The Helmet of Salvation

Bill Woody

The Armor of God • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

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The Helmet of Salvation

Text: Ephesians 6:10–17

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth,

and having on the breastplate of Righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with The preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking The shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take

The helmet of salvation,

And

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Introduction:

* As most of you know, over the past 7 weeks now we have been preaching from the same text that we have read together this morning.

* We have been what the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare. For those of you are just now joining us in our study about spiritual warfare, the Bible teaches that we as human being are caught up in a cosmic war between God and His Holy angles and the Devil and his fallen angels.

* This war is a very real war, but is a spiritual war. This is a war between beings that are not limited to the human limitations of the dimensions that define our normal understanding.

* The four dimensions of the universe comprise length, width, height, time. Most of the objects of earth can only be observed from three dimensional angles.

* We humans see things mostly in three dimensions length, width, and height. Time is a dimension that science does not fully understand, but one that God fully understands.

* This is way all of the thousands of predictions and patterns of prophecy found in the Bible came true with absolute accuracy.

* Scientists, when studying the very smallest parts that make up our universe, (that area of science is called “Quantum Physics”), have discovered, that even though we can only perceive with our senses three dimensions, there are 7 more dimensions that we can not see.

* The other 7 dimensions deal with intangible concepts we can’t directly observe, but scientists know exists.

* Now I have share all this with you this morning to help you to understand that, when it comes to dealing with this “Spiritual Warfare” that we are caught up in, we do not see this war within the limits of our three dimensional perception.

* There is a larger reality that we know exists. A larger reality that transcends what we can fully perceive.

* It is in this larger reality, the reality in which God and the Angles operate in, is where spiritual warfare takes place.

* We know that we are involved in this great war between God and His Holy angles and the Devil and his fallen angels, but we can only experience the symptoms of this great battle.

* Job did not understand what was happening, when in a greater reality where God dwells, a battle between the wills of Satan and God was taking place.

* Poor Job had no idea the Devil was causing things to happen to him. All Job saw was that natural disasters killed all his children, he saw that invaders took his home, his lands and cattle.

* Job didn’t understand that when his health failed, it was because the Devil did this to him.

* Job could not see the battle, but he saw the symptoms that he was involved in a spiritual warfare.

* Because spiritual warfare with the Devil takes place in dimensions that transcend the human ability to perceive, we cannot stand against the attacks of the Devil with human reasoning, or three dimensional weapons.

* The apostle Paul tells us this in our text that we must be strong in the Lord, we must rely on the Lord’s power which can operate within the dimensions that we as humans cannot perceive with our limited three dimensional minds.

Ephesians 6:10–12 (KJV 1900)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

* The apostle Peter said that Satan “Goeth about as a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour.” You and I are under constant attack by an enemy that operates in a universe outside of our own.

* In our text this morning, The apostle Paul tells us that God has given us tools of warfare that can operate within the greater reality in which the Devil operates.

* Look in verse 11: Paul says:

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

* I another passage, II Corinthians chapter 10 and verses 3-5, The apostle Paul explains exactly why we must depend on God’s power if we are to stand up to the Devil, who operates universe with dementias that we cannot see or fully comprehend.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 (KJV 1900)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

* Notice that the Devil’s goal in the spiritual warfare that we are involved in is to create strongholds, or fortresses, in the minds of men.

* He is said to do this by deceptions that create false imaginations in the minds of men.

* These “false ideas” are used by the Devil to attack the knowledge of God in the thoughts of men.

* We need protection from God against these false ideas about God that the Devil is attacking our minds with this morning, and our text has just the tools we need!

* This morning we are going to look at the 5th tool that God has given us to stand up to the Devil in spiritual warfare- The Helmet of Salvation.

* The fifth piece of God’s armor is represented by the Roman soldier’s helmet, without which he would never enter battle.

* The purpose of the helmet was to protect the head from injury, particularly from the dangerous broadsword commonly used in the warfare in the days of the Roman soldier.

* Where the breastplate, we studied two weeks ago protected the emotions, the Helmet now protects the head, or the mind of the Believer in spiritual warfare.

* The fact that the helmet is related to salvation indicates that Satan’s blows are directed at the believer’s security and assurance in Christ.

