurd, of course not. 

 So it is with the liberty and freedom we have in Christ. 

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23 MEV

 Are we free to sin? Does Grace give us the freedom to sin? The hard answer is yes. Don't stop there though. Though you are free to sin, you are also free to reap the full consequences of that sin. 

 I liken this freedom to a flame. It's like a lighter, a match, or a torch in our hands. With this flame, we can provide warmth to someone by lighting a fire. We can cook someone's food to bring nourishment to them. We can use this flame to light the path so that others won't stumble. It's up to us.

 We can also use this same flame, to burn their house down, of course injuring ourselves in the process. We could take this flame and lead someone down the wrong path, getting lost ourselves. We could take this flame and start a forest fire thus hurting many others including ourselves. The freedom of choice is ours, in essence, we are dangerously free. 

 Why does Grace give us this dangerous freedom? Because God looks upon our hearts and our thinking. He desires above all else sincerity. Look at Paul's prayer here.

 God looks for sincere hearts. Not mere rule-keeping hearts. A heart motivated only to keep the rules, observe the regulations, and obey the laws, is not a heart moved by love. It is a heart moved only by the rules. If the rules change, then one's actions will surely change. A heart motivated by love is only moved by love. No matter the rules or laws, love will always be the guide, and that is the heart of Grace and Righteousness.

 So can we sin under Grace? Yes. Is it ok to sin? It is if you are ok with negative consequences, harming yourself and hurting others. Obviously then it isn't ok to sin. Are we free to sin? Yes, God looks for sincerity. 

 Why do we sin? Because we want to. We have allowed an unrighteous desire to reside in our thoughts and we look for ways to act on this desire. The enemy can't make us sin.

 Now if we do sin, is that it? Are we out? Are we done for? Are we going to experience eternal damnation? 

 I've heard preachers declare if they were sinning the moment Christ returns they'd be going to hell for all eternity. They truly make light of Grace and magnify sin's power over God's Love.

 When speaking of sin we must always be reminded of the eternal security of the Believer in Christ. Why? Because we have all sinned and missed the mark. Secondly, as soon as we sin or are reminded of our faults, flaws, and failures, the enemy is quick to move in with accusation and condemnation. Why? So you will draw back from God's Love and Grace and stay in the place of shame.

 Let the Words of Jesus be a refreshing stream to your soul.

“Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24 MEV

No matter your sin, no matter how often you've sinned, no matter when you sinned, you will never come into condemnation. Jesus bore all the pain, the shame, and punishment for all our sins once for all time. Jesus' Blood was enough, God isn't going to hold you accountable for the same sins Jesus paid for. We are eternally secure in Him.

 Again, this freedom isn't an encouragement to sin. Sin will cost more than you want to pay. Sin will take you further than you want to go. Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay. Thank God under Grace we aren't under the dominion of sin.

 In summation, rejoice in the freedom we have in Christ. Rest in the eternal security His Finished Work procured for all those who believe. Enjoy the power and dominion we have in Christ over sin and the works of the enemy. We are free in Him, forever free. 

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What are the Laws written on our hearts: The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Hebrews 8:10 NKJV

 We've begun a new series of study, answering the question of what are the Laws God has written on our hearts. So far we've seen that the Mosaic Law is the ministry of condemnation and death. That God has not engraved death on our hearts.

 In our last study, we saw the God has written the Law of Faith on our hearts. Paul declared in Romans 10 that Faith is of the heart, not the head or mental faculties of man. He confirms that Faith is on our hearts again here. 

 Today we are going to look at another Law God has written on our hearts. God declared that He would write His Laws on our hearts. Laws plural not singular. 

The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

 Paul outlines for us yet another Law of God under the New Covenant.

1. Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:1-2 NASB

 Remember the Law is the ministry of condemnation and death. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ sets us free from sin and death. In Christ, we have God's Spirit and New Life. 

 

 The powerful truth of the Cross is when Christ said it is Finished, it was finished once for all time. We who believed now have the very life and new nature of Christ Jesus within. Jesus became something He never was so we could become something we've never been. 

 In the great exchange, Christ became separated, forsaken, and made sin. He took all the pain and punishment for all transgression of all humanity. He took all our punishment so we would never be punished again for our sins. He became separated and forsaken so we would never be separated or forsaken by the Father. He took our unworthiness, unrighteousness, unacceptance, and insecurity and exchanged them with His perfect Righteousness, acceptance, worthiness, and security. 

