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John 6:35-40
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. We are going to begin to study the doctrine of perseverance! Both OT and NT are saturated with passages that teach our daily lives, day in and day out, reveal the truth of whether or not our salvation is real or fake! As we study this foundational doctrine, it will become evident to you that no one can hide the truth of redemption. It is here Num. 32:23 catches up with the hypocrites, liars, fakes, and wolves in sheep’s clothing and their sin finds them out! Here is the focal question the doctrine of perseverance answers: Listen carefully! Can a true Christian lose their salvation? Key word there being “true!” Here is a question for you; would a true Christian want to lose their salvation? Here is how one theologian defines perseverance: “All those who are truly born again will be kept by God’s power and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives, and that only those who persevere until the end have been truly born again.”
There are 2 distinct truths of this doctrine. 1st = All those who are truly born again are kept by God’s power. This is God’s part in perseverance. Read 1 Peter 1:3-7. The Holy Spirit actually inspired Paul to write all true Christians are “guarded by God’s power” in v. 3. It means “to guard or watch intensely/closely/attentively! It is used in Scripture when one is guarded as a prisoner, or captive, so they can’t escape, or be lost! The idea is when God is doing the keeping or guarding, loss or escape is impossible. So the assurance to the true Christian is that God makes it His business to guard them, protect them in such a way that they cannot lose their salvation, and will spend eternity with Him in His heaven! The 2nd truth of this doctrine is, All those who are truly born again will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives. Why does a true Christian persevere? Voddie Baucham gives a simple, straight forward answer, that is also a great philosophy for the Christian life. A true Christian understands it clearly. Mr. Baucham says salvation is “What Christ has done on our behalf, to the glory of The Father, through the Cross.” The reason, the real reason a true Christian will persevere in the Christian life as a man or woman of God is because of what Christ has done on their behalf! Let’s look at some Biblical passages that speak to perseverance in the Christian life. Let’s start with:
THE TEACHING OF JESUS. John 6:35-40. His promise of being received and resurrected. Notice 3 truths about this promise of Jesus.
1. It is universal. There is not now, nor has there ever been a person who could not spend eternity in heaven if they wanted to. No one is ever too bad for God to save. There is no reason any person can’t be saved; there are only excuses people conjure up. Jesus’ promise is also:
2. It is Unfailing = Remember, when God says, “I will, or I will not” it is absolutely certain. God never, never, makes us guess or wonder what He will do, or how He will respond to His own promises and His own will. Finally, God’s promise
3. Is unique! Here is a truth you apply to many of God’s promises: They are universal invitations with individual applications. Do you see the conditional part here? Whoever and all must accept/believe and act on the invitation. The only way any person can have anything from God is to DO what He tells us we must do! A true Christian is always looking to and believing in Jesus, no matter when, where, how, or why things happen in daily living, they always continue to look to and believe in Jesus as Savior. It is the continual or persevering way of life that is meant here.
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
