Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Security of the Believer

November 28, 2004

THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER BASED ON

THE WORK OF THE SON

Conclusion

In our last pen pulpit we looked at Part One of the Security of the Believer based upon the work of the Son of God. In this pen pulpit we will conclude this aspect of the believers’ eternal security. We saw that our security is based upon the Death of Christ, the Resurrection of Christ and the Prayer of Christ in John17. Now we learn that -

Security is Based Upon the Present Intercession of Jesus Christ

The intercessory prayer of Jesus Christ, recorded in John 17, was an historical event that occurred at a point in time. That prayer alone is sufficient to secure the believer throughout all eternity. However, there is a present ministry of intercession being perpetuated by Christ on behalf of His own. The following passages indicate the nature of His intercessory work:

Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24. Note the need for Christ’s work of advocacy - Revelation 12:9; Job 2:1; Luke 22:31.

In I John 2:1, 2 His work of advocacy goes into operation when the believer sins – not when he confesses his sin.

Security is Based Upon the Shepherd Work of Jesus Christ

It is the work and responsibility of the shepherd to keep the sheep secure. Sheep are secure – not because of their ability to help themselves, for sheep are the most helpless of all animals. They are secure because they have an efficient shepherd. Believers are secure, not because of personal ability, but because we have an all-efficient Shepherd. Jesus Christ is referred to as “shepherd” in three primary references in the New Testament:

1. The Good Shepherd (John 10:10) – Emphases is upon His care and concern for His sheep.

2. The Chief Shepherd (I Peter 5:4) - Emphasis is upon His supreme

rule and authority over His under-shepherds.

3. The Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) – Emphasis is upon the superior uniqueness of the Shepherd above all other kinds of shepherds.

Security Based Upon the Promise of Jesus Christ

The promise of Jesus Christ can never be abrogated. It stands eternally secure. His promise is unconditional in that no believer will ever be plucked from His grasp.

John 10:27-30 – In this passage the believer is in the hand of the Son and in the hand of the Father. Double security! Note also that the life promised is “Eternal Life”. There are two kinds of life: (1) created life, (2) uncreated life which is the life of God. The believer has uncreated life imparted to him. This is the very life of God! Believers are secure because of:

1. The Position we have – in the hand of the Son and in the hand of the Father!

2. The kind of life we have – Eternal life!

Beloved the believer is secure indeed. Don’t let the devil try to dissuade you into believing that somewhere along the line you will lose out and miss heaven. In our final study on the Security of the Believer, based upon the work of the trinity, we will examine the work of the Holy Spirit. Until then, God bless!

Let me encourage you to examine the Scripture references carefully in these pen pulpits and try to relate them to the point being made. This is how you get the most out of them for your life.