* The two dangerous edges of Satan’s spiritual broadsword are discouragement and doubt.

* To discourage us he points to our failures, our sins, our unresolved problems, our poor health, or to whatever else seems negative in our lives in order to make us lose confidence in the love and care of our heavenly Father.

* The most devastating blow that the Devils delivers in this war is to cause the Christian to doubt.

* This morning, the Devil has defeated many Christians by causing them to doubt their salvation. Paul says in our text to put on the helmet of salvation.

* There is no way that we can even begin to battle with the fiery darts of doubt that the Devil with shoot at our souls unless we have full assurance that we have been saved.

* To know that you are saved is still not enough to eliminate the chance that the Devil will defeat you with his attacks of doubt.

* To be fully prepared to have victory over the Devil you must have full assurance that you can never lose your salvation.

Body:

* The teaching that I am going to deal with this morning is referred to by several different phrases- "Eternal Security," "The Perseverance of the Saints," "The security of the believer," "Once Saved, Always Saved...

* The big question I want to deal with this morning is “Can a Christian lose his salvation.”

* The best place to start finding the answer to this question is to see what Jesus taught about it. How secure is our salvation according to Jesus this morning?

* John 10 :22-30 is the key passage that deals with the doctrine of the security of the believer. Turn with me now to John chapter 10.

* Let’s begin reading with verse 27:

John 10:27–30 (KJV 1900)

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

* Jesus here paints for us the ultimate picture of security this morning. First of all, Jesus says that He has given to everyone believes on Him eternal life.

* Jesus also taught that once we are safely protected the hand of God, he will never cast us out of the safety of God’s hands.

* Jesus plainly did not believe, or teach, that there was even a possibility of losing your salvation.

John 6:37 (KJV 1900)

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

* Let me ask you a simple question this morning- “How long is eternal?

* Let me as you another question- “Does eternity have a beginning?”

Ephesians 1:3–4 (KJV 1900)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,

* Does eternity have an end?

* So, now reason with me, if Jesus said that He will give “eternal life” or salvation, to all those who believe on his name, then is it even possible for eternal life to end?

* If a person came to Jesus for salvation, and after let’s say 10 years that person backslides on God, or commits some great sin and according to some loses his salvation, then he didn’t receive eternal life at all. It only lasted 10 years! That’s not eternal life at all!

* By the way, if backsliding, or committing some great sin could resulting un you losing your salvation, then we need to know just how backslid you have to be in order lose your salvation.

* If we can commit some great sin and lose our salvation, then there must be a list somewhere in the Bible of sins that will cause you to lose your salvation!

* Would murder be on that list? Must not be because Moses committed murder, but Moses is in heaven.

* Oh I know, what about adultery, not that’s a bad one! That one must not be on the “lose your salvation list” because David committed that one and the Bible says David is in Heaven!

* Oh I know, committing suicide that will send a saved person to hell! That one is surely on the “lose your salvation list! Well, no, Samson committed suicide, and the Book of Hebrews says he is in heaven!

* Well, you see where I’m going here. There is no list of sins that will cause you to lose your salvation.

* The reason there is

- no sin mentions in the Bible that will cause you to lose your salvation, - no person ever given as a example who lost their salvation,

- no passage of scripture that comes right out and says that you can lose your salvation-

is because it is impossible to lose your salvation.

* Jesus goes on here in John chapter 10 to say that the person who comes to Him for salvation will “never perish.”

* Jesus goes on to paint the perfect picture of security and safety for those who have come to Him for salvation.

* Jesus says that we have been placed in the hand of God. This indicates that it is God’s responsibility to keep is safe.

* Let me repeat that one more time, It is God’s responsibility to keep us saved, not ours.

* The apostle Paul speaks of this same “security of the Believer” in Romans chapter 8 and verse 35:

Romans 8:35–39 (KJV 1900)

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

* Jesus says that we have been placed in the hand of God. This indicates that it is God’s responsibility to keep is safe-

1 Peter 1:3–5 (KJV 1900)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible,

and undefiled,

and that fadeth not away,

reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

* According to the apostle Peter who keeps us saved? God keeps us saved by His power and His power alone!

