Eternal Security - John 10:28
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. .” John 10:28
Chalk one up, I suppose, for the eternal security crowd, to which I belong.
What does “eternal security” mean? It means, conveyed in a few ways:
- One who is and can expect to remain as such despite themselves.
- We cannot merit nor contribute to an effort which requires payment infinitely beyond our means. Someone else has to pay the bill in full, and thus get all the credit.
- A gift is just that, something given. If retracted for any reason, it was no gift at all.
- Once in His hand, no one will snatch you out. Not even you. If you are in, then you are in for good.
- If salvation found can become salvation lost, then I’m dead again and again. Doom is certain for me. Maybe that is why the verse above gives me such hope.
Was a teacher once, had this one kid. Nice kid; his dad was a pastor, so he knew and understood scripture. One pillar in particular, salvation by grace alone through faith alone. So happened he was doing some stuff not quite in line with what God’s word would condone. We got into a discussion, about salvation, sin, disobedience and the like. Regarding salvation in particular, his statement, which I have not and will not forget:
“If you can have it and then lose it, I’m dead.”
The same went for me, and I knew it.
Hoping I’m good enough is not a particularly appealing outlook. I would much rather, and readily, accept a ride.
A “Free Ride” like in the old Edgar Winter song? Kind of.
Free to me perhaps, but someone else paid an infinite cost on my behalf.
Who knows, maybe realizing and appreciating that will prompt some thought. Might even result in a spirit of loyalty and obedience.
Kind of ironic. Let go of the “gotta be good” concept, and become better as a result.
