Covenant Security
Note: To properly understand the position of the writer please read the author's message "To The Reader".
[6.1]
Grace Through Faith
A certain small agricultural town was born next to a large, privately owned ranch, in a remote desert location. With the obvious exception of this one wealthy rancher the people of the town struggled to make a go of their small, vegetable farms, barely eking out enough to provide a meager existence for their overworked families. Excessive rains, flash floods, drought, hail or untimely frost had taken an awesome toll on this small struggling community. The results of these natural calamities were all too frequently measured in lives and property lost.
[6.2]
During a season of especially long drought, most of the small farms were in serious danger of failure. Without water, disease would soon ravage them, crops would fail, animals and people too young or too old or just too weak would be lost to thirst and if it continued, the whole community could perish.
[6.3]
At this point, the one wealthy rancher called all the townspeople to a meeting. He told them of an old well that had been used many years ago, one that had never gone dry. This well was located on his property. He had thought to save it for a time when his other wells failed but they never had. He told them that it wasn’t fancy; it had no upper structure, pulley or bucket but all who were willing to draw their own water by hand using their own rope and bucket would find pure, refreshing water free for the taking.
[6.4]
Some didn't beleive he had such a well. Others feared that this man might be planning some mischief designed to get control of their small farms. Some, never hearing of this well, suspected that as soon as they were on his property, he would have them arrested for trespassing and so, these refused to go preferring to wait for rain. Others, doubting the rich man’s motives, refused to accept his gift for fear his plan was to somehow trap them into paying for this water at a future time and so declined his offer. Though the water in this well was given freely to all the people of the town, only a portion accepted and drew from the well. Those that did, prospered; those that didn’t were driven away by the drought and the subsequent poverty and sickness it brought.
[6.5]
The well water was a gift to all but this gift could only be applied if it were apprehended through the use of a bucket, rope and the faith necessary to lower the empty bucket, believing the water would be there to fill it. Once filled, the bucket had to be lifted to the surface, requiring effort on the part of the one seeking its contents. You see, the bucket and rope were lowered in faith and raised by work, lowering the bucket in faith but not raising it through work would have accomplished nothing. You see, without the work of the believer, the bucket could not have been lifted and its gift realized. So, like the well water, God’s free gift of grace is given to all. Faith and belief are like the bucket and rope; they must be extended from us. The works, i.e. the lowering and the lifting of the bucket are the outward manifestations of faith, faith’s testimony, the evidence that our faith is living and active.
[6.6]
Salvation has been made available to all men by God’s grace. It is His free, unmerited favor bestowed on all men because of His love and mercy. Where the word grace is used, the word salvation could be substituted. Just as hope is akin to faith, salvation is akin to grace.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
[6.7]
God’s gift of grace, having already been given to all men, cannot be earned through man’s efforts, i.e. works and He will not withdraw or withhold it from any man.
Romans 11:29
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Acts 10:34
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
[6.8]
This gift is available to all men equally and without prejudice. It is redeemable through the faith of all who believe in God’s only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, “by grace through faith” (John 3:16). Let’s say it to ourselves again and again. Through faith, through faith, through faith, we receive God’s free gift of grace through faith. It cannot be retrieved by any other means. Without this faith, it is impossible to please God or have the means to retrieve His freely given grace. It is the only instrument accepted for use to dip into God’s freely given waters of grace.
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
[6.9]
Thus, faith is the only acceptable instrument through which we can receive God’s grace. Even faith itself is available to all because it too comes as a gift of God, made available equally to all willing to receive it through the word of God.
Romans 10:17
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2 Timothy 3:15
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[6.10]
In order to gain faith, we must hear God’s word and study to show ourselves approved.
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
[6.11]
If we hear God’s word with our ears only, our faith has no substance and we are self-deceived. True faith is alive and responds to God’s word; it is acted upon.
1 Corinthians 2:5
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
James 1:22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[6.12]
The testimony of our faith and resulting belief is demonstrated by our obedience to His commandments and our works. Not works of the law or even works of the flesh but rather, works born of our faith, love and belief in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 John 2:3-4
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
[6.13]
Works are the fruit of faith and without this fruit, faith fails to exist and without faith, so goes our ability to reach the ever flowing grace of God.
James 2:14-26
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to
the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
[6.14]
Too many today are trying to draw from their grace account without a valid withdrawal slip of faith. The signature needed on the slip that validates it is the same thing that proves we have faith and the things that prove our faith are faith inspired works.
James 2:17, 18
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Matthew 25:31-40
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
[6.15]
Grace is there for all and all have access to it through true faith. Grace has been given to all but the faith needed to connect to it must be found. Some have found it and later abandoned their faith and with it, the only means they had of securing the privileges and promises contained in God’s grace.
Consider Demas (Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:10)
Alexander and Hymenaeus (1 Timothy 1:20, 2 Timothy 4:14)
Keep in mind (Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13)
Remember Saul (1 Samuel 28:3-19)
1 Corinthians 16:13
13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Matthew 10:22
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
[6.16]
In Summation
Grace, the free, unearned and unmerited gift of God and the salvation it brings, cannot be lost; it will remain as an open invitation for all men until God's Spirit is removed.
1 Peter 1:13
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
[6.17]
The only way to collect this gift, is through faith, i.e. our belief in Christ.
Romans 5:2
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
[6.18]
Grace is made available to all but to obtain it, we must have faith, it’s “grace through faith”. You cannot lose grace or the salvation it brings, it is always available but you can lose faith, your belief, your hope in God as did Saul, Demas and Alexander and it is impossible to lay hold of God’s free gift of grace without it. Our gift of grace waits for us to open but without faith, it will not be revealed and the salvation it brings will not be realized. It's like a gift sent in a locked box, faith is the only key that fits.
