Security of Salvation: Part 1

 

Welcome back to my blog and thank you for visiting. I wrote not long ago about our security of salvation. However, few topics are as important as the knowledge of our eternal security it's time then to examine it again. God has given us such great promises. Read and enjoy! 

 

The Foundation of Our Faith

 

Born again Christians have entered the gateway to a relationship with God by faith in Christ’s forgiveness for our sins by His death and resurrection. Through Christ’s gracious sacrifice, God sees us without fault and completely accepted by Him (Ephesians 2:7-9; Romans 3:21-25; Romans 10:9).

 

Our Relationship with God is Secure!

 

What is next step after salvation? It is vital to realize that as a Christian we are SECURE in our relationship with God. Why is this critical? We cannot grow in our faith and serve others well if we lack confidence that God accepts us. Otherwise, we will be distracted from serving God and others by wondering if God will reject us for some sin.

 

The Bible makes a great example in Ephesians 5:20-33. In this wonderful passage the Apostle Paul likens the relationship between Christ and the church (individual believers) to marriage. In the same way a married couple will find it difficult to grow in their love, intimacy and confidence in each other if they fear their partner will reject them, so a Christian will find it nearly impossible to grow in the love of God if they fear His repudiation.

 

Likewise, our loving God, who made and understands us, knows we cannot grow in His love without the confidence that He will not reject us. Wow, what a great promise!

 

So then, how can we know from scripture we are secure?

 

Direct statements - God states directly that we are secure (1 Peter 1:3-5; John 10:27-31; Romans 8:28-39).

 

Assurances - After we become a Christian by faith alone, we are not simply called a Christian, there is so much more. Our precious salvation provides wonderful, irreversible morphologic and legal assurances to our standing before God. No scripture indicates these assurances of salvation can ever be reversed returning us to our original corrupt and sinful selves. These assurances are linked to the security of our salvation which is discussed in another summary in the Teleios ‘Know the Bible’ section (under ‘Our great salvation’). Below is a short summary of our standing before God after we come to salvation by faith.

 

• Legally innocent – We are declared ‘not guilty’; as in a court of law, this cannot be overturned (Romans 3:21-25)!

 

• In God’s family – We are adopted as God’s children (Ephesians 1:5).

 

• Possession – We are sealed by the Holy Spirit to salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:5).

 

• Spiritual baptism – We are baptized a new person by the Holy Spirit, being made like Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:2-9)!

 

• Perseverance – God Himself causes us to persevere through our life unto salvation, not by our own works and resources (2 Timothy 1:12; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

 

• Chosen – God chose us to salvation before the world began (Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:28-20).

 

Wow, God is gracious to us! Because of our faith in Christ we are a new person who cannot be unmade, with legally unchangeable promises that guarantee our salvation. This comfort and confidence allow us to invest ourselves in knowing and serving God. We should not be burdened with guilt and worry over the status of God’s acceptance of us.

 

The certainty of our salvation is one of the great comforting promises of Scripture. It is our hope! 

 

Thank you for joining me today. In the following blogs we will look at more detail of these assurances of salvation so you can gain a complete and joyful understanding of what God has done for us by grace. I look forward to seeing you then.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email     info@teleiosresearch.com 

Website http://teleiosresearch.com/

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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Return of Christ - Eschatology: Part 3

Welcome to my blog. Thank you for visiting.   

  

Christ’s return is our great hope of salvation and a glorious eternity with God. Consequently, the study of eschatology (end times) is critical to understanding our salvation and is a great blessing (Revelation 1:3). Although the exact nature of Christ 2 nd  coming often is a controversial topic among theologians, it is important to base our beliefs in scripture.  

  

Let us return to discussing the exciting events leading to the second coming of Christ. Following the rapture, which we discussed in the last blog, begins the time of the tribulation.  

 

 Return of Christ (Revelation 22:17; Zechariah 14:1-11) – Our Savior will return, in glory, to establish His rule upon the

earth (see blow please). His return will:   

o Occur at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19)   

o Happen rapidly like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10)   

o Be accompanied by celestial signs (2 Peter 3:10-12; Matthew 24:29)   

o Bring Christ to the earth (as opposed to the rapture which will be in the clouds)   

o Be glorious (Revelation 19)   

o Gather His elect (Colossians 3:4, Matthew 24:31)   

o Provide salvation to those whose names are in the book of life. Those whose names are not found will not live during the reign of Christ.   

