Positive Bible Teaching that a Saved Person Cannot be Lost

Now let us turn to some of the many passages wherein the Bible very clearly teaches the eternal security and safety of the man who has trusted in Christ.

Everlasting Life

More than forty times the terms or some form of the terms "eternal life" and "everlasting life" are used in the Bible.

God promises everlasting life to the believer - John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.

John 6:47 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John 5:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Take God's Word for it and be happy. If you have trusted in Christ, you now have everlasting life, life that will alst forever; and you will not lose it!

Suppose that ten years after I believed in Jesus and got everlasting life, I sinned and lost it. That would not be everlasting life because it only lasted ten years. God has guaranteed everlasting life to the one who trusts Christ. Notice that in each case the word "believeth" is used in the present tense, but the everlasting life runs on into eternity. Look not at your own unworthiness, but look to the eternal promises of God that when you believed in Christ you got everlasting life. 

John 6:37 - All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 

—abridged from Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? by John R. Rice. To read the full article, order the pamphlet here.

Can a Saved Person Be Lost? Falling From Grace

Galatians 5:4

"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."

The Scripture does say in Galatians 5:4, "Ye are fallen from grace" but read the whole verse and see that this refers to one who would be justified by the law. One who is counting on his own righteousness to save him.

Grace is a higher plan than the law, and these Galatians had begun to teach salvation by circumcision and the Law of Moses instead of staying with God's high Gospel of mercy which teaches that people are saved by faith. It has no reference to a saved person's becoming lost.

—abridged from Can a Saved Person Ever Be Lost? by John R. Rice. To read the full article, order the pamphlet here.

Understanding Faith in God

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.—Hebrews 11:6

Very few things are said to be impossible in the Bible. When we find that word in Scripture, it is usually in the context that nothing is impossible with God. Yet the Bible tells us that we cannot please God without faith. The three levels—or aspects—of faith we need to have are these:

Believe God Is

Believing God is goes beyond a mental awareness that He is real. This level of faith requires that we understand that He wants to be an effective presence in our lives. Living with that awareness drives us to turn to Him when in trouble. 

Believe God Can

Beyond believing that God is real, we should learn to have faith in His ability to handle our problems. The reason the father of the demon-possessed boy doubted God's ability to heal was that the disciples were powerless; but when he questioned Jesus; power, the answer was a challenge to his own faith. Obtaining the answer did not take complete and total faith—just enough to request, "Help thou mine unbelief."

Believe God Will

The mature faith not only believes in God's ability but also in His promises. Paul was confident that what he had been told would come to pass. After you have seen God work time and time again, you will begin to develop a settled confidence that He will answer your prayers. Those answers will not always be on your timetable or exactly what you were expecting. Faith believes that God will do what is best, not necessarily what you think is best.
—taken from A Vision of God by Robert Byers. To read this book in its entirety, please purchase your copy here.

Understanding the Greatness of God

God is even greater than we can imagine. Moses saw as much of God's working as anyone, yet he said in his prayer that he had only seen the beginning of God's greatness. This is an amazing statement when you consider all that Moses had seen.

God's Power

Moses saw the burning bush, his rod turn into a snake, his hand infected and healed of leprosy. He saw the plagues, the Red Sea parted so an entire nation could walk on dry ground and another nation drowned. Yet these are just a fraction of God's power. 

God's Glory

Moses asked God to show him His glory, but God would only allow him to see His back because he couldn't survive after seeing Him. Yet that limited exposure made Moses' face shine so brightly he had to wear a veil. 

God's Provision

Moses saw manna fall consistently for forty years. He saw water flow from a rock  and quail blow into camp when the people were tired of manna. He saw bitter water made drinkable and again, this is only a fraction of God's ability to provide.

God's Mercy and Forgiveness

God repeatedly threatened to destroy the children of Israel for their constant complaining and turning away from Him. Time and again, Moses would intercede on their behalf, and God would forgive. There was no limit to His forgiveness.

Conclusion

When we begin to understand how great God really is, we have a firmer basis for our faith. We can always rely on His power to meet our needs and at the same time, we can rely on His great mercy and love, knowing that He will do only what is best for us.

—taken from A Vision of God by Robert Byers. To read this book in its entirety, please purchase your copy here.

What is Faith?

Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus. A dim-sighted eye is still an eye; a weeping eye is still an eye.

Faith is the hand with which we lay hold of Jesus. A trembling hand is still a hand. And he is a believer whose heart within him trembles when he touches the hem of the Saviour's garment, that he may be healed.

Faith is the tongue by which we taste how good the Lord is. A feverish tongue is, nevertheless, a tongue, and, even then, we may believe when we are without the smallest portion of comfort; for our faith is founded, not upon feeling, but upon the promises of God.

Faith is the foot by which we go to Jesus. A lame foot is still a foot. He who comes slowly, nevertheless, comes.—George Mueller

Just How Important is Faith?

