John10:28: And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My family and I recently traveled to France for vacation. Among our stops were the beaches of Normandy, on which the allied invasion of France began on June 4, 1944 (D-day), and the American Cemetery.
These sites held particular significance for me, as my father was among the soldiers who fought in the Normandy campaign. He and my mother were able to visit Normandy for the 70th anniversary of D-day about a month before we were there.
The American Cemetery tells the stories of many of the brave soldiers who fought and died to liberate Europe from the grip of tyranny. There is also a chapel at the Cemetery. The chapel contains an altar that tells the story of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice to save mankind. The altar has an inscription that reads: “I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH”.
This brief inscription, which quotes Jesus, is extremely well-chosen. Its eleven words affirm many Biblical truths that are central to the gospel,including the following:
Jesus is God. The Bible says that God grants eternal life. So, if Jesus gives eternal life, it follows that He is God.
John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Belief in the Deity of Christ is essential to believing in Him as Savior.
John 8:24: I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Eternal life is a gift. The Bible calls eternal life a gift – unmerited favor.
Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
“Faith” is not the gift of God, as Calvinism mistakenly teaches. The gift of God is eternal life. Jesus is not only necessary for eternal life. He is enough. Believing in Jesus as Savior means believing that our good intentions or good works have nothing to do with receiving eternal life. Neither does their presence or absence prove whether or not we possess eternal life. We must trust in Christ alone as Savior in order to receive eternal life. Faith and works do not mix for receiving, or retaining, eternal life.
Romans 11:6: And if by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise, work is no more work.
Eternal life is available to everyone. Who is the “them” to whom Christ gives eternal life? The Bible says that anyone who will believe in Christ as Savior will receive eternal life.
John 20:31: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
The God of the Bible did not choose some to receive eternal life while consigning others to hell. The Bible says that God desires that everyone be saved.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Eternal life is eternal. The doctrine of eternal security of Christians is taught throughout scripture. Eternal security is a necessary conclusion of grace. We cannot work our way into eternal life, and we cannot work our way out of eternal life.
Ephesians 1:13-14: In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Every one of the soldiers who has defended our freedom on the battlefield deserves our gratitude. Jesus Christ died for our sins. He was buried, and He rose from the dead. He gives us eternal life. How infinitely more He deserves our love and gratitude.
If you want to know more about how to receive eternal life, please click this link: Eternal Life
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
Johninnc —
I remember that well, “if there is a God”…. testifies immediately as to his position, and there is a second witness to his position as just like the false prophets of Matthew 7, he thinks his works will justify him.
Just like the Lordship teachers, they cry Lord, Lord, and still try to justify themselves by works either before, during or after…. But just like they don’t know Him, He does not know them…
Well that fella isn’t going into Heaven,unless He gets to hear the gospel at some point & believes of course.
Genevieve and Holly, following is an excerpt from a comment we had a while back on Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of NYC:
It is very seldom you see such a blatant expression of works for salvation as Michael Bloomberg did in an interview with the New York Times:
Bloomberg points with pride to his work on gun control, obesity and smoking. “I am telling you if there is a God, when I get to heaven I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading straight in. I have earned my place in heaven. It’s not even close,” he happily told Jeremy Peters at the New York Times.
Genevieve, I think everyone knows they are a sinner, so if the law points people to Christ because it points out their exceeding sinfulness, it doesn’t have to be drummed into someone’s head like a Ray Comfort does it, but honesty with people help. We all have sinned, they need to know that sin is what has caused the separation between God and man.
The Gospel declared in 1 Cor 15 says that Christ died for our sins, so if one didn’t think they had sinned, then there might be a problem knowing they need a Saviour 🙂
I actually met someone like that when I was in grade school. I was clumsily sharing with her, and she said she wasn’t a sinner, she had never sinned. I asked her if she had ever lied, or just disobeyed her parents. She said she had never. So I don’t ever say it’s a condition of salvation, just that one needs to understand they are sick in order to need a physician. Or even that being a son of Abraham isn’t going to be enough for we all have sinned, even our own righteousness as filthy rags. 🙂
I don’t think understanding your a sinner is a condition of salvation.I just think if you didn’t understand that you are a sinner, you wouldn’t probably realize that you need a Saviour.
