February 24
The major problem with the concept many conservative preachers call the security of the saints is that many don’t do a very good job of explaining what it means. The bible is full of paradoxes. There are some passages that, upon first glance, appear to contradict others. That's why it's so very important we not take a single passage and develop a doctrine from it. For example, John 10:29 makes it clear no one is able to snatch any of God’s sheep from His hand. Then, we read passages like Hebrews 3:12 and 6:4-8 and conclude they are referring to a person who was once a believer losing his salvation. I have no illusions I’ll be able to clear up this issue in one short daily instruction. At least one entire denomination got started over it, so it isn’t likely I’ll be able to set the issue to rest here. What I will do is provide food for thought that I pray will stimulate readers to examine the issue further. It is an important issue, though I don't think it is one that should be divisive.
If one examines the Hebrews verses, he can easily conclude the writer was not talking about the Christian who once tasted the goodness of God. I believe to have become a partaker of the Holy Spirit, in this context simply meant they dwelt for a while in the midst of a godly group of men and women (a church) and witnessed the glory of the living God in their midst. According to the writer of Hebrews, if one has had that experience and then returned to their old lifestyle, they have crucified to themselves the Son of God again and put Him to open shame. For those who do that, it will be impossible to renew them again to repentance. I can’t count the number of people with whom I have spoken over the past three plus decades who believe they are in that category. When they ask me if God will accept their repentance, I answer by telling them the very fact they desire to repent indicates they are not beyond His grace and mercy. It is the evidence the writer of Hebrews was not addressing them.
II Peter 1:10, 11 is a warning to any in the church who are resting on their pious laurels. Peter warns his readers to continue practicing the things about which he has just spoken: diligence, faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. He promises them as long as they practice those things, they will not stumble, and their entrance into the eternal kingdom will be abundantly supplied. Of course, that implies some will enter the kingdom with the smell of hell's fire on their clothing. I Corinthians 3:14, 15 and Jude 1:22, 23 seem to clearly support that idea.
In closing, I would like to make it clear I believe those who have truly been elected, pre-destined, effectually called, regenerated, born-again, confessed sin and repented in faith, sanctified, justified, confess Jesus and Lord, believe God raised him from the dead, and take up their cross daily and follow Him can be absolutely confident they will enter His kingdom upon death or His return for us all. Such people will be glorified at Christ’s second coming.
On the same note, however, it is clear there are great multitudes in churches around the world today who don't meet God's criteria as indicated above. If you’re one of those, I urge you to correct the problem. If you fail to do so, YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN HELL! No good works you do will ever change that.
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