 We who believe now have His Spirit within our hearts. Our hearts are the temple of the Living God. We are the habitation of God through the Spirit. We are never alone, isolated, or apart from God, He resides within us forever and all eternity. 

 His Spirit within leads us and guides us to all truth. He guides us into the right choices and the right path to take. He doesn't lead us into sin and wickedness. His Grace teaches us, not any rule or regulation religion can conceive of. 

 We also have His life within. His life is eternal. So are we. We are eternal for we are hidden in Christ. We are therefore eternally secure in Christ. 

 As long as Christ lives is as long as we have complete salvation, and Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. He is the ever-living God. God will never fade away nor His power and might decrease. 

 We have the Spirit and Life of God written on our hearts. We are accepted and approved and eternally secure for all time. Under the Old, the Spirit would merely rest upon God's people temporarily to complete works of service. Under the New, His Spirit resides within forever. 

 In summation, we do not have the Old Covenant engraved on our hearts. God hasn't written death and condemnation within. No, He has put His Life and Spirit upon our hearts. His Life is now our life. His Spirit leads us into all truth and paths of Righteousness. He is a Good Father.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Eternal Security: Truth or falsehood?

39 And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” 

John 6:39-40 NLT

 One of the most controversial theological views is the question of eternal security. Just how secure is one's salvation? After you've placed your trust in Christ to save and redeem you can you in fact lose that salvation? Is eternal life really eternal? 

 Many hold to the view that salvation can in fact be lost. Or they believe the notion that one can return the free gift of salvation to the Father. They believe that one can, if they become too entangled in sinful deeds and habits, lose their salvation. Others say because of deception and a hardened heart that one can forsake God and leave their salvation, that is returning the free gift back to God.

 In essence, they don't believe salvation is eternal. They would deny holding to that view. They would say salvation is eternal but can be lost or forfeited. If that was actually possible, then it is abundantly clear that salvation would not be eternal upon reception but temporal based on the actions and heart of the one who received it. In other words, God declared it eternal but we can, by our doings and beliefs make it "uneternal" or temporal. 

 “I say emphatically that anyone who listens to my message and believes in God who sent me has eternal life, and will never be damned for his sins, but has already passed out of death into life. John 5:24 TLB

29 For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 MEV

 

 Look at the words of Jesus and Paul. They seem to affirm our salvation is eternal in duration and something that is never withdrawn. Nothing in these passages seem to indicate loss of salvation is possible.

 Some would say those passages are only for the faithful brethren. They're only for those who abstain from sinful living. Those passages are only for the faithful, those who endure to the end. These passages are only for those who do the will of God.

 What is the will of God? What is the work of God? 

Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” John 6:29 MEV

 It seems God wants us to believe. It's that simple. There is nothing more we can do to be found loved and favored and to receive eternal life. Believe. The Gospel is simple. Believe that Jesus is who He said He is. Believe, trust in, cling to His perfect work of redemption.

 Our salvation is eternal. Salvation is not temporal. Our salvation isn't awaiting our doings and works to complete it. Our salvation isn't begun by God and finished by us. Salvation isn't given and then taken away because of our actions. Salvation is eternal and irrevocable. 

 Think, apart from traditional teachings, think about salvation. What actions or deeds or good works caused you to receive salvation? What did you do to achieve salvation? What amount of goodness on your part procured your eternal salvation? What level of personal holiness, abstinence from sin caused God to favor you above others and eternally redeem you? 

 Nothing we did ever amounted to the equivalence of the price required for eternal salvation. We were lost, sinful, we pursued our own pleasures, and were rebellious to God's ways. We were selfish and not at all deserving of anything from God. 

 So here is the good news. God looked beyond our actions, our sins, our wrong thinking, and chose us. He perfectly purchased our eternal redemption because of His Goodness, not ours. If it was His great Goodness alone that offered us salvation, then once received, what possible action or thinking or unbelief on our part could cause this salvation to be removed from us? If we didn't merit it in the first place, how could our actions, our sins, our disbelief cause our salvation to be nullified? In Christ, we are eternally secure!

 In summation, our salvation is eternal and completely secure. Don't accept the notion from men that we can lose it or forfeit it. God saved us because He loved us and chose us and paid the full price on our behalf. We did nothing to obtain it so there is nothing we can do to lose it. Grace, it is that amazing.

