We began with a brief look at some passages which make evident that every true believer is strong, steadfast and secure in Christ – like a tree planted by streams of water.
This condition is one of total safety, and it is completely made possible by the work of God.
Like a newborn baby who comes to live in this world – without power or decision – we have been “born from above” by the will of God (John 1:13; 3:3-5).
The infant cannot form himself in the womb. Neither can he nurse himself to maturity, clean himself, clothe himself, or do anything else by his own ability. The infant is entirely dependent on an external power.
Likewise, we were created by God (born again), and we are spiritually renewed by him daily (See 2 Cor. 4:16).
In no sense whatsoever have we created ourselves, caused ourselves to be created, or kept ourselves in a spiritually living state. It is all of God!
Let’s examine some additional passages today which demonstrate why this is the case. It is good to know that our place in God’s family is secure, but we should also understand the Biblical reasons for this “living hope”.
Assurances from Peter
Consider these assuring words of the apostle Peter:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 Peter 1:3-5, NIV
This passage plainly affirms that “he has given us new birth”, and our inheritance is “kept in heaven” for us.
The phrase “has begotten” (Greek: anagennesas), literally means, “to give new life”. If you have been saved by grace through faith, you have received that new life by being born again! You are a new creation in Christ because of the faith God created in your heart.
As Peter states later in the chapter,
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.“
1 Peter 1:23, BSB
“Imperishable” is a strong word, indicating the absolute eternality of the seed’s effect on the recipient of that seed.
The words, “living” and “enduring”, communicate the lasting effect on the one having been born again by faith in that word.
Just like physical birth, spiritual rebirth occurs only once. It is a permanent change which cannot occur a second time.
Again, we must stress that no one is born again only to be “unborn” later because of some sin. Then, supposedly, born again again after having repented of said sin.
This idea of salvation is like a game of musical chairs. You never know if you will die at just the right time to still be saved!
This kind of salvation cannot be considered a living hope at all. It is a dying hope (or a sickly hope, at best).
We are not responsible for keeping our own inheritance in tact. If this were the case, there would certainly be reason to fear because we all know how easy it is to mess things up!
Thank God that he is able to “keep” what we have committed to him, regardless of our sins and failures (2 Tim 1:12).
Peter assures every believer that our eternal inheritance icannot be destroyed, defiled, diminished or displaced.
Our heavenly inheritance is the most guarded and impregnable thing in all the universe because God himself hides it. Thus, Colossians 3:3 says, “your life is hidden by God in Christ”.
Notice the fourfold description Peter gives us:
1. Your inheritance is “incorruptible” – not subject to decay or depreciation. It is always as perfect as the day you received it. It cannot be ruined.
2. Your inheritance is “undefiled” – not subject to imperfection and impurity.
(Your body can be defiled. You can commit fornication, and adultery. You can drink, smoke, or drug yourself to death. You can eat junk food and refuse to exercise. There are many many ways that your body may be defiled but your soul’s inheritance can never be defiled.)
3. Your inheritance “does not fade”. In other words, it is not subject to change. It can never become outdated or obsolete. It will never be useless or lose its value.
4. Your inheritance is “reserved in heaven”. That is the best place for it to be! If it were on earth, which is a very vulnerable place, we should be worried. After all, we lives on Satan’s stomping grounds (1 Peter 5:8).
Thankfully, our eternal life is kept in the presence of God, where he can “shield” it from the devil until Christ’s return.
After reading this fourfold description, does it sound to you that our salvation is something so fleeting and delicate that it could be lost?
It is a permanent possession because the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – not the believer – reserves it, preserves it, and maintains it in unchangeable condition. No strings, conditions, disclaimers, or caveats!
Assurances from Paul
As we read Paul’s encouraging words to the Roman believers, let us make some important observations.
This is one of the most powerful passages affirming our eternal security in Christ:
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? “
Romans 8:32-35, NIV
Paul reminds us that God sent his own Son for us. Therefore, he will follow through with his plan to bless us in “all things”. Of course, these “things” are related to our eternal salvation in Christ!
Paul encourages us, in this chapter, that no one can condemn or bring a charge against God’s chosen people (See also verse 1).
We all fall short in various ways and at various points in their lives, but Jesus Christ is our intercessor at the right hand of God and he is more than capable of pleading our case before the Father (See also Heb. 7:25).
In spite of what anyone may say, nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ! Several potential difficult circumstances and obstacles that Christians may face are mentioned in this passage:
1. Tribulation – Difficult trials that cause great stress and weakness on our part.
2. Distress – Anguish because of life challenges, such as pandemics, disasters, financial issues, marriage problems, or other serious issues.
3. Persecution – Being pursued and attacked because of our faith.
4. Famine – To be destitute or suffering from hunger or lack of resources.
5. Nakedness – To be without sufficient clothing.
6. Peril – Great danger to life, or risk to wellbeing.
7. Sword – Lack of peace due to physical violence.
Is the fact that you are suffering or struggling in some aspect of life an evidence that God has ceased loving you? No!
Are your problems any proof that you are no longer safe and secure in Christ? No!
Paul goes even further by demonstrating five situations that are not able to separate believers from God’s love:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“
Romans 8:38, 39, NIV
1. Life and death.
Both this physical universe and the unseen realm contain nothing which may separate us from the love of Christ. We are still safe whether we are alive or dead.
2. Angels and demons.
None of the mighty, fallen spiritual beings in Lucifer’s army, nor the unclean spirits he has sent into this world, are able to separate us from the love of Christ.
3. Things present, things to come.
Nothing in the here and now, including our own weaknesses, shortcomings, iniquities, transgressions, and carnality – are able to separate us from God’s love.
Furthermore, none of these things can separate us from God’s love in the future. Every sin we have committed, or ever will commit, was cancelled at the cross!
4. Height or depth.
Any extreme degree of space – whether you are in a submarine at the bottom of the ocean, or at a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet – cannot separate you from God’s love.
5. Paul adds an all-encompassing clause: “..nor anything else in all creation”. This anticipates any objection that anyone could ever think of.
Attempting to explain away this powerful promise, some have said, “Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ, but I can separate myself from his love”.
But this begs the question, “Were you created?” If so, then you are part of “creation”! Therefore, you are also unable to separate yourself from his love. He promised that he will never drive you away (John 6:37).
Conclusion
The words of Peter, Paul, and Jesus confirm the unending nature of the life we have been given. He holds us firmly in this safe condition with two hands. His own hand, along with the Father’s “greater” hand, comprises a closed fist of two hands from which it is impossible to escape (John 10:28, 29).
I played with June bugs when I was little. If I held my hand open at any point, the bug could fall out or fly away, but if I held the bug secure with two hands together, that would be impossible.
In the same way, we are always safe and secure in Jesus. No matter what we have done, we can have comfort that God will never abandon us to our own devices. Let us praise and thank him for this!
– Michael A. Hildreth