15 Eternal Security

Foundational Doctrines:

Safe and Secure

Text:  Jude 17-25

Aim:  To show how a believer is safe and secure in Jesus Christ.

Introduction:

1.      One of the basic needs for humanity is a sense of security.

a.      The baby finds security at its mother’s breast.

b.       Children need a sense of security in their family.

c.       Adults look for security in various places:

i.        Relationships

ii.     Financial security

iii.   Job security

iv.    Community

2.      History will record that September 11, 2001 changed the psyche of Americans.

a.      Never been a foreign country to invade US.

b.       Suddenly the enemy was amongst us unseen and unidentifiable.

c.       Everyone is a suspect and everyone must be on constant alert at all times.

d.       Security is a major concern and of great importance to the public.

3.      Security is defined as:

a.      Freedom from risk or danger; safety.

b.       Freedom from doubt, anxiety, or fear; confidence.

c.       Something [someone] that gives or assures safety, as:

i.        A group or department of private guards.

ii.     Measures adopted by a government to prevent espionage, sabotage, or attack.

iii.   Measures adopted, as by a business or homeowner, to prevent a crime such as burglary or assault.

iv.    Measures adopted to prevent escape.

d.       Something deposited or given as assurance of the fulfillment of an obligation; a pledge.

e.      One who undertakes to fulfill the obligation of another; a surety.

4.      A foundational doctrine of our faith is the security we find in Jesus Christ our Savior.

a.      It is referred to as “preservation of the saints.”

“We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation.”

b.       Perseverance of the believer is the distinctive mark of genuine believers.

c.       That such as persevere are “kept by the power of God.”

d.       We find our security in the ability of God to keep us in Jesus Christ.

5.      The Genuine believer …

I.       Bears Distinctive Characteristics of Genuine Faith

According to 1 John, if a person is genuinely saved, there will be…

A.      Awareness of sin – 1:8-9.

B.      Obedience to God – 2:3-4.

C.     Love for other Christians – 2:10.

D.     Change of desires – 2:15.

E.      Spiritual understanding – 2:20, 27.

F.      Victory over sin and the world – 3:6, 9; 4:4; 5:4.

G.     Rejection or misunderstanding by the world – 3:13.

H.     Good works in their life – 3:17-19.

I.        Evidence of the Holy Spirit at work – 3:24.

J.      Answered prayer – 5:14-15.

II.    Is Kept by the Power of God. (Psalm 121)

1.      God has promised His protection to all of those living in obedience to Him. 

2.      Someone has said, “Christians living in God’s will are indestructible until God takes them home!”

3.      What a blessed thought that GOD Himself has taken your welfare as His responsibility!

4.      Psalm 121 describes the Lord as our Keeper, and He protects us from many things.

A.      From the problem of weariness (v. 3-4).

1.      The Christian who is not careful in this world may become “weary in well doing.” 

2.      The spiritual battle that believers face will never successfully be fought in the flesh. 

3.      God provides the protection we need to keep from becoming weary through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, His Word and His churches.

B.      From the problem of weakness (v. 5-6).

1.      Believers are so vulnerable and in desperate need of divine protection.

2.      Regardless of the circumstance Christians are in, there is unwavering refuge found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

C.     From the problem of wickedness (v. 7).

1.      “Evil” literally means something wicked or injurious. 

2.      Paul says we are capable of anything sinful (Romans 7:18).

3.      God says He will be the standard Himself – “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”

D.     From the problem of waywardness (v. 8).

1.      “Thy going out and thy coming in” – the Jews inscribed portions of the Law on the gates of their homes.  As they exited or entered, they were reminded of God’s Word.  That Scripture was to cause him to ponder the path of his feet and the course of his tongue.

2.      Even today, devout Jews keep a small metal cylinder fixed to the right-hand doorpost of their homes.  The cylinder contains a parchment inscribed with the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21.  As they pass in and out of the house, they touch this cylinder and recite the last verse of Psalm 121.

III. Secure in the Ability of God

Listen to this list of seven “ables” in the New Testament.

A.      Romans 16:25: Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,

B.      2 Corinthians 9:8: And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

C.     Ephesians 3:20: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

D.     2 Timothy 1:12: That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

E.      Hebrews 2:18: Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

F.      Hebrews 7:25: Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Conclusion: 

1.Will you pass the test of genuine salvation?

2.Do you posses that personal relationship with Jesus Christ found in genuine salvation?

3.Are you enjoying the protection and rest that this salvation brings?

Benediction:

Jude 24-25 (KJV)
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.[1]

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[1]  The Holy Bible : King James Version. electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. Bellingham WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995