Holly, thanks for explaining how we love God & have fellowship with Him.I was just reading what you said again, it didn’t register the first time.
Wow,that’s great Holly.I’m glad your spurred on.Just listened to the first sermon.Excellent.
Genevieve, our friend Debbie takes notes by hand. The other day, (she took me literally), she sent me a picture of a stack of notes (notebook paper size). I was astounded, it had to be six inches high of Yankee’s and I believe Tom’s sermons. She has led her grandson and granddaughter to the Lord recently, so much has happened, just thrilling and (spurs me on too!) 🙂 .
I will take notes Holly,about to watch one now.I can’t type at the same time though,I type slowly with one finger,lol.
Take notes Genevieve, good to have the references. I kind of type as he’s speaking the key facts, it helps 🙂
Thanks Holly, I see now & I will love listening to those sermons.
Understanding the Two Natures, Part 1
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=72141043258
Understanding the Two Natures, Part 2
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=75141155464
It’s not ‘automatic’, it’s only in the new creature, the perfect part of us. Have you watched Tom Cucuzza’s two part series on understanding the two natures?
So do all Christians love God & we just don’t all feel it.Then why are we commanded to love if it is automatic? I don’t get it.
Amen Curtis!
(Also for Genevieve)
When I was a child and my mom punished me, sometimes I thought I hated her (as I squeezed back tears leaning on my bedroom door) and whispered meanly, “I hate you” (loud enough o be daring, and quiet enough in the hopes she really didn’t hear and wouldn’t come back and give me a spanking).
Sometimes I didn’t ‘feel’ love towards her as one that was always in trouble for talking (yes me) or breaking something that cost money (several times on my body 🙂 ), therefore, I was frequently in punishment. Being chastened didn’t feel more loving, but I didn’t realize what it was working in me either.
As I grew older and wanted to ‘break out on my own’, I still did not like feeling as if I was being told what to do, (even if she was or was not). It wasn’t until I grew up some, and stared to actually “do for” and “submit to her as another believer” that I began to understand what loving her was and the ‘feelings’ caught up to the knowledge that of course I had always loved her and I was always her child.
Of course it wasn’t until I was a mother of many that I began to see how great of a mother she was when I was young, especially in the loss of my brother Paul. We parents want to do for our children because we love them, even when through clenched teeth and angry tear-filled eyes, we’re muttering “I hate you” (and crying harder because we said it). It doesn’t compare to His great love, but knowing what we want to give our (not always so lovable children), how much more does He want to give to those of us who are His?
I know I fail, and I also know children fail and most especially when immature.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
This is eternal it can never be broken it was established by the eternal God Who can not lie
the blood of thy covenant
Zec 9:11 As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
but by his own blood he entered in once
Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Genevieve, I thought you might like this, to see what happens when we are given the Holy Spirit when we believe.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Dennis Rokser is another good one, I think he wrote the one about the three tenses of salvation. I think it’s hard for us to think on ourselves as being perfect, but the new creature is, the new man, but the old flesh, evil still dwells with us (Rom 7). At the end of that chapter, Paul as we know has been delivered (saved) from the penalty of sin, and is perfected (Heb 10:10, 14) but he says, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
We will one day be completely delivered from the body of this death, and from all presence of sin.
Thanks Holly,so the inner man does love Him.I didn’t know that.I’m only just starting to learn about the two natures.I’ve only just learnt that I don’t have to obey the sin nature anymore.& that we beat sin by faith.Been learning Romans 6,7 & 8.I got a book from Duluth grace bible press about it called I’m saved,but still struggling with sin,written by David Rosker.That book opened my eyes.We have the Holy Spirit in us,we have to depend on Him.Jesus said without Him,we can do nothing,in John 15;5
Curtis, an interesting exercise with no commentary is to take the three chapters, copy and paste them into a document, pick one color for Israel, one for the Church (where it is definite that believers are spoken to or about), one color for the Gentiles or nations of the earth, where it is not apparent if it is mixed crowd or the nations being grafted in etc.)