[6.19]
For By Grace Are Ye Saved
There can be no doubt that we are saved by grace and nothing else. God extended to a reprobate people an opportunity to receive His forgiveness and pardoned them through His unmerited favor. This pardon came in the form of an invitation to all.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[6.20]
Being no respecter of persons, God extended this invitation, i.e. grace to all men thus, all mankind have been made the beneficiaries of God’s grace.
Acts 10:34
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
[6.21]
This being so, we might well conclude at this point, that all mankind is saved, assuming that grace plus nothing is all that’s necessary for salvation. There is more, for “God so loved the world (all of it) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” So then, grace through faith, i.e. belief in Christ brings salvation. To believe in something we’ve never seen requires faith.
[6.22]
Through Faith
Without true belief offered in the form of faith, it is impossible to please God. While it’s perfectly clear that grace came as a free, unearned gift to all men, it came with a condition. The invitation God extended had to be accepted otherwise the benefit of this gift could not be realized.
John 3:16
16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life
[6.23]
Imagine for a moment that one of your friends tells you he has placed a million dollars on deposit in your name at a bank located in a distant location. You might be tempted to think he’s joking and never inquire further. Thus, through lack of faith, you failed to believe him. As a result of your lack of faith, this fortune will forever remain unclaime and you’ll never realize its benefits. The gift was there on deposit, it was free and it might have changed your life and the lives of those you love but you failed to claim it. So it is with God’s gift of salvation, i.e. grace. God’s free gift of grace makes salvation available to all men but it takes faith to secure it, i.e. to claim it. Consider the parable of the great supper and the reason why Christ taught it.
Luke 14:16-24
16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:
17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
[6.24]
The availability of salvation through the acceptance of God’s grace cannot be argued. It is a biblical reality, a spiritual certainty. On this brethren, there can be no dispute so, it would appear at this point, that we are at least nearing agreement. How do we obtain this free gift? To receive this free gift put on account for us, we must believe that it’s there. Our faith is the withdrawal slip we must present in order to collect this gift. Again, what is this withdrawal slip? It’s belief through faith. What is faith? “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.”
Hebrews 11:1
11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[6.25]
What is hoped for? The blessed hope of our salvation.
Romans 8:24
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Titus 2:13
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
[6.26]
What is unseen? The physical evidence of Christ’s first advent, i.e. of His physical presence. We were not among those who saw Him in the flesh.
John 20:29
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
[6.27]
Accepting this, without physical proof is true belief established in faith. Faith comes from God’s well of living water. It comes by hearing God’s word.
Romans 10:17
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2 Timothy 3:15
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
[6.28]
Therefore, it too comes from God but we must in faith believe this good news, this gospel. We must receive it, and as many as receive it are given the power to become His adopted heirs.
John 1:12
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[6.29]
This faith or belief must be maintained for it is possible to believe for awhile and then fall away, i.e. lose hope or faith. Consider the case of Saul or Demas.
1 Samuel 28:12-16
12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
16 Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?
2 Timothy 4:10
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
[6.30]
Christ Himself teaches this in the parable of the sower.
Luke 8:13
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
[6.31]
To deny this would be to contradict Christ’s own words and the evidence given in scripture.
If faith comes by the word of God, we should study to show ourselves approved, working out our salvation with fear and trembling for our faith is the only conduit through which we are able to receive God’s gift of grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Philippians 2:12
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Romans 11:20
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
[6.32]
The responsibility for maintaining our relationship with Christ falls to us. Demas failed, Alexander the coppersmith failed and if we fall away as they did, we too will fail and come to spiritual death.
James 5:19-20
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Romans 6:23
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[6.33]
True belief rests on a strong faith. Many have come to believe that the mere intellectual acceptance of the person and mission of Christ is enough to be saved. They mistakenly think that simply believing the biblical account is the same as faith. The demons also believe but their belief is not founded upon faith in Christ. It is one thing to say, “I believe you exist” and another to say, “I believe in you”. It is evident from the book of James that we are vulnerable to deception, especially with regard to our understanding of faith. Why else would God, through James, have taken such care to define true faith for us?
James 2:14-26
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
[6.34]
Here is the true focal point of most of the contention. God’s gift of grace is constant, i.e. it cannot and will not be withdrawn or withheld from any man where there is yet time.
2 Timothy 2:13
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Romans 11:29
29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
[6.35]
You cannot lose God’s grace, His invitation stands until you draw your last breath. You can however, lose faith, the means by which God’s grace is transferred into your life. This is made clear in the previous examples already stated.
[6.36]
How can anyone become unsaved? By falling back into doubt and disbelief. Such disbelief is demonstrated by falling away from the truth, i.e. the gospel of Jesus and living a life of consistent, willful disobedience.
1 Peter 1:9-11
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
2 Peter 3:17
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[6.37]
Notice: the scriptures make no great effort to define God’s grace but go to great lengths to deal with the subject of faith. Why? Could it be that we, while in the flesh, are prone to forget that if we are in Christ, that He has assigned a work, i.e. a ministry to us? While God’s grace is a constant faith, if not maintained, can increase or decrease and it needs to be exercised through works.
James 1:22-25
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
[6.38]
In Christ
What does it mean to be in Christ? If we walk in righteousness as He did, we are in Christ, i.e. following in His footsteps.
1 John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
[6.39]
If we stumble (we momentarily) leave a print outside of His, we should confess this and ask for forgiveness.
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[6.40]
If we choose to leave the path He trod so that we may follow our own course, we are guilty of willful sinning. We must not abandon the faith to pursue our own desires. If we do, we put our salvation at risk, by forsaking God’s promised protection offered through His covenant of grace.
