Security of the Believer

DAILY BIBLE READING:

1 Samuel 8:1–9:27 
John 6:22-42 
Psalm 106:32-48 
Proverbs 14:34-35

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

John 6:39 (CSB) "This is the will of him who sent me: that I should lose none of those he has given me but should raise them up on the last day."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Sometimes, it's called "security of the believer." Sometimes, "once saved, always saved."

Essentially, it is the belief rooted in Scripture that assures us that those who come to Jesus for salvation are guaranteed an eternal home in Heaven. They can never lose that standing and it can never be taken from them.

The Verse for Today is a powerful statement that undergirds this belief. We are told that it is "the will of him (God) who sent (Jesus)." Further, we are told that Jesus was clear on His responsibility: "that (he) should lose none of those (God) has given to (him) but should raise them up on the last day."

So, it is God's will and Jesus' responsibility that all who are truly saved will end up in Heaven. That not one single person will "lose" their salvation.

This belief is often misunderstood. Some take it to mean that they can get saved and then live like the world. They can claim to be a follower of Jesus but then live like they want to live. And they rest in the fact that they are on their way to Heaven and nothing can take it from them.

Yet, when we read the Bible, we realize that when someone is truly saved, God begins a work in them that he will complete (Philippians 1:6). He is about the business of enabling them to change their behavior, making them more like Jesus (Ephesians 2:10). God is joining them in working in their hearts and actions to demonstrate the fact that they have been truly saved (Philippians 2:12-13).

I could go on and on but the point is that someone who is truly saved will undergo a life change. It will affect their inner attitudes, motives and thoughts. It will affect their outer words and actions. Sure, they will sin periodically but they will, as a general rule, be becoming more like Jesus. It is only to the truly saved that the "security of the believer" applies.

Unfortunately, those who were never truly saved (but thought they were) will rely upon the hope that they are headed to Heaven. It is to them that the terrifying words will be uttered by our Lord:

Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

So, be sure that you are truly saved. Make certain that you are trusting in Jesus to make you right in God's eyes. If this is true of you and there is validation in your life to show that you have been truly born again, then rest in the fact that God's will and Jesus' responsibility guarantee that you will one day close your eyes in death and open them in your eternal reward.