Pretty interesting what you’ll see. Then certain phrases and passages that were related to Israel about their Messiah, (i.e. Isaiah 53), and even the verse “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;”
Note the corresponding cross reference: But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. Deut 30:14 (you’ll see other corresponding references in the same chapter.) That’s why I suggest people look at Deut 30 to see what is being said to Paul’s brethren after the flesh.
I don’t want to come to any conclusions for anyone, just to give you some material to consider studying. Looking at the passages about calling on the name of the Lord in the Old Testament is also a good study while you are reading those passages. It’s why I no longer use Romans 10 in witnessing, because of men who have taken these verses, and used them to me, we must submit fully to Him as Lord and Master over all (or He’s not our Lord at all – they say), or the part to confess, some have public confession, or confessing sins, and then calling upon His name (you have to do it outloud) and it goes on forever to complicate the simplicity that is in Him. Israel was not hearing, they were not believing, they were not going to be able to call upon His name, for they were being cut off for their unbelief.
I guess I probably should of simplified, I apologize, sometimes I might be too quick in writing.
A non-believer has no capacity to love God. Only one that belongs to Him and is known by Him can. Love grows over time in His Word and obedience to abide in Him. Some do not work on that and are out of fellowship with Him so don’t ‘feel the feeling’, but trust me, the inner man does love God whether he/she feels it in the flesh or not. There were periods of time I didn’t ‘feel’ like I loved someone, and it could be anger, severed fellowship, or just plain circumstances of life weighing my feelings and emotions down. But the fact remained, I did love them, I just did not feel it for that time.
I hope I am not confusing you any further 🙂
I meant to say, I don’t believe all Christians love God.
Thanks Holly for your explanation.I don’t think all Christians love Him.I don’t know exactly how loving God happens.Love is one of the fruits of the Spirit, maybe we have to yield to Him to love Him, as believers of course.
I have not thought of romans 10 like that , or thunk it and forgot . Them links of John Inc should be made a sticky somewhere
I started to respond on Romans 10, (lost it all) and it’s too late for me to attempt it again now. But I’ll say the beginning and middle and end, along with OT references, really tell me this chapter speaks TO Israel.
We see the prophecy being repeated of “whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”, seen and spoken to Israel in Joel 2, and seen and spoken to Israel in Acts 2. It addresses the Day of the Lord. We also can find a common terminology of ‘calling upon the Lord’ throughout the OT. Most times referencing a physical deliverance.
If you look back to Deut 30, you’ll see common passages to Romans 10:6 on to about 13. Calling upon Him is not seen in other passages speaking to righteousness/ or justification as is made clear in every single previous chapter of Romans, including 9.
Believing on Him is; the just have always lived by faith, but these Jews made their rest on the law. Look at the middle of the passage, I agree with John, looking at it from the natural conclusion would be to read it in order, but Israel had to be taken from the stumblingstone backwards to Isaiah’s report (vs 10:14-17 referencing Isaiah 53).
They did not obey the gospel, why? Because they did not believe Isaiah’s report. What is the gospel the Jews knew (it’s seen in Gen 12:3 and spoken of in Gal 3:9)
So lots of OT passages and prophecies and sayings, but too many to go into, and way smarter people than I have discussed this passage over and over, and not quite come to a conclusion. For me, when it’s not seen as more than a two-time mention, and both times where Israel is predominantly being addressed (Acts 2 and Rom 10) and always in the OT, then I have to look at the whole counsel of God and take it from that point on.
Confessing is an OT law (this law is seen in Numbers 5:7), some take this to mean confessing Him as Lord (submitting, confessing your sins etc.) but if so, then it would be again a work.
I agree with John and Jack that we are told over and over that we must believe, and if confessing or calling upon His name, was the way to be given eternal life, then it would be repeated as a term for eternal life over again.
Hope that helped add something.
Genevieve, I am so sorry, you said you were not sure what I was saying. I probably started my answer and got distracted by work or kids, and maybe did not post until several more were between us. You remind me I need to get in a better habit of posting what I am answering.
