Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:36 — 30.2MB)
Subscribe: RSS
John 10:28-30
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 studying one of the most important and most often misunderstood and misrepresented doctrines of Scripture that concerns our salvation. The doctrine of perseverance is a Biblical truth we must understand if we are to live our lives as true ambassadors for Christ and His kingdom. It is the doctrine of perseverance that separates the true Christians from all the fakes, hypocrites, liars, and deceivers who say they are Christians, and want all the benefits of being a Christian, but never comply with all God says in His inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word in their daily living. Perseverance is defined in 2 parts: 1 = “understanding the Biblical truth of redemption/salvation to the point a person is compelled in their heart to live in harmony with all of God’s Word until the end of their earthly lives.” 2 = Only those people who are truly born again can and will persevere to the end of their earthly life. When Jesus says, I know them as He does in John 10:27, we need to remember, He has perfect knowledge about each of us. Jesus tells us God even knows the number of hairs on our head. We hear and follow because Jesus knows us. Remember, true Christians hear God speak, and intentionally follow Him with a desire to obey. Follow means imitate God in all facets of everyday life. Is that how you follow? Let’s look closely at what else God extends to us from the instant of our salvation, and extends throughout eternity! Let’s begin with:
OUR SECURITY IN CHRIST. Note in v. 28 Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish!” Jesus makes a simple statement here with a simple meaning. One doesn’t have a doctorate in theology to understand the true meaning of Jesus’ words. When Jesus says eternal life, He means life that never ends. When God created us in His image, He created us to be eternal beings who live with Him forever in His heaven. Every human being that has or ever will be created is an eternal being. Before your conception you were eternal in the mind of God. He has known all about you forever. From the time you were conceived and forever forward you are – well you! Your soul is the eternal part of you that will never die. Your physical body will either succumb to physical death or you will be raptured out of this world. There is no other condition, past, or future. When any person comes to Christ for salvation, eternal life begins immediately in all its fullness. When God says, “I give,” it is the same as I shall! In the vernacular – it is a done deal!! Not only are we secure because we have eternal life, our security is reinforced when Jesus says, “…and they shall never perish.” Then Jesus goes a step further in telling us how secure we are. Now let’s examine:
OUR SHELTER IN CHRIST. Notice, Jesus then says, “no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Look at v. 29-30. V. 30 is one of the clearest, simplest statements in Scripture that the historical man Jesus, is God in human form! To deny that is to deny Scriptural truth!! Notice also our security is in Christ! We are placed in Christ, and Christ is in God! True Christians respond to this information with:
STRENGTH OF CHARACTER. I said at the beginning of this sermon the doctrine of perseverance is the Biblical doctrine that separates the true Christians from the fakes. The ability to live as Christians for the entirety of our earthly lives comes from our Triune God and is shown in our daily: A. FAITH = Read Heb. 11:32-38! You remember a very practical definition of faith don’t you! Faith is not believing God can, but knowing God will! Is that the concept of faith you live with all day every day? Our strength of character is also shown in our: B. FORTITUDE. Remember when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with the furnace if they did not bow down and worship Nebuchadnezzar? Remember, their answer? “Our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king! But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” That is some pretty serious fortitude isn’t it? Is that the attitude of your fortitude 21st Century Christian?
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
