Security of Salvation – Part 2
We continue the important discussion about our secure salvation. Last time we discussed the first 2 evidences of our secure salvation: direct statements in scripture and our positions in Christ. We now will discuss perseverance and election.
Perseverance
This theme is vital because it indicates that God alone, and not us, causes us to endure to our salvation. Even if we wanted to change our position in Christ, or if we make mistakes, He causes us to persist to eternal life. Thanks be to God – it’s all based on Him not us! Here are some key verses (KJV):
- 2 Timothy 1:12 – For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
- Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 1:8 – Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Election
The fourth position of our wonderful salvation is that God chose us for Himself. Again, this was all God’s doing and not from our own efforts and work. Although some think this doctrine is controversial, let’s look at the scriptures so you can decide for yourself:
- God chose us – God elected us for salvation before all time to come to faith (Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 5,11; Romans 8:28-30).
- God’s dragging and convicting – After choosing us God had to convict and drag us to Himself or we would not have come (John 6:44; John 16:8; Romans 3:10-12). The Bible uses the imagery here of having to ‘drag’ fish into a boat by use of a net. The fish, like us, do not come willingly!
- The choice was individual – God did not choose a group, such as the church, but each of us distinctively (John 6:37,44,65; John 10:28-29; 2 John 1:1).
- God’s character – Choosing is consistent with God’s character and past actions. To accomplish His magnificent work on earth He has always had to choose those who would serve Him (e.g., Noah, Abraham, Moses and Israel).
- No other way – By our very nature we never would have chosen God, understood Him or desired Him because of our fallen nature into sin (Romans 3:10-18; Ephesians 2:1-3). Although some think that God’s choosing is unfair there was no other way and scripture says it was done out of love and knowledge (Ephesians 1:4-7). If God had not intervened all would have perished!
Next session we will continue this discussion and cover the remaining evidences for our secure salvation. We hope you will join us!
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