Welcome again to my blog. I am delighted you have taken the time to read it.
Last week we started a series on the Christian life and the wonderful promises of Scripture and their benefits to us. Teleios and other authors have shown Christian belief actually can improve personal wellbeing! Therefore, we are examining the Christian life in more detail to see if we can uncover some of the potential underlying causes of the improved wellbeing. As a biblical basis for the Christian life we are using 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7. Here is the passage again!
1 Thessalonians 1:5-7
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
The verses are neatly outlined by the following:
- Becoming a Christian – Verse 5
- Security of salvation – Verse 5
- Accepting God’s Word in daily life – Verse 6
- Becoming imitators of Paul – Verse 6
- Becoming examples to others – Verse 7
Last week we discussed our glorious salvation. This week let us discuss the certainty of our salvation. This is one of the great comforting promises of scripture. It is our hope. Yet the topic remains controversial even among Christians.
What are the evidences of our security?
I believe they are on 5 levels.
- Direct statements of our security (1 Peter 1:4-5, Romans 8:28-39).
- New unchangeable positions as a believer which we discussed recently (throughout a series of 6 blogs) and include our: justification, adoption, sealing by the Spirit, and spiritual baptism.
- God causing us to persevere (2 Timothy 1:12, Philippians 1:6).
- God’s negative reaction to those who don’t believe in eternal security (Hebrews 6:1-8, 10:26-39).
- We are individually chosen to belief before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5,11, Romans 8:29-30, John 6:44, 65).
Why is eternal security so important for our wellbeing?
It is the helmet of our salvation (Ephesians 6:15) and our great hope! Life is full of joy yet sometimes disappoints with missed goals, crushed expectations, death of loved ones and ultimately even us. The knowledge of our salvation and a better future life beyond helps us through every step of our lives to maintain joy despite difficult times. It’s difficult to have hope in the future and good wellbeing if you don’t even know you are truly saved.
Eternal security also allows us to better serve God as it becomes difficult to be a joyful servant when we lack confidence that we will ever really be with God. Such doubt can sap our energy and turn our thoughts from serving God to our own selves. We can only serve fully when we have a confident secure foundation (Colossians 1: 9-14).
Obviously, our salvation, but also our security, are necessary for moving on to maturity in the Christian life as noted in 1 Thessalonians 1. We may not feel we deserve salvation (actually we do not – it is God’s gift through Christ) and it may fight against our nature and upbringing, yet as Christians we must live by the facts of Scripture and not our emotions. We are saved eternally, get over it, and move on to maturity (Hebrews 5:11, 6:1-19).
Over the next few weeks let us discuss the points of our security as noted above. The information is just too exciting! We then will move along to discuss the Christian lifestyle. We thank God for such wisdom in Scripture in His promises to us.
William C. Stewart, MD
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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