[6.41]
Does this mean we are beyond God’s salvation, i.e. His grace? No, we are beyond His commitment, i.e. His covenant with us. At this point, God’s call upon us is discretionary. He may choose to continue granting us His mercy or He may not. We no longer have His covenant protecting us. If we still feel drawn to Him, He’s not through with us yet, but if we no longer feel the need for a relationship with Him, if we no longer feel His presence or hear His call, if He has become nothing more than a meaningless myth or fantasy, we have become as dead men walking.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Exodus 33:19
19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
Romans 9:15-18
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Colossians 2:8
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
[6.42]
How can we come to think of God as a myth or fantasy? By no longer possessing the faith necessary to claim, i.e. to lay hold on God’s gift of grace.
[6.43]
As we stumble in our less than perfect attempts to follow Christ, we nevertheless, hold onto our faith, our belief in Christ. If we live our lives in the world for ourselves, outside of Christ, denying the faith, then it’s obvious that we no longer love Him, obey Him or have the faith necessary to remain in Him. Thus, we have lost the means (faith) to access, i.e. lay hold of God’s grace; we have abandoned the salvation extended to us through God’s free gift and even though the gift of grace remains available, without faith, it will remain an unopened or unaccessible gift.
[6.44]
If the absence of faith in God produces the pursuit of worldly pleasures, then obedience and faith in God produces righteousness born of love, obedience and faith. We know we can’t please God without faith and the very testimony that we have faith, that faith truly exists within us, is seen through our service, i.e. our works done for Him from a heart of loving obedience. Such proof is demonstrated by our conduct, our service to others, especially the brethren.
[6.45]
Matthew 25:40
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
1 John 2:3-4
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
[6.46]
Works
The works that the children of God do are not to secure the salvation made available through God’s grace. That ship has already sailed; that gift has already been given. The works done by God’s children are the natural outgrowth of faith; they are the testimony, the evidence of their faith which serves to prove to them and others that their faith has substance and they haven’t been deceived.
Why is this proof of faith so important? Because it’s the only means by which we have access to God’s free gift of grace for faith gives us the ability necessary to open God’s free gift. Remember, it’s grace through faith and God’s grace comes to us through nothing else but faith.
[6.47]
Faith
The importance of the gospel message is clear. God has bestowed His grace on all and made it available to all through faith, which He has also made available. Faith comes by hearing the word of God, i.e. the gospel message. It doesn’t come to us by hearing God’s word with just the natural ear but must be heard by our spiritual ear as well. We know it has been received by our spiritual ear when we are moved to respond.
Romans 10:17
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
James 1:22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
[6.48]
If we are natural hearers only, we’re self-deceived; we must be doers also. Works have nothing to do with God’s free gift of grace but everything to do with the gift of faith. Without faith, God is not pleased. Without faith, the gift of grace has no conductor through which to flow into our lives and without works, the natural outgrowth of faith, we can only conclude that our faith has died. When we plant a seed that fails to produce a shoot, we know the seed died and the same is true with faith.
[6.49]
The seed planted in our heart is God’s word. If the seed lives, it yields faith proving it has survived the environment it was planted in. The outgrowth of the seed, i.e. the word of God is faith and the fruit of faith, the proof and testimony of faith is works, demonstrated by the way in which we live our lives.
Through:
[6.50]
Love
1 John 4:16
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Obedience
1 John 2:3-4
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Righteousness
1 John 2:29
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
Love of the brethren
1 John 4:21
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
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Grace
What affect can we have on grace? It didn’t originate with us and we have no ability to increase it, decrease it or change it and neither do our works of faith, obedience or love. Like all gifts, it is, what it is. Grace originated with God and the conditions necessary to share in this gift He has made plain. His grace is available to all and may be received by all through faith. While it’s true that we have absolutely no affect on grace, it is also true that we do have an affect on faith, for while grace comes to us from God alone, faith is something we acquire through God’s word.
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Is it possible to fall from grace? Yes! To fall from it you must first possess it. Anyone who attempts to be justified by the law has fallen from grace and abandoned the salvation made available by it. Is there a difference between works of the law (earning your way into God’s kingdom by keeping the law) and works of faith? Yes! We are justified by works (of faith) but we are not justified by keeping the law.
Galatians 5:4
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
James 2:22-26
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
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Redundancy
Please do not fault this teaching for its redundancy. Much has been repeated here, not to challenge your integrity or maturity but in recognition that often, especially in scripture, we find new revelation from verses or texts read many times before; texts that have held a special message inside waiting for the moment when the Teacher of all teaches, i.e. the Holy Spirit, would quicken them to us by giving us new light. This is why I have approached some things repeatedly from varying perspectives.
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The Sum Of The Matter
All that we have said here is this simple truth. If we have no works to validate our faith, we have no faith; it’s dead. If we have no faith supported by works, we cannot receive God’s gift of grace which is only available through faith and finally, if we don’t gain access to God’s free gift of grace by means of (or through) faith, we cannot receive salvation made available to us by His gift of grace. We cannot lose God’s gift of grace but we can abandon the faith it takes to lay hold of it. Faith can increase, decrease and be obscured by deception. Faith can even cease to be, i.e. become dead. Our faith and hope is in Christ’s return when He will extend salvation, God’s grace, to those who in faith believe, thus freeing them from the consequences of sin and death and rewarding their faith with the gift of eternal life.
1 Peter 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Matt 10:22
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
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The faith of some has been destroyed by false teaching.
2 Timothy 2:18
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
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When we walk in the foot prints of Christ, we do so as God’s children made so by faith.
Galatians 3:26
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
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This faith has made our adoption possible while we are yet in these bodies, with the final approval taking place at the second coming of Christ. This adoption will remain in effect as long as we are not moved away.
Colossians 1:22-23
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Romans 8:23-25
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
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At the coming of Christ, our blessed hope will turn into reality when the promise of everlasting life will be realized.