You said, ” My husband says you wouldn’t come to God to be saved if you didn’t love Him. In other words you can’t be saved if you don’t love Him.”
So I was answering your husband. You can’t love Him automatically, it happens after we are saved and as we get to know Him. We can marry a man that loved us first, and if we don’t spend time with this wonderful man, but run about in the world, and hang out with His enemies, we’re likely not going to get to love Him. It takes knowing Him, and also loving Him through being in fellowship with Him (the whole reason 1 John was written) I hope that makes better sense 🙂
As for as ‘ask Jesus into your heart’ for salvation, no, it doesn’t say it anywhere. It comes from twisting or mixing up the result of what happens when we believe on Christ and Him crucified for us. We receive Him (once we have believed-Jn 1:12) and He comes to dwell in our hearts by faith (Eph 3:17; Rom 8:9)
All because we believe upon Him…. what is true; Who He is and what He has done for us. Just because someone doesn’t believe a truth doesn’t make it true, but it does make them condemned. For those of us who believe, we are no longer condemned, because we are in Christ and He is our righteousness.
Those links were helpful John
Jan, excellent point. There are a couple of old posts, linked below, that might be useful for this discussion:
https://expreacherman.com/2012/04/18/john-macarthur-changes-his-lordship-salvation-message/#comment-20686
https://expreacherman.com/2013/01/05/lordship-salvation-authorsspeakers-francis-chan-and-david-platt-team-up-to-create-the-multiply-discipleship-movement/#comment-16412
More strongly, John, Romans 10:9 & 10:13 would be confusing, if it weren’t for 10:10, where a person believes with his/her heart unto righteousness and confesses with his/her mouth unto salvation, meaning that righteousness and salvation are different things and that this salvation in light of other verses stressing the importance of just believing on the Lord Jesus to attain righteousness and eternal life must be something else than salvation in the sense of eternal life.
Yet I’m still struggling to wrap my head around what this salvation pertains to, though I understand that it isn’t about being made righteous.
Genevieve, “saved” in Romans 10:13 does not mean to receive eternal salvation. It means to be delivered from life’s trials.
Look at 10:14. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?…”
Calling on Him comes after believing.
Believing comes after hearing.
Ask the pastor why Jesus forgot to mention confession of Christ, or asking to be saved, in John chapter 3. Ask him why Paul forgot to mention it in Acts 16:31. Ask him if someone could be saved if they simply believe the gospel. Ask him if someone could be saved if Romans 10 was missing from their Bible.
Well he actually said and John.Same thing.He used Romans 10:13.How do I explain Romans 10:13 to him?
Genevieve, I think you’ve made a good assessment. The word “plus” is always a red flag.
The church wasn’t good.They said you have to believe that Jesus died on the cross for you & rose again plus call upon Jesus to save you.
Genevieve, regarding the church in Brisbane – ask them how a Christian can know she has eternal life.
I thought it was a work Jack.
A church in Brisbane asked me if I want to come to their church.What should I ask them to make sure they are sound.I won’t be going until I know they are safe.Its a baptist church.& Holly I’m not sure what you are saying,I’m sorry.Because I know loving him isn’t automatic.
Genevieve,.
You are right — it would be a man-devised work. There is NO scripture in God’s Word that suggests that anyone “ask Jesus into your heart” for salvation (or anything else for that matter). That phrase is totally fabricated by man and man’s false religion.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Genevieve, there is no doubt that we love because He first loved us. But that happens after we are saved. Otherwise, then your husband would have to believe God made him saved, or made him unsaved. The reason I say this is that the Bible says the one that loves God is KNOWN by Him (1 Cor 8:3). The only ones He KNOWS is His sheep.
Genevieve, I would put it like this: if someone believes, asking isn’t necessary. If someone doesn’t believe, asking is not a substitute.
Asking Jesus into your heart seems like a work to me.Even when it is accompanied by the gospel.I think its not just believing & I wouldnt trust it.I dont believe in it.
I myself like to ask probing questions or statements that reminds me of THE Gospel as well.