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."—Romans 5:1

1. We are saved by faith. (Eph. 2:8,9; Gal. 3:26; Acts 16:30,31)

2. We are justified by faith. (Rom. 3:26-28; 5:1; Gal. 2:16)

3. We are accounted righteous by faith. (Rom. 4:2-8)

4. We are sanctified by faith. (Acts 15:9; 26:18)

5. We live the Christian life by faith. (Rom. 1:17; II Cor. 5:7; Gal. 2:20)

6. We are overcomers by faith. (I John 5:2-4)

7. We are heirs by faith. (Rom. 4:13-16)

There's More

We can only see a little of the ocean,

Just a few miles distant from the rocky shore;

But out there, far beyond our eye's horizon, 

There's more—immeasurably more.

We can only see a little of God's loving,

A few rich treasures from His mighty store;

But out there, far beyond our eye's horizon,

There's more—immeasurably more.

Are You Willing to do What's Right? #Questionable Things

We often receive letters from honest, sincere Christians wanting to know if a certain thing is right or wrong. Sometimes, there is no verse in the Bible that gives a clear answer to these questions, but we must remember two things regarding the Bible.

1. The Bible was written for all people of all ages. Therefore, everything could not be spelled out in detail. For instance, if there was a verse in the Bible that states, "Thou shalt not smoke Camel (cigarettes)," those old rabbis would have had a difficult time interpreting the passage.

2. The Bible is a condensed Book. John 21:25 states "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." So, had everything Jesus did been written in books, no one would ever find time to read them all.

The Bible is not a revelation of what God knows, but a revelation of what God wants men to know. Since the Bible does not give detailed answers to every question the believer will ever face, then what does he do regarding things not spelled out in the Scriptures?  While the Bible does not give all the specific details regarding what a Christian should and should not do, it does give guidelines by which every honest Christian can make the right decision regarding questionable things. In this series, we will share eleven guidelines that will help the believer in deciding whether a thing is right or wrong.

We are the servants and God is the Master. It's not the servant's duty to guess what the Master wants; it's only his duty to obey once the Master makes His will clear. When the believer doesn't know whether a certain matter is right or wrong, he should decide firmly and clearly that he will do God's will even if it goes against his wishes.

We must have the attitude, Lord, I don't know whether this is right or wrong; but if You will let me know for sure, I will do right regardless of what others say or what my preferences are.

The person who wants God's very best for his life and will do what is right can know God's will regarding questionable things. If you're not willing to do the right thing once you know it, then the rest of the guidelines to follow will be useless.

The Believer's Actions During Trials

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."—James 1:19

During trials, the believer is given three admonitions. These admonitions are good for all Christians at all times, whether or not in the midst of trials. However, they are especially given for those enduring trials.

1. Be Swift to Hear.

The first thing we need to hear is the Word of God. There is nothing more important for anyone—especially people in trials—than the blessed, unchanging Word of God.

Next, we need be swift to hear the counsel of other good Christians. Sometimes, in the midst of trials, our minds get foggy; and if we're not careful, Satan will confuse us. Sometimes we need counsel from other Christians.

2. Be Slow to Speak.

In the midst of trials, especially if they're what we consider serious trials, we may find ourselves wanting to pour out all our thoughts and feelings. Thus we must restrain this inclination. No one ever learns anything while talking.

Another reason to be slow to speak during trials is that sometimes we may be in so much pain we might say things we shouldn't say.

3. Be Slow to Wrath.

The order in Ephesians 4:31-32 is: 

Bitterness

Wrath

Anger

Clamor

Evil Speaking

Malice

Anger is like throwing gasoline on the fire. That's when wrath bursts into flames. Following anger comes clamor. That's an outburst- hollering and screaming. That is followed by evil speaking, which is followed by malice. Evil speaking means saying things that are designed to hurt people. Finally, malice is the desire to hurt someone physically. So you see what wrath, if not dealt with, can lead to.

We must guard against wrath when we're undergoing trials or suffering!

—taken from 'Responding Properly to Trials' by Dr. Curtis Hutson.

Why Does God Have the Right to Expect Obedience?

Why does He have that right?

Because He is God. 

Now the Lord who created the universe, the God who sits on the throne of the universe, the God who has "all power...in heaven and in earth," if that God is who we believe He is, if He is who the Bible teaches He is, the very fact that He is God means that He has the right to command and expect implicit, unquestioned obedience on the part of His subjects.

Who am I to presume to know better than God what is best for me? Who am I to question the wisdom and judgment of God? 

If God commands, He is right. If God gives the orders, He cannot make a mistake.

Because He Has Redeemed Us.

He has redeemed us and saved us by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. God tells us, "Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:19,20).

When I look at Calvary and hear that cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" I remember that I am not my own. It is the price of my redemption, and I feel like falling down at the feet of Jesus, taking those nail-pierced feet into my arms and saying, "Lord, I ask no greater privilege than to go with You anywhere and to do anything You say!"