Revelation 20:6
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
1 Thess 4:16-17
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
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Forgiveness and redemption will be extended by the Lord to all who are taken in the first resurrection on them, the second death will have no power.
Revelation 20:12-13
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
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Their names will appear in the Lamb’s book of life at the great white throne judgment.
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If We Were God
No Christian in their right mind would ever choose to adopt a doctrine that would put themselves or loved ones at spiritual risk. If God gave us the choice, or if we were God, all our friends and relatives would know the joy of eternal life in God's kingdom. The problem with this is that we're not God, so we don't get to make these kinds of decisions.
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We all have loved ones we would like to see again after we die. There are those we loved that have gone on before us and there'll likely be more that will make that final journey after we're gone. Who wants to think of any loved one being banished to the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, loved family members eternally separated from God or worse?
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In many churches today, salvation from sin has been reduced to an incantation. Many think that if they can get an unbeliever to say just the right prescribed words, in just the right way, calling upon all the right spiritual powers, then salvation is assured for eternity. They just have to wait for the preacher to give the invitation to join God's kingdom. Then to have their sins forgiven and receive eternal life, they must make their way to the front while the congregation softly sings "Just as I am." Once there, they must confess that they're a sinner, promise to believe in Jesus, listen to a few minutes of instruction, receive a tiny booklet, usually the gospel of John and then, they’re on their way to eternal life.
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It's Simple
Joining the family of God seems simple enough, and it is, for those who truly repent and experience the power of God's forgiveness. Unfortunately for many others, it was nothing more than an emotional moment based on their belief that they had nothing to lose. These temporary converts need to understand that God doesn't read lips; He reads hearts. Those who have this momentary experience are like seeds that fall on stony places where the earth has no depth.
Matthew 13:5-6
5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
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The hearts of these momentary Christians are shallow and the seed of faith never grows to maturity, nor does it yield fruit; it's viewed for a moment and then quickly disappears. What about those who were sincere? Many churches teach a doctrine that convinces them that once they're saved, they're on their way to heaven and can never lose their eternal life with God. This is a terrible lie unsupported by scripture! Some suggest that any person who turns from God to sin had never truly believed. This, too, is a lie as the words of Christ reveal below.
Luke 8:13
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
If you can’t believe Jesus, who can you believe?
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It would give us all great peace to believe that everyone who ever asked Jesus into their heart and died, is in His kingdom, but this just isn't so.
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The Bible Supports It
There are many bible verses which at first glance seem to support this "once saved, always saved" position but upon closer examination, fail the test. Let's examine a few.
Philippians 1:6
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
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Please note that the "He" mentioned here is the Holy Spirit. It is He that leads us into all truth, it is the Holy Spirit that has begun this good work and the Holy Spirit is more than able to complete it (Ephesians 4:30). The problem doesn't lie in the Holy Spirit's ability to complete the work of salvation but rather in our willingness to let him (Philippians 2:12). Indeed, we are sealed but only with the seal of promise (Ephesians 1:13). This promise however, is based on the condition that we endure to the end (Matthew 10:22).
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We have a free will. It is not taken away when we receive salvation; God will not drag us through the gates of His kingdom kicking and screaming. The Holy Spirit is like a lifeguard that throws a spiritual life preserver to those drowning in sin. He has the strength and is well able to pull us to safety but we must take hold and endure to the end (Mark 13:13). Truly, the life preserver (Jesus) is there for the taking, but we must first take it, then hold on till we're safely in God's kingdom. If we let go, we'll drown; the choice is always ours. In the same way, Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." But do the scriptures say that we will never leave or forsake Jesus?
Hebrews 13:5
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Phil 2:16
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
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He also says, "No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand," but does He say we can't leave His hand ourselves?
John 10:28-29
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
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Here, He says that He has given to us eternal life. Why? Read verse twenty-seven, "Because they follow Me." So, we have eternal life if we follow Jesus and if we follow Jesus no man can pluck us out of His hand or His father's. What happens if we don't continue to follow Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
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We must realize that we are doing spiritual business with a covenant God. This means God will give to us all He has promised if we meet the terms of His covenant. We have eternal life through Christ, if we confess Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that He has conquered death (Romans 10:9-10). If Jesus is not our Lord, then our confession is false; this will disqualify us from receiving the gift of salvation He has promised. If He is Lord, He is in complete charge of our life. Don't believe it because you read it here, look at it yourself; it's clear in God's word.
I John 1:7
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
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IF we walk in the light, as He did, we have fellowship with other brethren and the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin. Great! What if we don't walk in the light (the light of truth and righteousness), what if we walk in darkness, does the blood of Jesus still cleanse us from all sin? If it did, there would be no need to begin this statement with "If" nor any reason to repent. Please continue to read, until you finish verse nine.
I John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Here again, we see the biggest little word in the bible, the covenant word "if." This word always indicates a condition which must be met. "If we confess our sins, He (Jesus) is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Again, "if we confess;" what if we don't, are we still cleansed? The answer is an obvious NO! If it is not possible for a Christian to fall away from the truth, then why is James so concerned?
James 5:19-20
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
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Please take note that he addresses these comments to brethren, a term which can only be interpreted here as fellow Christians. Here he tells us plainly that if a Christian slips back into sin, (so it is possible for a Christian to slip back) and another Christian convinces him to return to the narrow path of righteousness, the one doing the rescuing has saved his Christian brother from spiritual death. So then, it's possible to know Christ and turn away from Him. The demons who serve Satan know Christ and fear Him yet they will not escape His eternal punishment. Knowing Christ is not enough. To be your savior, He must first be your Lord; He must have dominant authority in your life.
