Eternal Security
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The following essay presents a scriptural case for the Eternal Security of a Believer’s Salvation in Christ Jesus. Topics covered in this subject are: Grace versus Works, Sustaining Salvation and Faith without Works. To begin, we’ll make a clear distinction between the theme of Works and the theme of Grace. Poignant questions will be interjected to help clarify scripture, causing the reader to answer for themselves “what saith the scriptures.” With this foundation laid, we’ll research the subject of “Sustaining Salvation.” How does one stay “faithful till the end?” When all the above has been presented, we’ll conclude with “Faith without Works” and its proper place in the Christian life.The inherency of the scripture is assumed.
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Grace versus Works
The first thing we must agree upon, is the holiness of God. Do the scriptures tell us that God is Holy?
Ps 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (KJV)
Revelation 4:8
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (KJV)
It would be reasonable to conclude, then, that God is holy. For holiness is one of the attributes of God, for in Him no iniquity can be found (2 Chronicles 19:7).
Secondly, can it be established that this Holy God’s wrath is kindled against man?
John 3:36
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.(KJV)
Based upon John 3, we can conclude that God’s wrath is against all those who have not believed on Jesus Christ.
So, here we have a dilemma. The question is: “What must one do to appease the wrath of this Holy God?” Job put it this way:
Job 25:4-6
4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
5 Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.
6 How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?(KJV)
Works, as shall be covered below, represent the good deeds man has done in an attempt to appease God. This can be pictured in the story of the Tower of Babel, as man tried to reach the heavens through his own human efforts.
Grace, to the contrary, is God’s answer to man’s sin problem. This is a gift, without merit, of God reaching down to man by taking the form of a human being and dying in man’s place.
Romans 3:20, 23
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
The law was purposed to do one thing: expose sin. The law cannot save a person, nor was it designed to do so. Like a mirror, it shows us what we really look like…in the light of the holiness of God. To keep the law in whole, is to not sin. Some believe that holiness, or righteousness, is attained by not sinning, that we are justified by our own human efforts. Unfortunately, “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Because we have all sinned, that makes us sinners….unclean before a pure and holy God.
Can we do good things to “be justified with God?” No, because all our good things, all of our righteousness is as dirty, filthy rags before the holiness of God (Isaiah 64:6).
Remember the Garden of Eden? When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they were driven out of the Garden (Genesis 3:23)? Because of their sin, they were driven out of paradise. Man has been attempting to return to paradise ever since.
We all want to spend eternity in Heaven. “God is Love,” people say. “He wouldn’t send all of us to hell. That’s not Loving.” But they fail to remember that God is also a Holy and Righteous God who, because of His Righteousness, must condemn sin. “The wages of sin is death” we are told in Romans 6:23. Ezekiel 18:23, speaking on matters of the Holy Law which God established states, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die”. God must punish sin to remain Righteous and Holy.
What, then, is the only acceptable condition a holy God would require in order to stand in his presence without being struck dead? The correct and only answer is that we would have to be as pure, righteous and holy as He is.
Attaining this Righteousness, in order to spend eternity with God in Heaven, comes in two religious flavors: Works and Grace.
By the Bible, we have already stated that all of our righteousness is as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6). Yet people still think they can earn God’s favor through good works.
Romans 3:21-22
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (KJV)
In Romans 3:22 above, it says that righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ to all those who believe. Is this righteousness, human merit? No, this righteousness is not our righteousness, it is the righteousness of God Himself.
Romans 3:24-25
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (KJV)
The answer to Job’s question to God in Job 25, “How then can man be justified with God?” is found in Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Justified has been explained like this: “Just as if I had never sinned.” In order to believe upon Jesus Christ for salvation, we believe that Jesus is our propitiation (verse 25), in other words, He took my place, and it is by His sinless Blood poured out on Calvary that pays the penalty for my sin (Romans 3:25).
So how does believing on Jesus Christ as our propitiation make us righteous enough to stand before the one and only Holy and Righteous God?
