DEFINITION
The doctrine of Eternal Security declares that once a sinner trusts Jesus Christ as Savior, he is saved eternally: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Eph 2:8-9). God alone is responsible for giving and maintaining our salvation.
THE FATHER'S WORK
God's sovereign plan assures us God predestined [us] to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). God's sovereign protection assures us nothing will separate us from the love of God...in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:39). God's sovereign power assures us we are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation (1 Pet 1:5). God's sovereign love assures us our salvation is everlasting: God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16).
THE SON'S WORK
The Son's death, resurrection, and intercession assure us we are secure in His work: It is Christ who died...[and] is also risen...who also makes intercession for us (Rom 8:34). The Son's shepherding assures us we are safe forever in His loving care: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand (Jn 10:27-28).
THE SPIRIT'S WORK
The Spirit's regeneration assures us He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Tit 3:5). The Spirit's indwelling assures us our body is God's home, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). The Spirit's sealing assures us we were forever stamped, secured, and sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance (Eph 1:13-14).
OUR WORK
Since salvation is completely the work of God, the question arises, "what work am I to do regarding salvation?" The people asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (Jn 6:28,29). Our work is to believe in the full salvation Jesus' death provides for our spirits, souls, bodies, finances, and relationships.
We are to work for God, of course, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:10). But that work does not earn us salvation--it demonstrates our salvation. So God wants us to relax and rejoice about our salvation, to prove it, and share it with others.
[Scripture from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982. Thomas Nelson, Inc.]
Reach Out Fellowship
218 Osborne Rd
Albany NY 12205
(518) 482-4565
EMAIL
Rev. Dr. Jerry Lynn, Senior Pastor
Rev. Jim Castillo, Assistant Pastor