How are you saved ?
only 1 answer = Grace Eph 2:8-9
How do you know you are saved (eternal life) and is it a present possession ?
only 1 answer = God said so Tit 1:2
if led to bring conviction (not condemnation) on both sides
Tell them ” I thank God for you , God used you in my life to show me how self righteously Ignorant I am of THE Gospel”
or
” you are more righteous then I will ever be ”
in witnessing opertunites some times I use
” Good people don’t go to heaven ” Rom 3:12
answer= you must be perfect
” In the beginning GOD ”
Gen 1:1 unless you are willing to accept “believe” the first 4 words of the bible , Please spare yourself and not read anymore.
” do you know Jesus paid for sin” Rom 5:8
Amen Curtis. I did just share John 10:28-29 with my nephew a couple days before this article came up.
Genevieve, your husband is wrong. What he says is not what the Word of God says.
You said: “Also when somebody says something to me that I don’t believe, do I have to say something even though I can’t explain it?”
My response: No. Gather your thoughts when you are able to. Write them down. Prepare yourself for another chance later.
Brad4Grace,
I was glad to meet you all at the conference. See you all tomorrow at church.
John and Jack,
I love you brothers no matter what.
My husband says you wouldn’t come to God to be saved if you didn’t love Him.In other words you can’t be saved if you don’t love Him.Also when somebody says something to me that I don’t believe, do I have to say something even though I can’t explain it? I usually just say I don’t know everything, but I do know God says we are saved by just believing the gospel.Sometimes I don’t say anything, because I don’t want to start an argument.I don’t know hardly anything when it comes to scripture, well I can’t explain much of it.I’m only beginning & I’ve still got to learn myself.I could direct my husband to this website, so he can ask you questions, but he thinks I’m in a cult now, because I say that we are saved by just believing the gospel.
Yeah, I can and should be thankful for God allowing the allies to free the Netherlands and Germany in WW II, in the end allowing me and others to put our trust in our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.
Just keep giving them Heaven by the blood of Jesus . Keep pointing them to the finished work of Jesus
You might try this one too, our friend Jim Floyd wrote this.
The Foundation of Eternal Security – A Breath of Fresh Air
http://standforthefaith.wordpress.com/2013/09/07/the-foundation-of-eternal-security-a-breath-of-fresh-air/
Jon, sometimes they will not hear and it is sure difficult with family to not get upset and emotional. Sometimes I pray others will reach them, and think on Jesus saying a prophet is without honor in His own country. Not saying I’m a prophet, but we speak the Word of God and family and close friends sometimes stop their ears to us. I’m not sure I always do the best, sure takes me praying a lot, preparing, and I find with family sometimes writing it out is the best, gives me time to consider my words in prayer.
Here is an article, not well done, I copied and pasted and eventually made a post. The points were made first, when one guy came in and argued eternal security and said to preach that you are eternally secure is heresy. So over time in answering people, I save the posts under one heading and email it to myself, and/or if I see good ones by others, and sometimes a post is born.
I think it’s the other way around (the heresy), as the promise of salvation, was an unconditional one, seen in Gen 3:15 and Gen 12:3 (the gospel preached according to Gal 3:8) and God swore by Himself and there is no greater. The promise was made TO the Seed who is Jesus Christ, so the promise of salvation cannot be by anything whatsoever that we do before, during, or after, as Jesus has purified us forever by His sacrifice (Heb 10:10,14). We are His, we will not walk away (oh we might look like it, but we are still His child).
No works of the law can justify us (Gal 2:16), or unjustify us…none of our works disannul God’s promise of salvation which was made before the law ever came into effect.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. Gal 3:15-17
You might find some verses here you could use.
http://redeemingmoments.com/2014/04/25/1610/
No verses were given at the time. Just the statement that OSAS was hogwash and that the Bible taught you can lose salvation. I asked what bible is that? He hemmed and hawed for a bit and then said it was the KIng James Bible. I just shook my head. The conversation was quickly changed to mundane things and I felt I had to leave. I found out a couple days later my wife talked to my niece about it and I believe she referenced 2 Timothy 11-13. I would guess they use NIV Bibles sooner than KJV though. I guess I’m just not mature enough to calmly and lovingly try to convince them otherwise.
