Secure Forever

My hubby received an email today from a former coworker. After updating his news, this man said that he was no longer a Christian. My response went two directions. Either he didn’t fully understand the promises God makes to those who believe in Christ, or this man was not a Christian in the first place.

Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28) Eternal life is just that — eternal. It cannot be undone once it is done. The Lord makes this unconditional promise to every true believer. It takes into consideration all times, all circumstances, all contingencies, all events and all possibilities. This promise takes in all the flock. Not one of Christ’s sheep will ever perish no, not even one. If anyone is a believer, they will never perish. Christ himself has promised it! Nothing in God’s people or done by them can change that.

God himself says, “They shall never perish.” If one promise of God could be broken, no promise could be believed. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:37–40) The Good Shepherd must save his sheep. His redemptive work cannot be nullified. It is an irreversible act of grace.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (Romans 8:31–34)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

There are many more Scriptures that verify the keeping power of God. As I read them, I’m also reminded that some hear what their parents or preachers say, but have not heard or believed the life-changing promises of God. I’m not sure if this is the case of the man who says he is no longer a Christian, but it could be that he was not one in the first place.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19)

PRAY: Lord, You know the heart of all people, Christian or not, and You know what has happened to cause this man to think he is not Your child. If he is, bring him to fuller knowledge. If not, show him what he needs to see and hear so he understands what is needed. Nothing is impossible for You.