Pastor's Pen Pulpit Series: Secure in Christ

November 7, 2004

THE INDISPUTABLE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER

Part 1

The trinity is involved in every aspect of the believer's salvation. For example we see in Ephesians 1:3-14: (1) The Father planned the church vs. 3-6; (2) The Son purchased the church - v. 7ff, and (3) The Holy Spirit preserves the church - vs. 13,14. The trinity is also involved in the security of believers. In this brief series we will examine the work of the triune Godhead in providing the believers' security.

A. The Work of the Father

1. Security based upon the PLAN of the Father

Nowhere in Scripture is the plan of God for the believer more evident than in Romans 8:28-30. Lets review this passage briefly.

"and we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His PURPOSE. For those whom He FOREKNEW. He also

PREDESTINED to become CONFORMED to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He PREDESTINED, He also CALLED: and these whom He CALLED: He also JUSTIFIED: and these whom He JUSTIFIED. He also GLORIFIED.

So according to this magnificent passage we have been foreknown, predestined, called, justified and glorified. These are all in the past tense in the Greek which means in God's eyes everything has already been accomplished. So we are secure in the plan of God (see also II Timothy 1:9; John 6:39).

2. Security based upon the POWER of the Father

I Peter 1:5 says, "We are kept by the power of God.” Dr. Warren Wiersbe tells us "This means those who are constantly being guarded." We are not kept by our own power, but by the power of God. Our faith in Christ has so united us to Him that His power now guards us and guides us. We are not kept by our strength, but by His faithfulness. How long will He keep us? Until Jesus Christ returns and we share in the full revelation of His great salvation" (see also John 10:27-30).

3. Security Based upon the LOVE of the Father

Hebrews 12:5-11,1 Corinthians 11:32 - Preventative discipline is a very strong example of the security of the believer. God loves us so much that He disciplines us in order to prevent us from doing some stupid thing that would not edify us or being glory to Him. A prime example is Paul in II Corinthians 12:7.

Romans 8:35-39 -The emphasis is upon the fact that no created thing has the power to separate the believer from the love of God -- and since God Himself does not condemn us on the basis of the work of His Son, then the believer is indeed secure. Praise the Lord!

So then, the one who has trusted in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross is secure in the Fathers Plan, Power and Love, Let us rejoice in our so great salvation. In our next pen pulpit we will take a look at Security based upon the work of The Son. Until then. God bless!

In His matchless love,