Romans 4:21-5:2
21 And [Abraham] being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.(KJV)
Abraham believed on the promise, having faith in God, and it was “imputed to him for righteousness” (verse 22). Righteousness did not come to Abraham because of his works for God, but for his faith in God. His example is recorded so that we now understand, that righteousness comes by faith in God, not by works for God. Ephesians 2:8-9 states this same concept, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Therefore, when we believe upon Christ Jesus who died in our place, we are “justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” and the Righteousness of God is imputed to us for believing.
What did we do to merit, or earn, the Righteousness of God?
Romans 5:6-8
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)
Christ died for us before we committed our first sin. We weren’t even given the chance to work for it…it was already done.
Romans 9:10-16
10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. (KJV)
In the story of Esau and Jacob, God had already decided to whom he was going to have favor. Verse 11 says that before either child was even born to have “done any good or evil” that God had already chosen to whom he would show His mercy. Where does salvation lie? In our works? No, in God’s mercy upon whom he chooses, verses 15-16 say. The same mercy was shown to the Apostle Paul before he was ever born:
Galatians 1:15
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, (KJV)
The same mercy is shown to each believer in Jesus Christ according to Ephesians 1:4 which says that God called us before the world even began:
Ephesians 1:4
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:(KJV)
If we were chosen before the world even began, how could we have earned salvation?
Romans 11:5-6
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (KJV)
Grace is defined as unmerited favor, a free gift, something I did not deserve nor work for. Works is defined as service done in order to earn something. Verse 6 says that if salvation comes by grace, something I did not deserve or work for, then it does not come by works, service done in order to earn something. The two are mutually exclusive. Verse 5 says that the elect have come into salvation by way of grace, a gift from God, something we did not deserve or work for.
Sustaining Salvation
Ephesians 1:13-14
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (KJV)
“Earnest of our inheritance.” Earnest is another word for “non-refundable deposit.” Most people associate earnest with buying a new home. When an agreement is made to the price of the home, a non-refundable deposit, or earnest money, is placed on the table. This money is the promise to the seller that the buyer will come back and pay the rest of the price of the home that they have agreed to pay. If the buyer forfeits on his promise, the seller keeps the earnest money. Therefore, to make the promise sure, the earnest money is usually a considerable amount that the seller feels the buyer would not walk away from.
When we believed on Jesus Christ for salvation, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit, which is God’s earnest that He will fulfill His promise of eternal life with him in Heaven, that He is coming back for us (Ephesians 1:14). That day, His return, we anxiously await. First, who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the God-head of the Trinity, one third of an immutable entity, known to us in three persons. Now what were to happen if God forfeits on His promise? We keep the earnest, the Holy Spirit. How could God change His mind then, and send us to Hell? He would have to go there with us, wouldn’t He? We’d have His Holy Spirit, and that’s not going to happen, is it?
John 3:3-7
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (KJV)
When Jesus spoke of the spiritual transformation of being born again, of becoming a Christian, he used an example that cannot be undone…He used child birth. Once a child is born, in verse 4, Nicodemus asks the obvious, “Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Obviously, he cannot. What is birthed, is birthed. In verse 6, Jesus sates, “…that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” When we are spiritually born again, there is only one spiritual birth. Just as a baby cannot be unborn, nor can a man “enter the second time into his mother’s womb”, neither can a person born of the Spirit of God be unborn. What is born of the Spirit of God, will always be a child of the Most High God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:15-16
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:(KJV)
Ephesians 1:5-7
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;(KJV)
The Apostle Paul further drives this point of eternal salvation home with another example that cannot be undone…adoption. As Paul wrote to the Greeks in Rome and Ephesus, he used the illustration of adoption, a term today that we inherited from Roman Common Law, something his readers would thoroughly understand. When a child was born to a family, that child could be disowned, cut out of any inheritance of the family. Under Roman Common Law, however, a child that was adopted by a family, could never be turned out, could never be disowned, could never be cut out of any inheritance of the family. In Romans chapter 8, Paul states, “ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” That we are children of God is also mentioned in Ephesians chapter 1, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” We are adopted Children of God. Adopted children cannot be disowned.
God predestinated us before the beginning of the world, by his good pleasure and grace, that we might be saved (Ephesians 1:5). Being previously chosen, how is it then that works can come into the picture to earn salvation? It cannot.