Jon and John, I agree, it’s hard, and frustrating, and hurtful too, yet I think the experiences prepare us each time with more of an answer. It usually spurs me to really study in context the ones they have brought up and ask them can we look at the Word? Some will say no. I continue to as John mentioned, will preach the gospel, if works is their issue upon entry, I’ll preach those passages, and if they don’t understand the gift includes ETERNAL life, I ask them to define eternal. If they don’t understand what happens the moment we believe, “given” to Christ, “translated into His Kingdom”, “sealed by His Spirit”, “passed from darkness into light”, “death unto life”, “born again”, etc. I’ll usually ask, can we be unsealed? So does the Father take us back out of the Kingdom? Did He not know in advance all of our sins? Can He un-perfect us forever? Will he rip the Spirit out of our hearts? What all happens in the process of losing your salvation?
I do agree that arguing doesn’t work, but our best weapon in answering is the Sword of the Spirit, wielded with our entire armor on.
Jon, when it’s family (or anyone else) who acknowledge Christ and profess to be believers, but who are not clear on the gospel, I pray for them. It is hard to know whether people who deny eternal security are Christians who have become confused, or if they have never trusted in Christ alone.
Either way, they need to hear the gospel message, presented clearly. Pray for open doors to talk to them about it. One-on-one discussions may be less threatening to them. If conversations devolve into arguments, they won’t be productive.
It’s very frustrating to me when someone seems to understand Free Grace and believe it. And a few months later declares that Once Saved Always Saved is “hogwash”. Because his “church” says you can lose your salvation. My brother in law said this at a recent family gathering. My wife and I disagreed but the other 2 couples agreed with this position and all attend that “church”. I ended up walking out with my wife and going home. I just can’t stand that teaching and it makes me very upset. I don’t know how to continue getting together with these people when they believe and promote a LIE. What do you do when it is family?
Brad4Grace. Funny how many cannot believe all the components of the gospel or shown in the book of John, (His Deity by the many titles and “I Am” statements, His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter coming…. If you give them 1 Cor 15, as a declaration of the gospel, the one they all preached, witnessed, believed, received, were saved by and stood in. The one the Scriptures prophesied of. They still will insist there must be more. The Gospel is definitely offensive to those who mind the things of men, their eyes are set upon themselves, their works and fruit inspecting others.
Bad company can corrupt good morals too, it’s important to know who we listen to.
Brad, welcome and thanks for your comment!
We are grateful for all of the churches and their pastors who take a clear stand for the gospel.
Our friend Jim Floyd attended the Grace Conference this year and posted live audio and video. See link below:
http://standforthefaith.wordpress.com/2014/07/20/grace-conference-live-audio-and-video/
The Gospel offends people, because other than believing, man has no part to contribute. Man always wants to (by nature) do something to get something. That is why the commitment gospel or the Lordship Gospel or the Arminian Gospel is so popular.
I am grateful for the churches that stand against the false gospels like Dr Scudder’s Church, Duluth Bible Church, Dr Cucuzza’s church and others.
Not to puff up men at all, but I am grateful that these churches set a good example of how not to get swept in the popular theology of the day.
By the way, if you ever get a chance to go to the Grace Conference, go! You will be blessed.
Bruce!
I too am very glad to ‘see you’ and miss you. I know how busy you are, send me some of your Bible studies! Praying for you too and thanking you also for your own straightforward stand for the truth of the gospel!
Curtis Amen! Thank you for the ultimate freedom!
Johninnc Thank you also for your words, helpful to me considering my departure from others who I didn’t know some of the leaders were Arminiam. As much as I desire to see both sides saved, it has to be by people uniformly preaching the truth, agreed together in the truth of the gospel, not agreeing to go against a ’cause’ with those who believe you can lose your salvation, in order to just speak against Calvinism. Because we’ll be speaking two different things.