To Walk in His Will is Best

As I stood in the morn at the foot of the hill, 

With my spirit forlorn, unresigned to His will–

"Oh, dear Lord," I did cry, "I'm so weary today,

And the hill is so high—is there no other way?"

Then my Shepherd replied, "Though the pathway be steep, 

I'll be close by your side, and your feet I will keep.

I'll be holding your hand, and your strength I'll supply.

Till at even you stand on the hilltop so high."

So together we went, with His hand upon mine,

And I found sweet content in His presence divine.

Then my pathway seemed bright as we traveled along,

For my spirit grew light, and my heart filled with song.

At the close of the day on the summit I stood, 

Looking down at the way where my Sheperd so good

Had been leading me on; and it seemed not so steep

As it had at the dawn, nor the valley so deep;

For He leveled the road, step by step, as He led; 

And where dangers abode, He was always ahead.

So I learned on the hill, as I stood at the crest,

That to walk in His will is the way that is best.

—unknown

How to Make Your New Year Worthy and Worthwhile

1. A worthy New Year's resolution: "As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh. 24:15).
2. A worthwhile new opportunity: "Ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Joshua 3:4)
3. A worthwhile compass in a changing world: "Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end" (Psalm 102:27)
4. A worthy prospect for the new year: "My presence shall go with thee" (Exod. 33:14).

Thoughts on Cancer

Dr. Curtis Hutson, our second President and Editor, was diagnosed with cancer in 1992. During his 3 year battle, he continued to preached across the nation winning countless souls to Christ. He penned these words that have encouraged so many through the years. We would like you to share this post to help those that are battling cancer.

• Cancer can hurt you, but it cannot harm you.
• Cancer can shorten your earthly life, but it cannot affect your eternal life.
• Cancer can steal your days, but it cannot steal your dreams.
• Cancer can cause you to be immobile, but it cannot keep you from being immovable.
• Cancer may make you weak, but it cannot take away the joy of the Lord which is our strength.
• Cancer can incapacitate you, but it cannot captivate you.
• Cancer may bring pain, but it cannot keep you from praising the Lord and rejoicing in His name.
• Cancer may make you look bad on the outside, but it cannot change the inside where you have everlasting life and the very presence of God Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit.
• Cancer may take your physical life, but it cannot destroy the everlasting life which is given to you the moment you trust Christ as Saviour. As a matter of fact, it can't even diminish it. It is just as real in your weakest moment as it was the day you trusted Him as Saviour.
• Cancer may put you in the grave, but it cannot keep you there. There shall be a resurrection.
• Cancer may destroy the physical tabernacle in which you live, but it cannot touch the heavenly mansion that is being prepared for you.
• Cancer may cause a temporary separation from your family and friends, but it cannot stop the blessed reunion that is going to take place someday when all of God's children are called on to Heaven either by way of death or the rapture.
• Cancer may weaken your body to the place where you cannot even say to your dearest friends, "I love you" but it cannot keep you from loving.
• Cancer, at times, may cause you to want to give up; but it cannot keep you from going up. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
• Cancer may follow you to the graveyard, but it cannot follow you beyond.
• Cancer may rob you of strength, but it cannot rob you of your Saviour.
• Cancer may make you weep for the night, but it cannot take away the joy that is coming in the morning.
• Cancer may temporarily separate you from friends, but it cannot separate you from the love of God.
• Cancer may confuse your mind and understanding, but it cannot confuse or change your standing with the great Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ which has been settled by a simple act of faith in Him.
• Cancer may stop your labors, but it cannot undo your works.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth...that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
—Rev. 14:13

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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."—Romans 8:38,39

Quotable Quotes

- The man who thinks he can know the Word of God by mere intellectual study is greatly deceived, because spiritual truth must be spiritually discerned.—Samuel Chadwick

- When you have found a promise which meets your need, do not ask God to keep His promise as though He were unwilling to do so and needed to be pressed and importuned. Present it humbly in the name of the Lord Jesus!—F.B. Meyer

- None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.—Charles Spurgeon

- At the Last Great Day, there will be a big shake-up and a big shake-down. Princes who rode on horses and servants who walked will change places. True greatness in the sight of God will change our little picture of who's who.—Vance Havner

- Any nation which for an extended period puts pleasure before liberty is likely to lose the liberty it misused.—A.W. Tozer

Where is That Country We Used to Know?

In the America of yesterday -
- you paid your debts as quickly as possible
- you disciplined your children - but disciplined yourself first
- you spent less than you earned and demanded your government maintain the same standard
- you went to church and your children to Sunday school - and no court would have dared to interpose any law into your private religion
- you would have been horrified at (and quick to change) men in high places who made "deals"
- you expected to prosper only by doing a better and better job
- you not only obeyed the law, but took active part in government to see the laws were just
- you "walked softly but carried a big stick"
And that was the character which brought this great country victory in its wars in your lifetime, built it back from a shattering depression, and fed and saved the civilized world.
Are there enough of those righteous standards left to do it again?
—Carl Mundt, former Congressman and Senator from South Dakota