Powerpoint - Feb. 10, 2011
Christ's assured calling on your life
February 10, 2011
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
1 John 2:19
There's a debate that's been going on in theological circles for centuries on whether or not a person who seems to come to Christ and then abandons the faith is still saved. Now there are basically three positions that people can take on this issue:
1. The person is still saved despite the fact that he abandoned the faith.
2. The person loses his salvation when he abandons his faith.
3. The person who abandons his faith was never truly saved from the beginning.
It's clear that those who are in Christ will never be snatched out of his hand (John 10:28), so that eliminates number 2. And the apostle John, speaking of those who abandoned the faith in today's passage, clearly eliminates number 1. So it seems the best answer is that those who are truly saved will persevere in their faith to the end.
But there's a deeper question here: What does it mean to have a genuine faith?
The Bible is clear that you can be certain of your salvation. In fact, three chapters later, John states that he's writing "that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13, emphasis mine).
Jesus preaches that "every healthy tree bears good fruit" (Matthew 7:17). So when others look at you, do they see the fruit of good works that would indicate that you are spiritually healthy? Examine yourself constantly and "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10) by living out the grace God has put inside you!
GOD'S GRACE IN YOU WILL PRODUCE GOOD FRUIT. SO PERSEVERE IN THE FAITH BY LIVING OUT HIS GRACE EACH DAY!
For more from PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham, please visit www.jackgraham.org
and
Listen to Dr. Jack Graham's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Jack Graham and Powerpoint Ministries Video Online.
OUR GIFT TO YOU!
I want to send you a special gift that will help make getting into God's Word easy for you or someone you care about.
It's a copy of the ESV Share the Good News New Testament, and I'd like to send it to you as my way of saying thanks for your online donation to PowerPoint Ministries.
This version of the New Testament includes reading plans and topical guides for locating key verses and passages, and it's perfect for people who are new to the Bible or those who like to find a quick Bible reference.
So request a copy of the ESV Share the Good News New Testament when you give your online gift today.
Thank you for giving to help PowerPoint continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ! --Jack Graham