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The Prevailing Word: What are you looking at?

 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV

....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV


 We've studied in the recent past, the prevailing Word. How God's Word prevails over any and all circumstances and is eternal. Today it seemed good in my heart to share another post on this important topic.

 In previous studies, we saw how our words have power. How our Faith is the victory that overcomes. Today, I'd like to highlight an area where the Word prevails for us. This is the area of our attention, our concentration, our focus. 

What are you looking at?

 When we were younger, I'm certain we can all recall at one time or another teasing our friends and family by asking them what are you looking at. Sometimes it was spoken in a derogatory manner. Sometimes it was in simple jest. So today I feel strongly to ask you this same question again. Not as a joke or as to belittle you.

 What are we looking at? Are we looking at the circumstances that seem unchanging? Are we looking at those symptoms that don't seem to dissipate? Are we looking at the paths our loved ones are going down that's leading them away from Christ and His ways?

 God wants to know what has your concentration? What has your attention? What are you focusing on? If what we are looking at is negative or contrary to what God says, the Word can and will prevail for you regardless of your situation. 

 Some may be saying you don't know my situation. You don't know how long it's been this way. I may not know your situation but I do know Paul's words of encouragement to us. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4 to look at the unseen not the seen. 

 Paul also shared this reminder;

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

here is this same verse in another translation;

7 The path we walk is charted by faith, not by what we see with our eyes. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Voice

 What we focus on, what has our attention, what we concentrate on determines how we think. It determines how we speak. It determines even how we act. That's why it's imperative to focus on His Finished Work. It's vital to give our attention to His Word. We must concentrate on His promises, His power, His Love, His Grace and Goodness, not on contradictory circumstances and the fears that accompany them.

 The Finished Work is complete. We don't add to it. Yet tradition seems to think our actions and our deeds are what seals the deal, so to speak. So when one says they are the Righteousness of God in Christ they find it difficult to accept.

 Why? Because they want to see something in people's life or words that proves this. They are walking by sight. This seeking signals or signs that one is Righteous also determines how they judge if someone is saved or not.

 Jesus tells us that He will never lose anyone who comes to Him. He says no one can snatch away any of His. We who believed are eternally His and forever in His hands. He says we've passed from death to life and never again to come under condemnation. Jesus is clearly showing us we are eternally secure.

 Yet traditional religion has adopted a reactionary theology. They see one who proclaimed Christ carried off in a terrible sin. They conclude how could that one still be saved? They are walking by sight. What they can see. 

Changing the seen, shaping the unseen. 

 We want to walk by Faith and not sight. We want the Word to prevail in all areas of our life. We do that by believing what God has said and receiving what Jesus accomplished in the Finished Work. 

  We can change the seen by shaping what is unseen. By believing and trusting in what Christ said and did for us we can walk in victory. Agreeing with what God said and accomplished through Christ changes things.

 When the believer says they are the Righteousness of God in Christ, they are shaping the unseen. They are agreeing with the Finished Work and God's Word. This eventually changes the seen, as the believer begins to manifest righteous words and thoughts and deeds. 

 When a believer becomes deceived or gives in to temptation, and seemingly falls away, instead of looking at the seen, we can shape the unseen. We don't deny their eternally secure salvation. We shape the unseen by speaking the truth over them in prayer and if we have the opportunity, speak the truth in love to them when we see them, we can cause the unseen realm to affect the change in the seen realm. When we agree with God we will see the outward manifestation of what He already accomplished in their heart.

 When stubborn symptoms don't seem to be removed we don't cease believing in God's healing power. We don't throw Faith aside. We also don't throw wisdom aside. We accept all means God has provided to receive wholeness. Be it through a combination of Faith, nutrition, medicine, and even rest, we receive all God has.  We must agree with God, and not let the seen change our minds about God. 

 In summation, let's ask again what are you looking at? Are you looking at that wayward child? Are you looking at that angry spouse? Are you looking at the symptoms? Are you looking at the sins in others? Let the Word prevail in these situations. Agree with God. Change the seen by shaping the unseen.

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Still Another Mistaken Idea: The Remnant Church

  13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:12 NKJV

    In our last study, we debunked yet another mistaken idea perpetuated onto the Body of Christ, that Luke 6:38 is referencing finances. It seemed good this week to continue addressing these mistaken ideas. Mistaken ideas about God, what His Word says, and how He sees us, brings much error and wrong thinking in the minds of believers the whole world wide. 