  

 Kingdom of Christ - 1000-year reign (Revelation 20:1-7; Jeremiah 23,31-33; Ezekiel 36-38; Isaiah 59-66) – This period

is also known as the kingdom of God or heaven, eternal Kingdom, or thousand-year reign. The kingdom will have the

following characteristics:   

o 1,000 years when Christ will rule over the earth as King from Jerusalem   

o A time of peace and prosperity upon the earth   

o Satan is bound (Revelation 20:2,5)   

o Christ will rule justly all nations   

o Fulfil the promise of the Kingdom to the Jews and their eternal rest   

o Include both Jews and gentiles.   

  

 Eternity (Revelation 20-21) – This is the period after the 1,000-year reign when Satan, the antichrist and unbelievers will be freed to rebel again, only to be defeated. God will judge unbelievers after this battle. Satan and the antichrist will be bound forever in hell. Then a new glorious heaven and new Jerusalem will come down from above. Believers will live eternally with God fulfilling their great hope and His promise.   

   

All praise, honor and glory are due God and our Savior Jesus Christ for such a great salvation given as a free gift through our faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.   

  

Join me next time as we continue discussing major themes of scripture.  

  

Further reading   

1. Ryrie CC. Basic theology: A popular systematic guide to understanding biblical truth. Moody Publishers, 1999.   

2. Chafer LS. Systematic Theology. Abridged Volume II. Kregel Publications, 1947.   

 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email     info@teleiosresearch.com

Website http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

The Return of Christ – Eschatology: Part 2

   

Welcome to my blog. Thank you for visiting. 

Christ’s return is our great hope of salvation and a glorious eternity with God. Consequently, the study of eschatology (end times) is critical to understanding our salvation and is a great blessing (Revelation 1:3). Although the exact nature of Christ return is a controversial topic among both theologians, it is important to base our beliefs in scripture.

Let us return to discussing the exciting events leading to the second coming of Christ. Following the rapture, which we discussed in the last blog, begins the time of the tribulation.

 

The tribulation (2 Thessalonians 1:5-2:12; Revelation chapters 4-18: Matthew 24:4-28; Daniel 9:27; Isaiah 24) 

 

This is a seven-year period of God’s wrath upon the world to bring final judgment before the second coming of Christ, which occurs at the end of tribulation. It is a time of terrible suffering not yet experienced prior to that time (Matthew 24:21). Yet God will allow graciously the gospel to go forward to the world during this time still giving unbelievers an opportunity to repent (Matthew 24:14). 

 

The tribulation is covered in several important Bible passages but can be challenging to interpret because each contains different important events which can be difficult to summarize in one timeline. However, these passages have different emphases which are important to recognize. Consequently, we will mention each separately: 
 

• Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) – This is the instruction about the end times Christ gave to the disciples just before His death. It includes worldwide events but has a particularly Jewish slant. 

 

• First half (Matthew 24:4-14) – The seven-year tribulation begins with the first 3½ years marked by war, rumors of war, hatred, persecution, horrifying natural events and false prophets. We know from other scripture that the tribulation begins with the rapture of church age believers. However, this event is not mentioned in the Olivet Discourse probably because the church was not yet known when our Savior gave this instruction. 

 

• Abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15-31) – The abomination of desolation occurs at the midpoint of the tribulation (thus beginning the 2nd 3½ year period) when the antichrist stops the temple worship leaving the altar desolate as predicted in the Old Testament (Daniel 9:27). Importantly, at this time Christ states those in Jerusalem should immediately flee to the mountains, as well as look and be prepared for His return after an additional 3½ years. 

 

• Revelation 5-18 -The tribulation described in the Book of Revelation provides generally a more detailed worldwide explanation regarding the nations than the Olivet Discourse. Several themes appear to run concurrently in the revelation and are chronological but how they relate to each other exactly in time can be difficult to determine: 

 

• Worldwide judgments (chapters 5-16) – These are the seal, bowl and trumpet judgments that appear to occur sequentially throughout the tribulation but with an unknown timing. There are seven judgments under each. They describe generally natural disasters, war and plagues as judgment upon the earth. 

 

• Sealing of the 144,000 (chapter 7) – These are Jewish believers from the 12 tribes of Israel who are sealed by God during the tribulation. They will go forth to the whole world to testify of God and most or all will be martyred. 

 

• The two witnesses (chapter 11) – These are two witnesses who preach to the world during the tribulation. They are martyred in Jerusalem and are resurrected after 3 days to the consternation of the world. 

• Killing the two witnesses (Revelation 11:7) – The antichrist is first mentioned in the revelation as ascending out of the pit and destroying the two witnesses causing great joy on the (unbelieving) earth. 

 

• The spiritual war (chapter 12) – This passage details the efforts of Satan to destroy the Christ child and Israel to prevent salvation and his own destruction. 

 

• The antichrist (Revelation 13; The Beast (Man of lawlessness or sin, son of perdition) – His program will be empowered by Satan and include: 

 

• Personal worship (chapter 13) – He will display miracles causing people to follow and worship him. A part of this program will be the abomination of desolation in the Jewish temple at the midpoint of the tribulation (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9:27). 

