Scripture Perseverance

 

God causes us to persevere!

 

Welcome again to my blog. I am delighted you have taken the time to read it. 

 

Teleios and other authors have shown Christian belief 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 Thessalonians 1:5-7.

 

Here is Verse 5:

1 Thessalonians 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.

 

Based on the list of biblical reasons noted in our prior blog about our eternal security, this week we are examining biblical statements regarding our ‘perseverance’ to our everlasting home with God. 

 

Perseverance is vital because it indicates that God alone, and not us, causes us to endure to our salvation. Even if we wanted to change our position in Christ, or if we make mistakes, He causes us to persist to eternal life. Thanks be to God - it's all based on Him not us! Here are some key verses:

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform ituntil the day of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 1:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Further, Hebrews 10:13-18 reminds us there is no other sacrifice for those who have been saved in Christ Jesus. That is it! We are forgiven! Deal with it! Certainly, what great promises we have in scripture.

To review, we have covered 3 important scriptural proofs of our eternal security: 

·       Direct statements (e.g., 1 Peter 1:4-5).

·       Unchangeable positions in Christ as noted in our recent blogs especially: our spiritual baptism, justification, sealing by the Spirit and adoption.

·       Perseverance – as noted above.

 

Well, that’s it for today. Thank you for visiting. Join me next week when we consider God’s statements to those who do not believe in eternal security.

 

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 and are intended for visitors 18 and older. 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.

Believe

 

The Bible says we are secure, believe it!

 

Welcome again to my blog. I am delighted you have taken the time to read it. 

 

Teleios and other authors have shown Christian beliefs 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 Thessalonians 1:5-7. Here is the passage again! 

 

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

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. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

 

Let’s look at verse 5 and our precious security of salvation. Based on the list of biblical reasons noted last week regarding our eternal security, this week we are examining direct statements describing our everlasting home with God. 

 

Direct statements to our eternal security 

 

Verses in the Bible that directly indicate a believer, who has trusted in Jesus Christ by faith for his salvation, is eternally secure, are the following:

 

1 Peter 1:4-5

 

In these verses Peter comforts his readers that despite their troubles on earth they have an eternal home.

1 Peter 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

Romans 8:29-35

 

This marvelous passage indicates that nothing can separate us from God's love and no one can lay a charge against us. In contrast, it is God alone who brings us to salvation and He will complete His work in us.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

 

John 10:27-30

 

Although Christ had not yet died for our sins, these verses indicate that those who are given to God are also given to Christ, and no one can take them out of either of their hands.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one. 

 

1 John 5:10-13

 

This passage, at the end of this marvelous epistle, indicates that those who believe in Christ for their salvation have eternal life. They can have confidence in this because of the changes shown in their life noted in chapters 2-4.

1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 

1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

Well that is our blog for today. Thank you for joining me.  Indeed, we possess wonderful direct promises in scripture as believers that we are eternally secure by our faith in Christ. We will continue with this series detailing this great promise next week by discussing perseverance.

 

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 and are intended for visitors 18 and older. 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.

Eternal Security

 

Yes, we are secure!

 

Welcome again to my blog. I am delighted you have taken the time to read it. 

 

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 Thessalonians 1:5-7. Here is the passage again! 

 

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

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. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

 

The verses are neatly outlined by the following:

·       Becoming a Christian - Verse 5

·       Security of salvation - Verse 5

·       Accepting God's Word in daily life - Verse 6

·       Becoming imitators of Paul - Verse 6

·       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 5 levels. 

1.     Direct statements of our security (1 Peter 1:4-5, Romans 8:28-39).

2.     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. 

3.     God causing us to persevere (2 Timothy 1:12, Philippians 1:6).

4.     God's negative reaction to those who don't believe in eternal security (Hebrews 6:1-8, 10:26-39).

5.     We are individually chosen to belief before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5,11, Romans 8:29-30, John 6:44, 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 us. 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. 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 1 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 (Hebrews 5:11, 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.

 

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 and are intended for visitors 18 and older. 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.

Salvation

 

Where do we begin?

 

Welcome to my blog. I am delighted you have taken the time to visit.

 

This week starts a series on the Christian life and the wonderful promises of scripture and the benefits to us. Teleios and other authors have shown Christian belief can improve personal wellbeing. This is great! How do we get it?

 

Well, the answer is neatly outlined in scripture in 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7. Let us spend this series of blogs following and expanding on this great passage, the basis of the Christian life, and good wellbeing. Here is the passage! 

 

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

 

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. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

 

In these verses the Apostle Paul reflects warmly on the acceptance of the gospel by the Thessalonians that he presented to them and their progression through the Christian life. The verses are neatly outlined by the following:

·       Becoming a Christian - Verse 5

·       Security of salvation - Verse 5

·       Accepting God's Word in daily life - Verse 6

·       Becoming imitators of Paul - Verse 6

·       Becoming examples to others - Verse 7

 

Let us start today with salvation. This is the obvious starting point for the Christian life as Christ said to enter through the narrow gate to life and to avoid the wide gate to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). To those who proceed through this narrow gate all the benefits of Christianity are available, but one must first enter! How do we do this?

 

The basis of salvation is to understand (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10, and Romans 3:21-26):

·       Man sinned.

·       God is just, requiring a punishment for sin.

·       But out of love God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who by dying on the cross, provided forgiveness of sins in taking man’s deserved punishment.

·       Therefore, by faith alone in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and belief in His resurrection, man can gain eternal life.

 

This forgiveness is by faith alone. No work is required. When you believe, confess it to somebody else so you're able to articulate it. A person generally does not really know something until they can tell another person.

 

So, there you have it; it’s that simple! If you have not believed in Christ as your Savior, please do so now. Please tell us about it and we will be happy, if you desire, to help you in your beginning journey as a Christian.

 

What is the next step? Simply to believe it! We will talk about this more next week.

 

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 and are intended for visitors 18 and older. 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.