core studies : security of the believer
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Security of the Believer
God has given us many promises throughout the Bible. One of these is the hope and security of knowing that God is able to save us to the uttermost, as long as we desire to be kept (Hebrews 7:25, 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 10:35-39, Romans 8:38-39). Notice that none of these scriptures state that a believer has given up his choices. Until the Lord takes us home, we will all have a choice to nurture the desire to stay unspotted from the world and be saved (James 1:27, 1 Peter 2:1-2, 2 Peter 3:16-18, Matthew 5:6, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18), or we can neglect that desire and let it become cold (Matthew 24:11-12, Hebrews 2:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-23, Revelations 3:15-21).
The word of God judges us all (John 12:48). We have the opportunity to ex amine ourselves and receive our judgment now, instead of the last day with those who reject God
(2 Corinthians 13:5-6). With knowledge of judgment and salvation, we are able to prove our salvation to ourselves, and to anyone, according to his word (Acts 24:24-25). There are many scriptures that are salvation specific, and they must be taken together as a whole; one scripture is not lesser or greater in importance than another, and no scripture voids out any other (Mark 16:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-13, Mark 13:13, 1 John 1:9).
There is a difference between “feeling saved” and “being saved.” Our flesh is not going to make it to heaven, therefore it does not always feel saved. Our salvation is based on the obedience to God’s word and doing that which we know to be right in His sight. Satan will use our feelings (which are carnal) against us if we let him (Romans 7:14-25, Romans 8:1-10, Hebrews 4:15-16).
It is against our nature to trust in something that we cannot see, feel, or touch. Yet, by the spiritual senses, we can know that God’s word is true, and we can stake our soul on it (John 20:29, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Hebrews 7:25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 4:12-13).
It is possible for a saved, born-again people to get himself into an unsaved state (see the study on Grace and Forgiveness for in-depth study on this). The grace of God, that covers our shortcomings while we earnestly contend for the faith in God, will not cover willful sin left without repentance (Acts 8:18-24). There is also a sin referred to as ‘blasphemy of the Holy Ghost,’ which will never be forgiven (Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, 1 John 5:16-17). See your mentor or pastor for a more in depth discussion on this topic.
Keeping a repentant heart will keep us in the love and merciful grace of God. This kind of respectful submission will keep us secure in God’s hands as we do all that he requires (John 10:28-30, John 14:15, John 15:4-6, 2 Timothy 1:12-14, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jude 20).