 Today, I want to address the mistaken idea of the remnant church. In Spirit-filled, Charismatic, Pentecostal, "prophetic", spiritual warfare centered, end time focused, churches, and ministries the phrase remnant church is spoken of often. I heard it often when I was in Bible College. 

 The idea expressed is that there are a select group of Christians, who in the last days as Jesus returns, are found to be the most faithful. The truest of believers. The most sincere, the most obedient, the most spiritual. Those who've "kept all the commandments" and honor God most by their living. 

 The preacher would shout it from the stage. God has always had a people within a nation. A family within a family. A Church within the Church! These were the most committed of believers. Those proclaiming this idea generally were certain they were part of this "remnant church." As for the rest of us, they weren't so sure. 

 This begs the question, so what must one do to be more accepted and favorable to God? What must one do to find God more approving? What must one do to find God treat them differently, or look upon them more fondly? What must one do to be a part of these more special believers?

 This teaching also begs the question, is accepting and believing in Christ no longer enough? After we believed, it's still not enough? We need to do more to be found in the more accepted group?

Heaven has no VIP Lounge

 In our human experience, that is, as long as mankind has been on Earth, there have always been sects and cliques and VIPs. It's in our thinking. Night clubs, fraternities, sororities, parties all have some type of measuring line they use of who gets in or doesn't. The Good News of Jesus has a different measuring line.

 The Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ measuring line is whosoever will may come. The "cool", the popular, the rich, the affluent, the poor, the downtrodden, the hopeless, the "loser", the "dork", the "nerd", the "geek", the unpopular, the tall, the fat, the thin, the pretty, the ugly, no matter what list you create, all are welcome with open arms to the Father's house! Whosoever may come. You are a whosoever.

 Heaven has no VIP Lounge. God doesn't have any popular kids and unpopular. He will always pick you for His team. Even better, He picks you first! He saw you and chose you. He gave His own Son for you. All who believe and receive the free gift of Grace, are VIPs to God.

 This idea that there is a more special class of believers has already been debunked by Jesus Himself. The mother of James and John petitioned Jesus for the privilege of sitting on His right and left when He came to His kingdom. This was a status position in the eyes of men. Jesus said the one who serves is the most honorable. 

 They asked who is the greatest in the kingdom? Jesus answered saying, become like this child. A child cannot fend for themselves. They are dependant on their parents for sustenance, shelter and provision and protection. Interesting, that Jesus showed them that becoming dependant on God apart from their own doing is what made them great. Jesus is showing us that Grace is great, not ourselves or our performance.

 There are a couple places where the word remnant is found in the New Testament. All the word remnant means is a part of the whole. It doesn't mean special ones. In Romans 9, Paul is speaking of the physical deliverance of Israel. 

 In Romans 11, Paul addresses the part of the whole of Israel who has accepted their Messiah. What is amazing, is in the context of this mention of a remnant, is the Bible definition of Grace. 

 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Romans 11:6 NKJV

 God looks upon us with Love and goodness. His Goodness. He beams with pride when He sees us, His Church. He has made us accepted into the Beloved. We need to embrace this light. The light of how God truly sees us and rejoices over us. He has made us Righteous, accepted, and approved with the Father once for all time. 

 Our belief in Christ is enough. We need not seek to attain to some special level in Christ. We need not strive to be more pleasing, more favored, more accepted, more loved, more righteous, and more saved. 

 When we received Jesus, we were completely recreated in Him. We were made perfectly Righteous in Christ. We were forgiven once for all time for all of our sins, past present, and future. We were made eternally secure, never ever to lose or forfeit our salvation no matter what.

 Having received all of God's fullness within our spirit, made holy once for all time, certainly, we encourage growth and maturity in Christ. Of course, we desire to grow up in Christ. We desire to mature, learn to discern right and wrong, learn to avoid sins, and overcome temptation. This is all right and good, but these don't make us better or more "special" to God our Father. 

 God, our Good Father, knew us from the time we drew our first breath and knows when we will draw our last. He has seen beforehand all the times we would fail, foul-up, fall down, blow it, plain sin. Yet He still chose us. He still wants us. Jesus is the full expression of God's Grace and everlasting mercy. 

 In summation, we are not trying to attain to some special level in God. We need not try to become some sort of Christian VIP group. When we received Jesus, that was enough. We're eternally His. Rest in the Grace and goodness of God. 

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The Prevailing Word: Certainty in an uncertain world

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed Acts 19:20 KJV

....For I will hasten My word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12b MEV

 During times of crisis, uncertainty, fear, and anxiety abound in the hearts and minds of the masses. Hope seems to be drowned out by the constant bombardment of negative reports and fear-based projections. People's outlook on life can turn to gloom and not joyful expectancy. In the midst of this, there is hope.

 The prevailing Word of God reveals to us who God is and what He's done for us and how we can overcome in this life. The Word reveals to us that there is something we can hold fast to. That there are things that are certain and secure even in uncertain times. Let's examine those things now.

God's Love

 The Love of Almighty God is sure and steadfast. His Love is something that we can always trust in and find rest and comfort and hope in.  

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 MEV

8 Love never fails...1 Corinthians 13:8a MEV

God's Love is never failing and always a sure thing. His love for us never weakens, wanes or falls short. We can walk in assurance and certainty and have bold confidence because of His love.

God's Word

God's Word is assured and never failing. His Word is truth. His Word cannot fail. His Word prevails over anything this world system or the enemy can scheme and devise. 

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17 MEV

Righteousness

Our Righteousness in Christ is eternal and unshakeable. It is irrevocable. Once you've received the Righteousness of Christ it's yours for eternity. Our right standing with God is based on Jesus Finished Work, not ours. Righteousness means we are divinely accepted and approved.

 This acceptance and approval is not fleeting or temporary. It is eternal. It is sure and steadfast. No matter the situation, the circumstance, or what is happening in the world, our Righteousness in Christ is a surety and remains steadfast. 

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

29 For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 MEV

Our Salvation

Have you received Jesus as your Savior? Did you simply put your trust in Him, that is Jesus? Then here is some good news, you're eternally saved and secure. 

 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 NLT

12 And he has entered once and forever into the Holiest Sanctuary of All, not with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the sacred blood of his own sacrifice. And he alone has made our salvation secure forever! Hebrews 9:12 TPT

 4 And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. It will be yours in that coming last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:4-5 TLB

 No message seems to stir up more controversy than that of the eternal security of the believer. Yet I can't see why so many fight such a glorious truth of redemption. Many claim we can lose our salvation or forfeit it. Salvation isn't based upon our doing. We did nothing to deserve salvation, we did nothing to earn salvation, we did nothing to merit eternal life, yet it seems man believes we can undo what only Christ could accomplish.

 Eternal life was purchased for us by the Finished Work of Jesus. Christ shed His Blood for us thus procuring our eternal redemption. This redemption is eternal and forever secure because Christ's Blood paid the price in full. Christ Blood is not like the blood of bulls and goats. No, His Blood is precious Blood that washed away the sins of man. Nothing of man or the enemy can cross that Blood line.

 When we believed we were born again. We are born again of incorruptible seed. This seed is imperishable. Which means it is eternal in duration. It is not capable of perishing. We are born again for eternity. 

In summation, we can have certainty in these uncertain times. We have His Love, His Word, His Righteousness, and our eternally secure salvation that are more than enough. They are all sure and steadfast. We can walk in bold confidence in our relationship with God. We can walk in triumphant victory. What we have in Christ and because of Christ is a sure thing. 

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Eternal Security: What about Judas Iscariot?

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 NLT









Whenever the truth of eternal security begins to be explored you will find many objections raised. It's always this way when the Good News is espoused. Tradition can't grasp the concept that God is a Good God. They can't wrap their minds around the truth that God is a loving, and merciful Father, who is always good. 

 When the eternal security of the believer is taught, one objection that many bring up is what about Judas? Judas was a follower of Jesus. Did he not work signs and wonders in Christ's name as the other's had? Wasn't he separated unto ministry as the other disciples? Yet he betrayed Jesus. 

 So the objection goes, Judas was a Christian and minister of the Gospel and yet he fell away, sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. He surely is proof enough a believer can fall away. A believer can renounce Christ, and be lost. Judas is all the proof we need.

 The first problem with this objection is it is not coming from a place of understanding the New Covenant. When Jesus walked the Earth, He was still abiding in the Old Covenant. Jesus' death and resurrection and ascension and coming Holy Spirit ushered in the New Covenant in its fullness. My point? Judas, nor any of the other disciples and followers of Christ were born again. 

 To understand what I am saying, we need to look again at what it means to be born again. When one receives Jesus, they become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). They are now the Righteousness of God in Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:21). The Spirit of God comes and dwells within them (1 Corinthians 3:16). They are accepted by God (Ephesians 1:6). They are sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). They are forgiven of all their sins forever (Ephesians 1:7). They are now the children of God (1 John 3:1). All of this occurs at the New Birth.

 So here is the million-dollar question, was all this possible under the Old Covenant? Any reasonable, honest minded person can clearly see no this was not possible under the Old. First, how was forgiveness of sins obtained under the Old? Truth is the sins of the people weren't forgiven once for all time under the Old. They were merely covered or atoned for once a year by the high priest. 

 The once for all forgiveness Christ's death purchased is exclusive to the New Covenant. Secondly, the Spirit never dwelled within those under the Old Covenant. The Spirit would fall on individuals for works of service to God. 

 If there was no Spirit of God given to indwell those under the Old how could they be born again? Scripture affirms that the Holy Spirit would only come after Christ was glorified. 
39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:39 NKJV

 So it stands clear to the reasonable minded, that before the Cross and resurrection there was no way possible for anyone to be born again. So the concept of saying Judas was a born again believer who then lost his salvation is false. Judas was a Jew abiding under the Old Covenant and not a New Covenant born again child of God. 

 Under the Old, the children of Israel were known as God servants. In the New Covenant, those who've received Jesus are the Children of God. There is a major difference between a servant and a son. This difference is enough to show there is a distinction between Old and New. Yet with all these truths some still try to use Judas as the one person they claim lost his salvation.

 That's just disingenuous and more so coming from a place of Biblical ignorance and not the truth. However, some may concede that Judas wasn't born again in the strictest New Testament sense. However, they cite Judas as proof of how someone who has walked with Jesus can walk away later.

 Again a poor example to try and upend what Jesus fully accomplished on the Cross, that is the eternal security of the believer. Why? Because Judas never had a heart for the ministry of Jesus.

 Judas loved his fellow Israelites, that's not in question. So of course when Jesus commissioned all the disciples to work miracles in His name, it is possible Judas could've been used this way. However, Judas was under pride and not love for the World. 

 What do I mean pride? 

5 Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive one to another and clothe yourselves with humility, because

“God resists the proud,
    but gives grace to the humble.”  1 Peter 5:5 MEV

God declares that He resists the proud but gives Grace to the humble. Why? The prideful want to do things there way and not God's. They don't see their need. They have it all together, it's the rest of us that don't. Judas didn't want the type of kingdom Jesus did. He wanted the yoke of Roman tyranny off the necks of the Israelites. He wanted deliverance for the Nation of Israel not the salvation of the World.

 What always accompanies pride is self-righteousness. After Judas betrayed Jesus what was his response to his sin? Judas went forth and hanged himself. Peter and Judas both sinned greatly that day. Yet we see two distinct and different responses. Peter wept bitterly, and after Jesus arose He sought the Lord. Judas punished his own sin instead of allowing Jesus to deal with the sin. Judas hung for his sins, not accepting the truth that Jesus would hang for all mankind's sins that day. 

 So, back to the objection, is Judas a good objection to the eternal security view? Absolutely not. The truth is we who've received Jesus are secure forever.

 Jesus is for us not against us. Jesus is faithful when we are faithless. When we seem to try and distance ourselves through our actions He is right there with us putting us back on the right path. No matter how many times we fail or falter or fall, Jesus is always there encouraging us, reminding us of who we are, and bringing hope to hopelessness. We are forever secure in His loving hands.

 The eternal security of the believer is part and parcel of the Finished Work of Christ. He forgave us once for all time. He sanctified and set us apart once forever. He sealed us with the Holy Spirit as the guarantee we will be saved forever. His perfect shed blood purchased perfectly our eternal redemption, eternal not temporal, and not conditioned on our conduct or faithfulness. 

 In summation, rejoice in the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You who've received Jesus are forever saved. You who've trusted in Christ are forever secure in His hand. No matter how far you've fallen Jesus is there bringing help, healing, hope, and restoration. Forget the objections tradition ruled Christians form and fashion designed to usher in eternal insecurity and hopelessness to the believer. Embrace His Grace, and rest in this uninterrupted eternally secure salvation. 
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