John 6:37-40
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (KJV)
Jesus came to do the Father’s will which was in verse 39, “that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” And again it is restated in verse 40, “that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him , may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day.” Jesus came that we might believe on him for salvation. And upon believing on him for salvation, we are given everlasting (eternal) life. It is the Father’s will that Jesus not lose one of those that the Father has previously chosen. And it is Jesus’ responsibility to see that whoever believes on him is raised up and given everlasting life.
Who then keeps the chosen ones from being lost again and again? Who is responsible for securing our place in heaven, giving us eternal life? Is it our good works? Feeding the hungry? Opening hospitals and orphanages? Our upright standing? No, none of these. Jesus keeps us and on the last day He will raise us up.
John 17:8-12
8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. (KJV)
As Jesus left this world, He prayed aloud that it may be recorded for us who remain. In His prayer, He states that, “those thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition” and “Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.”
Who keeps us from losing our place in eternity with God the Father? To whom have we been entrusted that we make it to heaven? Jesus brought all those God had previously chosen, to Him. What now keeps us from “losing our salvation”? Our good works? Our morals? Keeping the ten commandments? No, none of these. Our Holy Father keeps us so that one day, we “may be one, as” Jesus and God are one.
John 10:27-30
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
30 I and my Father are one. (KJV)
In verse 28, does it say that Jesus gives us temporary life? Does it say that Jesus gives us conditional life? No, it states that Jesus gives us eternal life; “and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
Many people have perverted scripture and said that although no man can pluck us out of Jesus hand, we can, by our free will, choose to step out of Jesus’ hand. And yet in verse 29, it says, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” Jesus said that His Father is greater than all. All in the Greek is defined as All. That means us, every one of us. If the Father, who is greater than all, will allow no man to pluck us out of His hand, where do we get off thinking we are greater than the Father?
And again, if we could step out of Jesus’ hand and go back to being lost, then Jesus would be counted a liar when He states to God the Father in John 17:12 “those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition.” Do you think Jesus lied to God? Do you think you are Judas Iscariot, the son of perdition? Jesus did not lose anyone the Father gave him. Therefore, you cannot “slip,” “step,” “fall,” or “drop” out of the Hand of Jesus Christ and God our Father.
So then, God predestined before the beginning of the world, by his good pleasure and grace, to whom He will show mercy and save. He then commissioned His Son to die for sinful man so that reconciliation could be made between a Holy God and sinful man. To those who believe upon Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God is imputed. Jesus is then responsible to deliver them to the Father and raise them up on the last day to give them eternal life. Jesus holds them in His hand, the Father holding us in His. Therefore, between the beginning of the world, and the time we reach Heaven, where does works come into play? It does not. It is all by Grace.
There is a story of an elderly country man who had never flown in an airplane. His friends decided to give him the opportunity to experience this by taking him up in their plane. On landing, they asked him if he enjoyed the ride. His response was that he never rested his entire weight in his seat. It is God who is keeping us. It is Jesus Christ’s mandated responsibility to raise us up on the last day, those who have believed on Him for salvation. Once we have believed on Jesus Christ for salvation, we are like the elderly country man in the airplane. By not resting in the assurance of our salvation, we are not helping God out, or lightening the load on the airplane. The airplane still carries us, just as God holds us in the palm of His Hand…
Faith without Works
James 2:20-26
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (KJV)
“The New Testament sometimes seems to speak of justification by works. For example, Jesus spoke of justification (and condemnation) “by your words”
These statements seem to conflict with Paul’s many warnings that “by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight”
The solution to this problem lies in the distinction between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit
(from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
When a person believes upon Jesus Christ for salvation, he becomes born again, a new creature in Christ Jesus, a Christian. As stated in all the above passages, salvation is not by works.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.(KJV)
Once a person becomes born again, Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit regenerates the person’s dead spirit, and comes to live within his spirit, sealing Him until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). The hymn goes, “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…” When a person has truly been born again, they will be grateful for such a wonderful gift, and by Jesus Christ living inside of them, begins to bring forth “good fruit” or “good works.”
Again, these “good works” occur after salvation as a means of gratitude, not before salvation as a means of attaining salvation.