* When the Devil comes to you and tries to make you doubt your salvation because you have backslid by forgetting God, or by committing some sin, do like Jesus did and resist the Devil by the Word of God. The Bible says if you will, he will flee from you.

* Let me explain something to you about your sins- your sins you committed before you got saved, and the sins that you committed after you got saved.

* God has cast your sins behind his back. Isaiah the prophet said concerning is sins:

Isaiah 38:16–17 (KJV 1900)

17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: But thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

* The writher of the book of Hebrews, speaking of the “New Covenant” taught that under the “New Covenant” of salvation, our sins will not be remembered.

Hebrews 8:12–13 (KJV 1900)

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. 13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Psalm 103:9–12 (KJV 1900)

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, So great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

* Did you catch that- God does not remember the sins of a saved person, because he has removed our sins from us!

Isaiah 1:18 (KJV 1900)

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (KJV 1900)

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

* Do you know the reason that God will not remember any of the sins of a saved person?

* It is because our sins have already been paid for. Jesus paid the ransom for our sins. God would be unjust to hold you responsible and send you to hell for a sin that Jesus has already paid the ransom for!

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (KJV 1900)

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Galatians 3:13 (KJV 1900)

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,

being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

1 Peter 1:18–19 (KJV 1900)

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

* Those who refuse to accept this Bible doctrine have problems with what God says in His word because of human reasoning.

* They reason, if you can't loose your salvation, then what happens when a person backslides?

* Their next bit of human reasoning is "Then people will use this teaching to go out and live in sin because there are no consequences." * Those, who by human reasoning ,think that the doctrine of Eternal Security will cause people to willfully sin, fail to realize that it is the teaching that a person can lose their salvation does exactly what they are afraid of.

* Those who teach that a saved person can lose their salvation also teach that you can be saved again.

* The problem with that is that the Bible explicitly teaches in Hebrews chapter 6 that it is impossible to be saved again.

* I have seen this is many churches, and no doubt so have you. People come to the alter and profess salvation, backslide then come forward and claim to get saved all over again. But the Bible teaches that this is not possible.

Hebrews 6:4–6 (KJV 1900)

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

* The writer of Hebrews goes on to say after that you refuse salvation in the sacrifice of Jesus, that there remained no more sacrifice for sin.

* Well a person might say:

1) What about those who are Christians and continually live an immoral lifestyle?

2) What about those who are Christians but later reject the faith and deny Christ?

* The problem with these two objections to the doctrine of the Eternal Security of the believer is the phrase “who are Christians.” The Bible declares that a true Christian will not live a continually immoral lifestyle (1 John 3:6).

1 John 3:5–10 (KJV 1900)

5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

* The Bible also declares that anyone who departs the faith is demonstrating that he never truly was a Christian (1 John 2:19).

1 John 2:19 (KJV 1900)

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out,

that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

* Therefore, neither objection is valid. Christians do not continually live immoral lifestyles, nor do they reject the faith and deny Christ.

* Such actions are proof that they were never redeemed.

* Besides all the things that I have already mentioned, there are several other reasons that a saved person cannot lose their salvation:

I. The callings and gifts of God are with our repentance.

Romans 11:29 (KJV 1900)

29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Numbers 23:18–19 (KJV 1900)

19 God is not a man, that he should lie;

Neither the son of man, that he should repent:

Hath he said, and shall he not do it?

Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

1 Samuel 15:29 (KJV 1900)

29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Titus 1:1–3 (KJV 1900)

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

2. A Christian is a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17).

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

* This verse speaks of a person becoming an entirely new creature as a result of being “in Christ.” For a Christian to lose salvation, the new creation would have to be canceled and reversed.

* A Christian is redeemed. (1 Peter 1:18-19).

1 Peter 1:18–19 (KJV 1900)

* The word “redeemed” refers to a purchase being made, a price being paid. For a Christian to lose salvation, God Himself would have to revoke His purchase that He paid for with the precious blood of Christ.

* A Christian is justified. (Romans 5:1).

Romans 5:1 (KJV 1900)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

* To “justify” means to “declare righteous.” All those who receive Jesus as Savior are “declared righteous” by God.

* For a Christian to lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and “un-declare” what He had previously declared.