 

• Control commerce (chapter 13) – He will do this in part by the ‘mark of the beast’ which will not allow people to participate in commerce unless they have submitted to him. 

 

• Attempted world domination – His effort to control the world will help lead to the battle of Armageddon (chapter 16). 

 

• Babylon (chapter 17 and 18) – The organized world system, which originated from the Tower of Babel, will be destroyed. This includes the commercial interests and may include a religious component as well. Babylon’s downfall represents the end of the long battle between God and the principles of the kingdom of the world as represented by ancient Babylon. 

 

Thanks be to God and our Savior Jesus Christ for such a great salvation given as a free gift through our faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.  

Thanks for visiting my blog. Join me next time as we discuss our blessed hope, the return of Christ and eternity. 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email     info@teleiosresearch.com 

Website http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch 

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Return of Christ – Eschatology: Part 1

 Welcome to my blog. Thank you for visiting.

Christ’s return is our great hope of salvation and initiates spending a glorious eternity with God. Consequently, the study of eschatology (end times) is critical to understanding our salvation and is a great blessing (Revelation 1:3). Let's take the next few blogs to consider the return of Christ in detail and what scripture says. 

 

Although the exact nature of Christ’s return is a controversial topic among theologians, it is important to base our beliefs in scripture, which will be the basis of our discussion. 

 

Scripture prophecy 

 

End times biblical literature in the New Testament includes major prophetic passages in:

 

• Revelation

• Chapters 4-18 – The tribulation

• Chapters 19-20 -The second coming of Christ

• Chapters 21-22 – Eternity

• Matthew 24 and 25 - The “Olivet discourse”, discusses the tribulation, 2nd coming and judgment, leaning to a Jewish perspective

• 1 Corinthians 15:51ff – The rapture

• 1 Thessalonians 4 – The rapture

• 1 Thessalonians 5 – Second coming

• 2 Thessalonians 1 – Tribulation

• 2 Thessalonians 2 – Antichrist

 

There is also extensive prophetic literature in the Old Testament detailing the first and second comings of Christ, Christ’s kingdom reign and prophecies already fulfilled in the Old Testament itself. Many prophecies related to Christ are dealt with in our chapter the Plan of God. The kingdom reign of Christ is discussed here. Prophecies fulfilled in the Old Testament itself are beyond the scope of this Resource Center. Please see helpful references below for further reading.

 

Although opinions vary, proper interpretation of scripture should be a normal, literal meaning that should consider the style of writing in the original text. For instance, prophecy literature should allow symbols to be symbols, as intended by the original author, to represent actual events, not to be spiritualized or understood verbatim.

 

Our discussion is based on a normal literal interpretation of scripture. Other traditional alternative beliefs to the end times exist but are not included in this chapter because of the lack of substantiation in scripture. Several references are included below for your convenience for deeper reading.

 

Key definitions 

 

• The term ‘end times’ is derived from scripture ‘last days’. This term and its derivatives typically mean the time of the church as well as Christ’s second return and ensuing eternity. It can indicate, however, only Christ’s return and beyond which is the case for our study in this chapter.

• Eschatology – This is the study of end times taken from the Greek word ‘last’ (ἔσχατος, eschatos).

 

End times events in order

 

• The rapture (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18; Revelation 4:1; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58) – This important event includes the following:

• It occurs at a time known only by God

• A trumpet, shout and announcement shall be heard and Christ will return in the clouds

• Christ will take dead and living Christians out of the world to be with Him for eternity

• Those taken our bodies will be changed to be incorruptible forever

• The rapture initiates the series of events leading to Christ’s return and begins specifically the tribulation (see below).

• Although beliefs differ, scripture indicates the church is taken out of the world before the tribulation because it is promised to Christians that they will not know God’s wrath (Revelation 3:10; 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9) which is the purpose of the tribulation. The church is not mentioned in tribulation passages.

 

Well, that starts our discussion of end times and takes us through the rapture allows those living on earth to begin their experience with eternity, avoiding the wrath to come.

 

Thanks be to God for his wonderful promises of eternal life through our faith alone in Jesus Christ. Join us next time as we continue this wonderful journey of our overview of the end times.

 

Books to expand on this topic:

Messiah in the Old Testament, The: Kaiser Jr., Walter C.: 9780310200307: Amazon.com: Books 

Systematic Theology (4 Volume Set): Chafer, Lewis Sperry: 9780825423406: Amazon.com: Books

Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth: Ryrie, Charles C.: 9780802427342: Amazon.com: Books

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email     info@teleiosresearch.com 

Website http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch 

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.