Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Security of the Believer

December 5, 2004

THE SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER BASED ON

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We come now to the final study of the security of the believer based upon the work of the Trinity. We’ve examined the work of the Father, the work of the Son and now in conclusion, the work of the Holy Spirit.

There is a four-fold work of the Holy Spirit which assures the believer of security. This four-fold work occurs simultaneous with salvation. A careful study of these doctrines is essential to understanding the full import of their meaning.

I. Security Based Upon the Regeneration by the Spirit

John 3:5,6;Titus 3:5

Regeneration is the act of God by which He imparts eternal life to an individual. Regeneration is the instantaneous change from a state of spiritual death to a state of spiritual life. This work is accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit using the Word of God to effect that change. See John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5.

Other terms used to express regeneration are as follows:

The new birth (John 1:3; James 1:18) Spiritual Resurrection (Romans 6:13; Eph 2:5) New Creation (Ephesians 2:10; 4:24; II Corinthians 5:17).

II. Security Based Upon the Baptism Of the Holy Spirit

I Corinthians 12:13 – The Holy Spirit places the believer into one organic union, the Body of Christ. This makes the believer a member in particular. The baptizing work of the Holy Spirit secures a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus never loses a member of His Body. We are permanently united to Him. The Spirit’s baptism is that work by which He gives the believer his position in Christ. The baptism with the Spirit is never to be confused with the filling with the Spirit.

III. Security Based Upon the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

John 14:16,17

The indwelling of the Spirit occurs when the individual places saving faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit takes up His residence within the believer. This indwelling is permanent. It is from this position that the Spirit affects all of His ministries in and through the believer.

IV. Security Based Upon the Sealing With the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:13,14; 4:30; Jeremiah 32:9-12; I Corinthians 6:19.20, compare with Romans 8:9.

A seal indicates possession and security. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, as the seal of God, guarantees the security of his salvation. We are signed, sealed and guaranteed to be delivered!

Kenneth Hendren writes, “Security is our nearness to God, not our distance from danger.”

I would like to close out our series with this appropriate poem:

More secure is no one ever than the loved ones of the Savior -

Not yon star on high abiding, nor the bird in home-nest hiding.

God his own doth tend and nourish, in His holy courts they flourish.

Like a father kind He spares them, in His loving arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death can ever, from the Lord His children sever.

For His love and deep compassion, comforts them in tribulation.

Little flock, to joy then yield thee! Jacob’s God will ever shield thee.

Rest secure in this defender – At His will all foes surrender.

What He takes or what He gives us, shows the Father’s love so precious.

We may trust His purpose wholly, ‘tis His children’s welfare solely.

God bless you in Jesus name,