* A Christian is promised eternal life.

John 3:14–18 (KJV 1900)

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:

but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

* Eternal life is a promise of eternity (forever) in heaven with God. God promises, “Believe and you will have eternal life.”

* For a Christian to lose salvation, eternal life would have to be taken away. If a Christian is promised to live forever, how then can God break this promise by taking away eternal life?

* A Christian is guaranteed glorification. (Romans 8:30).

Romans 8:30–39 (KJV 1900)

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

* As we learned in Romans 5:1, justification is declared at the moment of faith. According to Romans 8:30, glorification is guaranteed for all those whom God justifies.

* Glorification refers to a Christian receiving a perfect resurrection body in heaven. If a Christian can lose salvation, then Romans 8:30 is in error, because God could not guarantee glorification for all those whom He predestines, calls, and justifies.

Conclusion:

* Salvation cannot be reversed.

* A Christian cannot be un-newly created.

* Redemption cannot be undone.

* Eternal life cannot be lost and still be considered eternal.

* If a Christian can lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and change His mind—two things that Scripture tells us God never does.

From MacArthur's Commentary:

logosres:ephmntc;ref=Bible.Eph6.17;off=-23;ctx=~The_Helmet_of_Salvation$0AAnd_take_the_hel

From J. Vermon McGee's commentary:

logosres:ttb47-eph;ref=Bible.Eph6.18;off=4205;ctx=s_of_the_evil_one.$0A$E2$80$9C~And_take_the_helmet_

From the The Eternal Security of the Believer by H.A. Ironside:

logosres:etrnlsecur;ref=Page.p_2

From notes on Eternal Security:

logos4:Notes;title=Notes_on_Eternal_Security

Question: "Can a Christian lose salvation?" Answer: Before this question is answered, the term “Christian” must be defined. A “Christian” is not a person who has said a prayer, or walked down an aisle, or been raised in a Christian family. While each of these things can be a part of the Christian experience, they are not what “makes” a Christian. A Christian is a person who has, by faith, received and fully trusted in Jesus Christ as the only Savior (John 3:16; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9). Can a Christian lose salvation? Perhaps the best way to answer this crucially important question is to examine what the Bible says occurs at salvation, and to study what losing salvation would therefore entail. Here are a few examples: A Christian is a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This verse speaks of a person becoming an entirely new creature as a result of being “in Christ.” For a Christian to lose salvation, the new creation would have to be canceled and reversed. A Christian is redeemed. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). The word “redeemed” refers to a purchase being made, a price being paid. For a Christian to lose salvation, God Himself would have to revoke His purchase that He paid for with the precious blood of Christ. A Christian is justified. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). To “justify” means to “declare righteous.” All those who receive Jesus as Savior are “declared righteous” by God. For a Christian to lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and “un-declare” what He had previously declared. A Christian is promised eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Eternal life is a promise of eternity (forever) in heaven with God. God promises, “Believe and you will have eternal life.” For a Christian to lose salvation, eternal life would have to be taken away. If a Christian is promised to live forever, how then can God break this promise by taking away eternal life? A Christian is guaranteed glorification. “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Romans 8:30). As we learned in Romans 5:1, justification is declared at the moment of faith. According to Romans 8:30, glorification is guaranteed for all those whom God justifies. Glorification refers to a Christian receiving a perfect resurrection body in heaven. If a Christian can lose salvation, then Romans 8:30 is in error, because God could not guarantee glorification for all those whom He predestines, calls, and justifies. Many more illustrations of what occurs at salvation could be shared. Even these few make it abundantly clear that a Christian cannot lose salvation. Most, if not all, of what the Bible says happens to us when we receive Jesus Christ as Savior would be invalidated if salvation could be lost. Salvation cannot be reversed. A Christian cannot be un-newly created. Redemption cannot be undone. Eternal life cannot be lost and still be considered eternal. If a Christian can lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and change His mind—two things that Scripture tells us God never does. The most frequent objections to the belief that a Christian cannot lose salvation are 1) What about those who are Christians and continually live an immoral lifestyle? 2) What about those who are Christians but later reject the faith and deny Christ? The problem with these two objections is the phrase “who are Christians.” The Bible declares that a true Christian will not live a continually immoral lifestyle (1 John 3:6). The Bible declares that anyone who departs the faith is demonstrating that he never truly was a Christian (1 John 2:19). Therefore, neither objection is valid. Christians do not continually live immoral lifestyles, nor do they reject the faith and deny Christ. Such actions are proof that they were never redeemed. No, a Christian cannot lose salvation. Nothing can separate a Christian from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). Nothing can remove a Christian from God’s hand (John 10:28-29). God is both willing and able to guarantee and maintain the salvation He has given us. Jude 24-25, “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Recommended Resources: Eternal Security by Charles Stanley and Logos Bible Software.

While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-lose-salvation.html#ixzz2uIvq8RGw

Usefull comments and quotes:

* The image that Jesus paints in John chapter 10 about salvation, is an image of great security.

* The teaching that I am goin g to deal with this morning is refered to by several different phrases- "Eternal Security," "The Prestverace of the Saints," "The security of the believer," "Once Saved, Allways Saved...

* Those who refuse to accept this Bible doctrine have problems with what God says in His word because of human reasoning. They reason, if you can't loose your salvation, then what happens when a person backslides?

* Their next bit of human reasoning is "Then people will use this teaching to go out and live in sin because there are no consequenses." Those, who by human reasoning ,think that the doctrine of Eternal Security will cause people to willfully sin, fail to realize that it is the teaching that a person can lose their salvation does exactly what they are afraid of. Those who teach that a saved person can loose their salvation also teach that you can be saved again. The problem with that is that the Bible explicitly teaches in Hebrews chpater 6 that it is ipossible to be saved again. I have seen this is many churches, and no doubt so have you. People come to the alter and profess salvation, backslide then come forward and claim to get saved all over again. But the Bible teaches that this is not possible.

Hebrews 6:4–6 (KJV 1900)

* There remaineth no more sacrifice for sin.

* The Bible says that salvation is a gift of God.

John 4:10 (KJV 1900)

10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Romans 5:15–18 (KJV 1900)

15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Romans 6:23 (KJV 1900)

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV 1900)

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The callings and gifts of God are with our repentance.

Romans 11:29 (KJV 1900)

29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Numbers 23:18–19 (KJV 1900)

19 God is not a man, that he should lie;

Neither the son of man, that he should repent:

Hath he said, and shall he not do it?

Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

1 Samuel 15:29 (KJV 1900)

29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Titus 1:1–3 (KJV 1900)

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

* The Bible teaches that God, before the world was even made, had predestined, or predetermined that every person that obeys the Gospel would be glorified.

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 (KJV 1900)

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28–39 (KJV 1900)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

* The Bible also says the God will conform every true believer into the image of Christ- guaranteed!

Romans 8:29 (KJV 1900)

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Philippians 1:5–6 (KJV 1900)

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

2 Peter 1:10–11 (KJV 1900)

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

* Jude taught that God is able to keep very believer from falling and will present all of us faultless before the presence of God!

John 6:36–40 (KJV 1900)

* Jesus taught that He would not cast a single backslider out those who have come to him for salvation:

36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

*Jesus said the he would not lose a single person who comes to him for salvation, so how can you possible reason that anybody can lose their salvation without going against the Word of God?

39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:47–51 (KJV 1900)

47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Jude 24–25 (KJV 1900)

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 Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

* The apostle Paul also believed and taught that God would keep him saved until the end.

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV 1900)

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

* Paul taught that our salvation is an inheritance:

Ephesians 1:11–14 (KJV 1900)

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

* Let's examine our inheritance:

1 Peter 1:3–5 (KJV 1900)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

* Peter later echoed the truth that our salvation is incorruptible in I Peter 1:23

1 Peter 1:23 (KJV 1900)

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

* Another problem we would have this morning if we were to teach that you could lose your salvation is the fact that we have been placed "in christ." God can not place a person "In Christ" and then take him out again!

* Assurance is another problem: Your mind can not be protected with the helet of salvation if you have no assurance that you have been saved, and will remain saved. God wants you to be free of worry about your salvation, and be totally confident saved and kept by the power of God.

1 John 5:10–13 (KJV 1900)

10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Hebrews 6:10–20 (KJV 1900)

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

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