Preaching Arminius vs. the Word to Calvinists I cannot see how that isn’t compromise. Joining with those who do not believe eternal life isn’t eternal, to somehow lead people into truth, is being a party to the compromise of te truth, and I thank you for your confirmation.
Mary, I just left a couple groups, where the topic was basically about Calvinism. I feel we need to tell them how we feel and why if we can, and I agree, if they have never believed eternal life is the gift they are given, along with the sealing of the Holy Spirit, how can they ever have understood. Eternal life is the gospel, we have been reconciled with the Father, Delivered us from the power of darkness and by His will, translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (once we believed). That means we too are a gift to His Son. We belong to Him. It’s a past deal that we have been given to His Son and will never be lost (again the moment we believed).
Calvinists often use this to hold up predestination/election to salvation, but I say it of course speaks to the second birth which occurs when we believe the truth that is presented to us many ways. We are without excuse. God preached the Gospel in the Garden, and He preached it to Abraham (Gal 3:8; Gen 12:3) and although they didn’t know all the details yet, they believed looking forward on God’s promise of salvation.
(Their argument for ‘salvation’ being totally of God; of course read 12 also>) which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13
Notice how again, this is after nonbelievers have been told what they MUST do, (believe on Him) and notice three times it addresses, we were Given to Him, and…
1) He will not lose the one He was given
2) He WILL raise us up again
3) We have ETERNAL life.
And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:39-40
They need to be told that eternal life is a gift which will not be taken back (as I can see you understand)…. In Him 🙂
Bruce,
Thanks for dropping by and commenting. We appreciate your comments.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Bruce, it’s great to hear from you! I have been praying for you, your family, and your ministry.
Hi John,
Thanks for that wonderful quotation from John 10 on eternal life. It reminds us that eternal life is indeed ETERNAL! I quote that passage often in my teaching of the Bible. Thanks to you, Jack, Holly and many others for your steadfast stance for the simple clear gospel presentation of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).
Blessings!
Bruce
Mary and Jack, I agree that eternal security is central to the gospel message. And, I agree that there can be no compromise on any issue that even remotely undermines the integrity of the gospel.
Mary,
Great to see you again/
You are right when you wrote, “i don’t think its a matter anymore of we can agree to disagree, i think its a matter of salvation.”
I hear that “agree to disagree” phrase frequently in Seminary talk. The compromisers of the Gospel of Grace would like everyone to “agree to disagree.” That fits their attempt to destroy the message of God’s Grace.
Great point!!
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Thank You the reminder of the blood Veterans have spilled For our Freedom and the Lives others have placed in harms way to keep freedom secured.
Thank You Veterans and Active
Thank You Jesus for the ultimate Freedom
Thank you very much for sharing John, wow, to have seen that, how poignant.
There is no Saviour but the great I am, who is God, who is kyrios, God, the Messiah. Jesus is Christ (Messiah). Jesus is God.
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Saviour. Is 43:11
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Thanks for your post. I am faced constantly with people, unfortunately mainly pentecostals who claim they can lose their salvation. The doctrine of eternal security is so under attack. People fail to understand the clear gospel of grace.They claim like the Calvanists that they believe in eternal life, but then you must perservere or if u apostasise then u lose it. Tragic.
I have to question their salvation, i don’t think its a matter anymore of we can agree to disagree i think its a matter of salvation.
God Bless,
Keep up the good work on this brilliant site, we have a god given haven here for all who get IT. Not many do, i guess thats why jesus said the way is narrow.
And John,
We do continue to pray for your Dad, who is definitely a hero of WW2. Thank him for us.
As a 15 year old kid, I remember vividly D-Day and later the excitement of V-E day — which was tempered by the knowledge that some friends never made it back home and others with damaged bodies as paraplegics — Heroes all!! We owe them a debt of thanks!!
I would like to have been a believer in Jesus at that time — what a great time it would have been to share Christ (just as it is today).
In Jesus eternally, Jack
John,
Thanks for that excellent, clear explanation of the eternal and unbreakable promise of the Lord Jesus Christ to anyone who believes in Him for salvation.
We pray multitudes will read this and pass from eternal death to eternal life in Jesus.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack