Therefore, because he always lives to intercede for them, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him. Hebrews 7:25
Loving it, leaving it, losing it Part 2
In our last post we established the first proof of our eternally secure salvation. It is the will of God that our salvation be secure. Our salvation is not rooted in our obedience. It is not contingent upon our ability to keep ourselves upright and perfect. It is all based in Christ's perfect obedience. As I always seem to do, allow me to stress again this isn't a license to live in sin. This is a license however, to freely pursue a loving relationship with a loving Father. How much more fulfilling is a relationship when you realize you will never be discarded or rejected or denied because of a poor choice or misstep?
This is why I titled this series "Loving it, leaving it, losing it". If I can never be denied then I am in a loving relationship with God. I'm not even looking for ways that I would leave it. I am not fearful that I can lose it. It is such a freeing way to live in the Family of God.
With all the arguments and divisions about our eternally secure salvation let me bring forth a truth. It was Jesus who first instructed us that this salvation would indeed be eternal not temporal. Who is to blame for this teaching and emphasis on our eternal security? Is it the Baptist? Is it another denomination? No! Want to blame someone? Blame Jesus! Recall the passage we cited in our last post.
37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. 38 For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. 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 6:37-40
Jesus says it is God's will that not one will be lost who put their trust in Him. It was Jesus who first enlightened us of His Father's plan about our salvation. Our second proof of our eternal security then is it was Jesus who revealed it. Let's look at another passage in a couple of translations that reveals much about our eternal secure salvation.
you lack faith because you are not My sheep. My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me. I give them a life that is unceasing, and death will not have the last word. Nothing or no one can steal them from My hand. My Father has given the flock to Me, and He is superior to all beings and things. No one is powerful enough to snatch the flock from My Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. John 10:26-30 Voice
27‘My own sheep will hear My voice and I know each one, and they will follow Me.’ 28I give to them the gift of eternal life, and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of My hands. 29My Father, who has given them to Me as His gift, is the mightiest of all, and no one has the power to snatch them from My Father’s care. 30 The Father and I are one.” John 10:26-30 Passion Translation
It doesn't get much clearer than this. We are promised again to never to be lost. We are also given a staggering promise. We are held firmly secure, forever in our Father's hand as well as in Jesus' hands. If we are in our Father's care, in His hands how can we ever fear losing our salvation?
The third proof of our eternal security is that we are forever secured and protected in our Father's hands. There is no temptation, no onslaught of the enemy, no willingness to jump out that is more powerful than His protection and loving care.
What a wonderful promise from God to know we are protected and secure in His hands. Here is another thought. If we are protected from loss of salvation in His hands we are also protected from any scheme of the enemy to bring suffering, evil and sickness our way. Praise the Lord we are victorious because we are in His hands. Reflect on this truth the next time the enemy brings his lies your way.
I trust this message has blessed you and encouraged you in your relationship with the Lord. Let me say how much I appreciate you taking the time out to read this blog. I do pray and seek the Lord on what to write about. I truly want it to encourage and strengthen you. This week may His richest and best be yours.
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