Last week we started a series on the Christian
life and the wonderful promises of Scripture and their benefits to us. Teleios
and other authors have shown Christian belief actually can improve personal
wellbeing! Therefore, we are examining the Christian life in more detail to see
if we can uncover some of the potential underlying causes of the improved
wellbeing. As a biblical basis for the Christian life we are using 1 Thessalonians1:5-7.
Here again is the passage!
1Th 1:5 For our gospel came not unto
you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
1Th 1:6 And ye became followers of us,
and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the
Holy Ghost:
1Th 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to
all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia (KJV).
The verses are neatly outlined by the following:
Ø
Becoming a Christian (Verse 5)
Ø
Security of salvation (Verse 5)
Ø
Accepting God's Word in daily life (Verse 6)
Ø
Becoming imitators of Paul (Verse 6)
Ø
Becoming examples to others (Verse 7)
Last week we discussed our glorious salvation.
This week let us discuss the certainty of our salvation.
This is one of the great comforting promises of Scripture. It is our hope. Yet
the topic remains controversial even among Christians.
What are the evidences of our security? I believe
they are on five levels.
Ø
Direct statements of our security (1 Peter 1:4-5,
Romans 8:28-39)
Ø
New unchangeable positions as a believer which we
discussed recently (throughout a series of 6 blogs) and include our:
justification, adoption, sealing by the Spirit, and spiritual baptism.
Ø
God causing us to persevere (2 Timothy 1:12,
Philippians 1:6)
Ø
God's negative reaction to those who don't
believe in eternal security (Hebrews 6:1-8, 10:26-39)
Ø
We are individually chosen to belief before the
foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5, 1:11, Romans 8:29-30, John 6:44, 6:65)
Why is eternal security so important for our wellbeing?
It is the helmet of our salvation (Ephesians 6:15)
and our great hope! Life is full of joy yet sometimes disappoints with missed
goals, crushed expectations, death of loved ones and ultimately even ourselves.
The knowledge of our salvation and a better future life beyond helps us through
every step of our lives to maintain joy despite difficult times. Knowledge of
our salvation provides good wellbeing as shown by our foundation, Teleios.1
It's difficult to have hope in the future and good wellbeing if you don’t even know
you are truly saved.
Eternal security also allows us to better serve God
as it becomes difficult to be a joyful servant when we lack confidence that we will
ever really be with God. Such doubt can sap our energy and turn our thoughts from
serving God to our own selves. We can only serve fully when we have a confident
secure foundation (Colossians 1: 9-14).
Obviously, our salvation, but also our security,
are necessary for moving on to maturity in the Christian life as noted in I
Thessalonians 1. We may not feel we deserve salvation (actually we do not - it
is God’s gift through Christ) and it may fight against our nature and
upbringing, yet as Christians we must live by the facts of Scripture and not
our emotions. We are saved eternally, get over it, and move on to maturity (Hebrews5:11,12 – Hebrews 6:1-19).
Over the next few weeks let us discuss the points
of our security as noted above. The information
is just too exciting! We then will move along to discuss the Christian lifestyle.
We thank God for such wisdom in Scripture in His promises to us.
WC Stewart
1.
MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart JA,
Stewart WC. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life
measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-5.
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