James 2:19
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Matthew 7:22-23
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
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Many who now profess Christianity fail to realize that most people who think they're Christians are not; they're deceived! They believe they're saved when they're not saved at all. What a great place for Satan to keep them, they'll never search for the truth because they think they already have it. The frightening truth as shown below, reveals that only a small number will find and follow the path that leads to eternal life.
Matthew 7:14
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
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Instead, they'll pass from this life, stand before the judgment throne of Christ, with their eyes wide with expectation, and hear Him say, "Depart from me, I never knew you" (Matthew 7:21-23). For a lifetime their spiritual leaders told them, "Once you're saved, you can never lose your salvation." Perhaps you can't lose it as though it fell from your pocket, but it's clear in God's word that you can forfeit it. God forces no one into His kingdom; He takes no captives there. Slaves are made by Satan, not God; if a man is a slave of God it's because he volunteered for the job.
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How Do We Know That We Know Him?
If deception is so wide spread among professed believers, how can we be sure we're saved? God knew the day was coming when doctrine, designed to satisfy those with itching ears, would be popular among preachers and the flocks they feed. As long as they can convince the unrepentant that they're saved, there'll be no chance for true citizenship in God's kingdom. The mistake that keeps them trapped is that of believing the words of men rather than searching the word of God.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
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By giving us His precious word, we have all we need for self-examination, all that's necessary to make this critical determination; just read the text shown below.
I John 2:3-4
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
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What commandments? Consider Matthew 22:37-40, John 13:34, John 15: 12, 1 Timothy 1:5 and 1 John 3:23, 24. Can we be honest enough to examine our lives in the light of God's word? Most will forget this text as soon as they read it. If you remember nothing else in this chapter, remember the above 1 John 2:3, 4 text.
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Another Argument
One of the arguments made on behalf of the "once saved always saved" doctrine is taken from one of scriptures most quoted and beloved passages. John 3:16 says, "Whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Please note that the scriptures say "should not" instead of the conclusive "will not." Many high schools in Massachusetts let out at 2:00 PM and most children should be home by 2:30pm give or take a little, but children being what they are, don't always meet parents expectations. They should be home at 2:30 PM but this is never a certainty and neither is our blessed hope; the hope of our calling. The children should be home but many won't be. There's a great difference between should be and will be; just ask any parent. God's kingdom awaits all those who endure till the end (Mark 13:13). If death should overtake one living in sin, those who have patiently labored for that soul, have run the race for that one's salvation in vain. Let me repeat once again the following verse. Read it carefully.
James 5:19-20
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Matthew 10:22b He that endureth till the end shall be saved.
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In James 5:19-20, we see the backsliding brother is headed for death. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, we see a condition which we must keep. If we are to inherit eternal life, we must keep in memory that which the Apostles taught us. What if we don't?
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
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As stated above, if we don't listen to the Apostles the consequences can be disastrous. The text below cautions us to live and work out our faith daily.
Philippians 2:12
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
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Consider what happened to the unprofitable servants in both parables that Jesus told. Matthew 18:32-35 and Matthew 25:24-30, shown below.
Matthew 18:32-35
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Matthew 25:24-30
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
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The Unnoticed Condition
There are many places in the New Testament, especially in the gospels, where Jesus appears to be offering eternal life as a gift without any conditions. Some gifts, though free, carry conditions: eternal life is one of them, even if not stated. Some parents give automobiles as graduation gifts to their children and often these gifts are free, but just as often they come with a set of conditions. Yes, the car is free and without cost to the child; the parent has assumed the financial responsibility but where, when and how that car is to be used is often a condition which parents attach. The same applies to salvation, whether explicitly stated or not. In most passages where salvation is mentioned, conditions are clearly stated. Salvation itself is a free gift but, don't we have to believe in Christ to obtain it? Isn't that a condition? Aren't we also required to keep His commandments? True, the car is free, but who pays for the insurance, gas, oil and maintenance? The light of salvation is also free, but aren't we required to walk in that light; to maintain it?
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Chip Brogden, a fellow believer and teacher, writes a brief essay entitled, “The Two-Fold Work of the Cross”. In this brief article, he begins by quoting Peter and continues as follows:
"Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (I Peter 2:21). If we were to ask a Christian, "Have you accepted the work of the Cross?" Many of them would say yes. If you ask them what the work of the Cross is, they would respond by saying that the work of the Cross is the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus for the sins of the world. While this is true enough, it can be misleading. A better question to ask is, "Have you accepted the two-fold work of the Cross?" Try this out on a few Christians and you will probably get a puzzled reply along the lines of, "What is the two-fold work of the Cross?" That is because most people are only familiar with one side of the Cross, not both sides.
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For many years I was only taught one aspect of the Cross - that is, the cross on which Jesus died for me. That is all I knew, and so that is all I taught. On this cross He was crucified as my substitute. He laid down His life for me. His precious blood was shed for the forgiveness of my sins. Not only that, but the Bible says that God laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all. John the Baptist calls Him, "The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the whole world." By identifying with His sacrificial death, He becomes our Substitute. We enter into His finished work. We are made one with Him there on the Cross. Thank God we do not have to pay this debt, for it has been paid for us. We do not have to go to the Cross and be crucified for our sins. I would suggest that almost every Christian is familiar with this aspect of the Cross. It is the foundation of evangelicalism, the basis of millions of sermons to millions of believers. It is the truth and we thank God for the truth whenever it is proclaimed.