I John 4:10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (KJV)
Not that we loved him, but that he loved us first and died for us. This is the number one, monumental difference between true Christianity and every other religion on this planet: Christianity is a gift, something that cannot be attained by working for it. All other religions have a system of works: doing things, keeping rules, keeping religious holidays, keeping moral codes, in order to somehow, maybe, possibly attain eternal life in some preconceived idea of paradise. Christianity is sure, sound and a free gift.
I John 5:11-13
11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.(KJV)
Christianity also states that we may KNOW that we have eternal life, by believing on the name of Jesus Christ for salvation. There is no guess work here. God has given eternal life to those who have believed upon His son. Again, this has been written “that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”
Being understood that works cannot earn salvation, what purpose do “good works” serve?
Matthew 7:16-20
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (KJV)
The good fruit does not come before the good tree, just as good works does not come before salvation. By the reverse, Jesus said that we “shall know them by their fruits.” Someone who consistently brings forth evil, bad fruit, may indicate a corrupt tree and need for salvation.
And bringing forth good fruit, good works, is not a repayment of salvation, for we could never accomplish what Jesus Christ accomplished at Calvary, contrary to popular Word Faith Teacher, Kenneth Copeland (see our Word Faith FAQ). Jesus Christ is God, who lived a perfect sinless life as a human being, fulfilling the Law in its entirety, pouring out His blood on the Cross as our propitiation and atonement for sin. Good works is an act of gratitude, no more.
Yet, God in His infinite Love and generosity towards us, will give us rewards when we get to Heaven based upon the good works we accomplished.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (KJV)
So where do good works come from? Do we scheme them ourselves?
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)
Scripture states that God has “before ordained” the good works that we are created to do.
Jesus Christ, who is God, saved us, we could not. Jesus Christ keeps us, we cannot. Jesus Christ conceives of good works that will bring Him glory, we do not. Jesus Christ will raise us from the dead, we will not.
We are solely dependent upon the Father, through Jesus Christ, just as Jesus Christ was solely dependent upon the Father as He walked this earth as an example unto all men. So in following the Father’s will, by and through Jesus Christ, we perform good works that bring glory unto the Lord.
Should Christians be doing good works? Yes, of course they should. But not for salvation, but because of salvation. Here are a few scriptures passages:
Matthew 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)
Titus 2:7-8
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (KJV)
Hebrews 10:24
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (KJV)
1 Peter 2:12
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (KJV)
Conclusion
So whether you are born again and unsure of your eternal security, or whether you are not a Christian, be assured that you can place your full hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He has promised that if any man come unto him, he will in no wise cast him out (John 6:37). That applies to every man, woman and child.
Realize that Fear of going to Hell, is not from the Lord Jesus Christ, but a device of the devil to keep you in bondage.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
Realize also that Confusion about your eternal destiny is also not from the Lord Jesus Christ, but another device of the devil to keep you in fear and ignorance.
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (KJV)
Remember what the Apostle John wrote:
I John 5:13
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (KJV)
And if we sin, which we all will, God has given us his bar of soap in 1 John 1:9:
I John 1:9-10
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.(KJV)
Why be confused about your eternal security any longer, Christian? Why put off the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior any longer, unbeliever? Both of you can leave this web site today, knowing that you are truly a Child of God (Romans 8:16). And if you are unsure about your salvation, why not check it out as the Apostle Paul mandates:
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (KJV)
If a woman was given a diamond ring by her fiancé and someone asked to verify if it were the real thing, she would more than gladly let them inspect it if she knew it were genuine. If you are easily offended if someone asks you if you are born again, if you are a Christian, this indicates that you are unsure of your salvation. Why not check it out today, and eternally resolve this uncertainty.
You can know today that you are going to go to Heaven and be forever with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All that’s required of you is to admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, for Romans 3:23 states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Jesus Christ died for you to pay the penalty of your sins and by believing on Him you can have eternal life (Romans 10:9-10). Believing on Him for salvation and eternal life would mean praying a prayer like this:
Lord Jesus, I confess to you that I am a sinner. I thank you for dying on the cross in my place to pay the penalty for my sins. Wash me in your Blood, come into my life, seal me with your Holy Spirit of promise. I confess that you are Lord of my life. I believe that God raised you from the dead. I submit my life to you and your service. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.