Grace Gospel 101 (Part 5): Eternal Security

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 5): Eternal Security

Start with Part 1 of the series here.

In a previous post we learned the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins. The last lesson taught us that salvation cannot be gained through any merit on our part. We must trust in Christ and His death on the cross for our sins. Now we come to two vitally important questions about salvation. Is it possible to know that you have salvation? After believing the gospel, is it possible to lose your salvation?

Assurance of Salvation

Will you go to heaven when you die? Having asked many people this question, I have received answers such as: "I hope so"; "I think so"; "I don't know"; and "No one can know until he dies." Let us consider this important question: Is it possible to know that you have salvation? Some would say that it is a sin of presumption to say that you know that you are saved. They insist that no one can know this until his life ends and he comes before God. What does the Bible say?

"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" (1 John 5:13).

Did you notice the word "know" in 1 John 5:13? It is not the sin of presumption to say that you know that you are saved. God's Word says that we can know that we have eternal life. The Scriptures say, "he that believeth not God hath made him a liar" (1 John 5:10). If the word of God says that we can know that we have eternal life, then we must not contradict God as though He was a liar.

Previously, we studied how to be saved. If you believe what God has said about His Son, Jesus Christ, you can know that you are saved. It is very dangerous to say that you hope you will go to heaven, or you think you will go to heaven. You must know that your sins are forgiven and that you have a sure future in heaven. After you die, it is too late! The opportunity to be saved is gone. Now is the time to make sure that you have eternal life!

Peace with God

"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" (Romans 5:1-2).

Chapters 1-4 of Romans teach that all men are sinners and are under condemnation. They, also, tell how to be justified by faith in Christ's death on the cross. Chapter five begins with the words "therefore being justified by faith." Thus, chapter five is addressing those who have already been saved (or justified) by faith. Verse 1 continues with the words "we have." This chapter is now going to tell us what we have---what blessings are ours with the gift of salvation.

The first blessing mentioned is "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Peace is the absence of anger and strife. This means that God is not angry with us. It is important to note that Romans 5 does not say "If you obey God, then you have peace with Him" or "If you don't lose your faith, then you have peace with Him." Every person who believes the gospel in Romans chapters 1-4 has peace with God. This is a permanent possession for everyone who has been justified by faith. Therefore, God will no longer be angry with you! You have peace with God! You will never experience the wrath of God.

A Standing in Grace

Secondly, we have "access by faith into this grace wherein we stand." We have a permanent standing in the grace of God. Our positional (or heavenly) standing with God is one in which we are imputed the righteousness of Christ. Our sin nature has been nailed to the cross and through the death of Christ we have been freed from the penalty of sin. Though we have this right standing with God through Christ, it does not mean we can live loosely. We have a responsibility to be edified by the Word of God and allow the Word to change our heart and renew our mind. We are to grow up in Christ and allow God to use us, as living sacrifices, to bring reconciliation to others through our obedience to Him.

Gode’s grace means that we have a permanent position of fellowship with Jesus Christ. "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (I Corinthians 1:9). Notice that this fellowship is not based on whether we are faithful, but instead states that "God is faithful."

A Hope of Glory

Thirdly, we "rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 says that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." In the past, the glory of God was something for us to fear. If we had died in our sin, the glory of God would have sent us to an eternal punishment in hell. However, we no longer fear God's glory. Now we rejoice as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God through all eternity. The word "hope" in the Bible means that we expectantly look forward to something that is sure. Everyone who is justified by faith will participate in the glory of God after departing this world.