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There is another side to this Cross, another dimension of the same truth, which is not as well-known, and is hardly preached at all. As a result, many believers are content to embrace the "Sinner's Cross"; that is, they have confessed Jesus as Savior, and they understand and accept Him as their Substitute. It is certainly true that Jesus is our Substitute, and that He died on the Cross for us. But as we have said, there is a two-fold work of the Cross. Peter alludes to this two-fold work when he writes, "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." Christ suffered FOR us; that is the first aspect. But He left us an EXAMPLE; that is the second aspect. So the work of the Cross is two-fold. First, Jesus is our Substitute. Secondly, He is our Example. In the first case, He took up the Cross. In the second case, I take up the Cross. The first work of the Cross is for the Sinner; the second work of the Cross is for the Disciple. Jesus said that the way to Life is through a narrow Gate and a difficult Path. The Gate is only the beginning of the journey; it is not the destination. So we must have both the Gate and the Path. One is not complete without the other. Once we are through the Gate, there is a Path for us to walk. The Gate makes it possible for us to walk the Path, but the Gate is incomplete without the Path. The Life is at the end of the Path, not at the beginning. This corresponds to the two-fold work of the Cross. The "Sinner's Cross" is the Gate. Because Jesus is my Substitute, I can now walk the Path. The "Disciple's Cross" is the Path. Now I am following His example. Can you see the difference? Jesus says the way to Life is through a Narrow Gate and a Difficult Path. The Narrow Gate is Christ. It is Narrow because He is the Only Way. But why is the Path so difficult? Partly because it is much easier, much more appealing, to accept Jesus as a Substitute than to accept Him as an Example. Stated differently, it is much more appealing to accept Jesus as Savior than to accept Him as Lord. With a simple prayer I can acknowledge Him as my Substitute and Savior. But to make Him my Example and my Lord, to actually walk in His footsteps, is not so appealing. Why? In the first case I simply embrace the "Sinner's Cross" and everything is done for me. But in the second case I must take up the "Disciple's Cross" and actually follow in the steps of the Master. It only takes a moment to pass through the Gate, but the Path takes a lifetime of walking. Peter wrote of this two-fold work of the Cross, but we see in Matthew 16 that he did not always have this understanding.
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In Matthew 16 we see Jesus as our Substitute and our Example all in one chapter. First there is Jesus as the Substitute. He begins to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed, and raised the third day. For His sins? No, for our sins. So in this He is our Substitute. Peter, taking offense over this, pulls Jesus aside and begins to rebuke Him. Imagine! Peter is rebuking the Lord Jesus over this issue of the Cross. It is, indeed, a difficult thing to comprehend. But Jesus turns and rebukes Peter. Yes, it will be so. I will go to Jerusalem and die for the sins of the world. I must complete My substitutionary work. But the two-fold work of the Cross goes deeper than the physical death of Jesus. And so Jesus immediately begins to speak to them, not about HIS Cross, but about THEIR Cross: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it'"(Matthew 16:24,25).
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Peter objected to the death of the Lord Jesus and wanted to prevent His crucifixion. The Lord Jesus responded that not only must the Master be crucified, but anyone who desired to follow after the Master would, of necessity, have to take up their Cross as well. Peter eventually learned this lesson, and it is time we learned it as well. Jesus is both my Substitute and my Example. Jesus, is both my Savior and my Lord. Jesus is both the Narrow Gate and the Difficult Path. If there is any doubt as to the reason for a lack of power, a lack of joy, a lack of faithfulness, a lack of Spirit-and-Truth today, we need only examine a person's ultimate attitude towards the Cross. Is the Cross, to them, something that Jesus saved them FROM, or something that Jesus saved them FOR? The fruit, or the lack thereof, tells the whole story. For there never will be, and there never can be, any fruitfulness apart from embracing the two-fold work of the Cross. The question will of course arise: can Jesus be Savior, but not be Lord? Can I accept the salvation but not the discipleship? Can I enter the Gate but not walk the Path? And the underlying concern is really this: can I pray the Sinner's Prayer, live any way I please, and still go to heaven when I die? The question itself is very revealing in the ones who ask it. Consider that it takes two beams to make a Cross; one beam is not enough. If we accept only half of the two-fold work of the Cross then we have not truly embraced the Cross. If we continue to preach an easy Gospel and bring sinners to an easy Jesus by having them pray an easy prayer then we are guilty of propagating another gospel, a false gospel, a Gate without a Path.
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The Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus with the exact same concern: what must I do to inherit eternal life? His primary concern was going to heaven when he died. For many Christians that is the ultimate objective and the motivation behind everything they do. In actuality, Jesus said comparatively little about "going to heaven when you die." But He had quite a bit to say about being obedient to the will of God and producing fruit while you're still living here on earth. To the Rich Young Ruler who wanted to be saved, Jesus offered discipleship, not salvation: "Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.' But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!'" (Mark 10:21-23). Not "how EASY for them to enter the Kingdom of God", but "how HARD it is". The two-fold work of the Cross is a hard saying for rich and for poor alike. Many turn away sad and sorrowful at the thought of taking up the Cross as a disciple. For that reason, only the first half of the two-fold work of the Cross is preached. I suspect that the Rich Young Ruler would have eagerly accepted Jesus as his Substitute - because the subtle implication is that since Jesus died on the Cross, I won't have to die! But like all the other suggestions of the adversary, this too is only a partial truth. For the whole truth is that the work of the Cross is two-fold, and we can embrace both, or neither, but we cannot keep one and discard the other.
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You may be concerned that if we make salvation contingent on discipleship then fewer people would get saved. That's exactly the point. This is precisely what Jesus meant when He said, "Few find it" (Matthew 7:14b). So what are we do to? Should we continue to give false comfort to those who are unwilling to take up their Cross, deny Self, and follow Jesus? By no means. Instead, let us endeavor to show others, by example, that the only way to Life is through Death; the only way to reign with Him is to suffer with Him; not those who hear, but those who hear and put into practice, are His true disciples. May the Lord Jesus Himself bear witness of these things, that they are true. Amen.
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Yet Another Obstacle
There are other scriptures we could look at that are used to support the once saved always saved position but each comes with its own loop hole and fails to stand the test. When these poor arguments run out, those who support this popular doctrine turn to logic. Usually it goes like this: if by receiving Jesus Christ we become His brothers and joint heirs of salvation, we are part of the family of God. Once you are part of God's family, reborn into it, how can you cease to be related? Once you're a member of a family, you're always a member. Right? Wrong!
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Take A Closer Look
Consider God's relationship with Israel in Jeremiah 3:8.
Jeremiah 3:8
8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
If that doesn't shake you up try reading Romans 11:20-24.
Romans 11:20-24
20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
2 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
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Note especially verse twenty-two, where God once again establishes a condition to His covenant, "If thou continue in His goodness." Note also the result if you don't, "Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." In other words rejected. This text is very similar to another given by John in the fifteenth chapter of his gospel.
John 15:6
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
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The Apostle John speaks of two kinds of sin, one that we should pray for and one where prayer won't help. The latter kind leads to spiritual death because even repentance is unacceptable. Why? Because we've blasphemed God (the Holy Spirit).
I John 5:16-17
16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
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The book of Hebrews acquaints us with sin committed after salvation, after we have received the Holy Spirit at a time when no one could question the truth of our belief. No one is a partaker of the Holy Spirit who is not saved. At this point, we find ourselves on the horns of a doctrinal dilemma. On one hand, we have the reassuring words of 1 John 1:9.
I John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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On the other hand, we're confronted with the declaration of Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:26-27.
Hebrews 10:26-27
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
This is a reality capable of sending shivers up the spine of even the most backslidden of Christians.
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When We Sin
It is clear that as Christians we, like the Apostle Paul, frequently find ourselves in situations where we are serving our lower, sinful nature.
Romans 7:15-25 (Living Bible)
15 I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to-what I hate.
16 I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking.
17 But I can't help myself, because I'm no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things.
18 I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn I can't make myself right. I want to but I can't.
19 When I want to do good, I don't; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.
20 Now if I am doing what I don't want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in its evil grasp.
21 It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.
22 I love to do God's will so far as my new nature is concerned;
23.24.25 but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. In my mind I want to be God's willing servant but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin.
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If we are continuing to sin, it is obvious where the trouble is, sin still has us in its evil grasp. Yet, if we confess our sin, He, (Jesus) will cleanse us (1 John 1:9). The apparent difference between these two passages, these two seemingly contradicting teachings, rests in the understanding of the two types of sin previously mentioned. In Hebrews, we are dealing with the sin that is beyond the help of prayer, that one leading to spiritual death while in first John, we're dealing with sin that causes us to stumble in the path of righteousness. What is the difference? The difference is the thought and intent of the heart and this is known by the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit, the revealer of God's word.
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
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If the intent of the heart is to serve God but in a moment of weakness we fall to sin, we are in category one and 1 John applies. If, however, our intent is to live for ourselves and indulge our sinful appetites willfully while possessing the knowledge of truth, having already entered into the salvation covenant with Christ, then we no longer have a rightful claim to the blood covenant that God made with us through His only begotten son. If so, we have then released God from His divinely assumed obligation to honor His covenant with us. God reminds us of the peril of being in this situation.
Hebrews 10:31
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
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We must believe that any Christian who deliberately walks in sin defying God to His face, falls into the hands of this condemnation.
Hebrews 6:4-6
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
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Let's try to understand this situation. A man hires a contractor to build a home for him. He asks the contractor how long it will take to complete his new home. The contractor responds that it will take sixteen weeks to complete all the work necessary for occupancy. The future homeowner knows he must give his present landlord sixteen weeks notice prior to moving. If the home isn't ready he will have to put all his furniture in storage and move his family into a hotel creating a major inconvenience and increasing the costs necessary to cover the hotel, storage, and moving expenses. To protect himself from these added burdens he puts a penalty clause into his contract with the builder. For each day his home remains incomplete, beyond the sixteen weeks agreed upon, the builder will have to pay the home owner enough money in penalties to cover any extra inconvenience and expenses suffered by the owner. Let's suppose, however, that the builder exceeded his allotted time because he was ill and hospitalized for several weeks but had done an extremely fine job to that point, the owner might choose to be less demanding, though the contractor is in every sense, liable. In this case, the contractor's fate lies in the hands of the owner. The owner may choose to apply the penalty, totally ignore the penalty clause or anything in between.
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If the owner had demanded the contractor finish in less than the agreed sixteen weeks, the contractor would have been perfectly justified in taking all the time allowed in the contract, so the contract serves to protect both parties. If the contractor is in violation of the contract, his financial fate is totally in the hands of the owner. The owner can make him pay, share the loss or forgive the debt completely. It's up to the owner alone. No longer can the contractor take refuge in the contract. In the same way, a Christian who has deliberately and willfully broken his covenant with God can no longer claim any rights, privileges or protection offered under the terms of the contract, i.e. covenant.
2 Peter 2:20-21
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
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If we willfully sin we can no longer hold up God's blood covenant before Him; we have no agreement offering us protection. We have crucified God's only begotten son again; we have openly held His son up to ridicule and disgrace. While claiming to be God's child, we have openly and defiantly sinned in the presence of His enemies. Our fate now is in His hands alone; we have no covenant to protect us any longer.
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If The Spirit Of God Still Calls
If His Spirit still beckons us to come, to follow, to serve and obey, then it's reasonable to assume it's not too late; God is not through with us yet. All sin is a conscious act but not all sin is willful. Yes, even when we stumble we know what we're doing. Willfulness is not just a conscious act but an attitude of the heart. Have you ever seen a rebellious child look directly into the eyes of their parent and deliberately disobey? This is willful disobedience. It's not just having your fingers in the cookie jar, it's staring into your mother's disapproving eyes while removing the cookie. It is one thing for a Christian girl to give in to petting in a moment of weakness and another to openly prostitute herself on the streets. Maybe now we can tell the difference between a sin that can be cleansed and sin that leads to spiritual death.
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If you, like many who have lived apart from God, after receiving His gift of grace, are now filled with the fear of His rejection, it is reasonable to assume you still care about your damaged relationship with Him. To be sure, you may have exceeded God's covenant, but you may not have exceeded His mercy. If you are yet drawn to Him; and still hear His call on your life, you remain His child and you may take comfort in the following verse.
John 6:44
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Those who have been rejected are no longer drawn to Him; they no longer seek to serve or please Him. These are among the walking dead.
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Some Who Failed
King Saul of the Old Testament, had much that would have brought him success in today's world. Physically he enjoyed good looks and stood above the height of most men. He was fierce in battle and had a cunning mind. After becoming King of Israel, he had fame and riches but in the face of all these blessings he violated God's trust. It's difficult to comprehend, but he did. Saul became so full of himself that he turned from God to consult the powers of witchcraft. He became vain enough to think it would pass unnoticed before God. As a result Saul, who had everything, lost it all and died an enemy of God (1 Samuel 28:1-18). It is not reasonable to assume that God permits His enemies to inhabit or inherit His kingdom. Here, in the Old Testament, we find an example of a man who truly knew God but died God's enemy; Saul was not once saved always saved. In the New Testament we find another example; the case of Alexander the coppersmith.
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Here we find a convert of Paul's, who along with another, is rebuked and turned away from the church for speaking evil, as shown below.
1 Timothy 1:19-20
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
2 Timothy 4:14
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
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If we believe that God gave the Apostles special powers and that we, as men, are sinful, worthy of damnation by our sinful deeds, then any man whom an Apostle condemned to be rewarded according to his works would most assuredly not be found among the redeemed of God's kingdom. Who can stand before God justified by their works alone? Alexander the coppersmith may have once been numbered among the redeemed, but like Saul, he didn't endure till the end. As men, the Apostles alone had power to cause sin to remain or depart from the soul of a believer. What do you think were Alexander's chances?
John 20:23
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
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What About You?
If we are to receive the promises of God, we must obey all of the conditions. Look for God's conditions in the following verses:
Colossians 1:21-23
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
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Note here once again, the word that announces God's covenant, i.e. the word "if", "if ye continue in the faith…. And be not moved away." Saul was moved away, Demas was moved away, Alexander was moved away. Let's pray that we are never moved away. Let us remain willing servants of our Lord, Jesus Christ that we may never become willful in our disobedience toward Him. We are once saved and always saved only if we continue throughout our lives to walk in the light as He is in the light.
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Final Word
There have been many doctrines which the church has chosen to divide over, but none, in modern times, has done more to separate brethren than the doctrine of “Eternal Security”. Confusion does not come from God (1 Corinthians 14:33) neither does separation among the brethren (1 Corinthians 1:10). Many of today’s believers holding onto this doctrine, have ceased to ask themselves if it should any longer be defended. It has become so engrained in the fabric of their belief that even suggesting that it be tested is seen as doubting God and consequently, rejected. We know that we are to test (try) the spirits to see if they be of God (1 John 4:1) but instead, we place our trust in man, preferring to believe what accommodates our will the most (1 Corinthians 4:6) instead of what God’s word says, “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). Why do we continue to advance doctrinal error for the sake of pride?
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God’s grace remains an unchanged and an unretracted gift given for the salvation of all mankind, but it can only be accessed through the faith that each individual man has in Christ (Romans 5:2). Faith in some, may grow and become great (Matthew 8:10), in others, it may diminish to where it becomes little (Matthew 8:26). It may grow again as we access God’s word and apply it to our lives or it may decrease as we become involved in the cares of this world. Many of the things which we do for the Lord are accomplished in direct proportion to our faith (Matthew 9:29). In moments of fear, faith can seemingly disappear (Luke 8:25). It can be increased (Luke 17:5, 6) but also remain vulnerable to failure (Luke 22:32).
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We are sanctified through faith (Acts 26:18), justified by faith and have access to God’s grace by faith (Romans 5:2). Faith can be made void or we may even come to damnation by casting it away (1 Timothy 5:12). God’s grace doesn’t change but our faith can and does.
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If we are to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), we must first learn to stand in faith (2 Corinthians 1:24). Ask anyone who attends a church if they have faith in God and their answer will most certainly be a resounding, yes! Do they? They truly believe they have faith but many are self-deceived. Our faith can be overthrown (2 Timothy 2:18). We say, “Not me. My faith is real,” but how do we know? If there are no acts of love, obedience or faith (fruit), then our faith is dead, i.e. faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
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On the subject of “Eternal Security”, some are so resistant to changing their thinking and hearts that they willingly do the unthinkable. Rather than change by repenting toward the truth, they twist the word of God to suit their own desire, and in so doing, bring about their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16). It is difficult enough to comprehend God’s word and we must be guided constantly by His Spirit, who guides us into all truth. Some go to great lengths to explain why God’s word really doesn’t mean what it plainly says, but God says what He means and means what He says. They lay claim to special revelation, saying we must read between the lines of God’s word. In doing so, they deny the very word of God.
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Brethren, I leave you with one final thought, put your preconceived ideas behind you, lay aside your hand-me-down doctrine and study to show yourself approved as a workman who needs not to be ashamed because you have, with the Spirit’s guidance, properly disseminated the word of God.
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Another thought for those who still believe "once saved always saved." What happens to any Christian who adds or takes away from the book of the Revelation (Apocalypse)?
Revelation 22:18-19
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
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How can anyone's name be removed from the book (or tree) of life unless it was first in it? Why not walk in the light, work out your salvation daily and make sure your name stays where it belongs? The promises made under the new covenant are given to those who keep it; they have God’s “Covenant Security”.