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2/17 Reading Portions: Genesis 50; Luke 3; Job 16-17; 1 Corinthians 4
Job 17:9
“Yet the righteous holds to his way...”
PRESERVATION
There are several proofs upholding the doctrine of the “preservation of the saints” who are in Christ, with a multitude of supporting texts. The very nature of our regeneration in newness of life attests to it. The promise of eternal life, not temporary life, bears it out. The Lord’s heavenly intercessions for us indicate it is so. The covenant of grace, itself, as expressed in the thirty-second chapter of Jeremiah confirms that the believer in Christ holds to his way. The sovereignty of God seals this most excellent theology as well. The mercies of God, who loved us and drew us in the first place, are a vibrant testimony of our journey being brought to completion in Christ Jesus (Phil 1:6). Yet the affirming truth I would like us to consider most thoughtfully today is that of the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself in our loving response to persevere in the faith. In salvation, we have a personal and precious relationship with the Lord Jesus. Paul reminds the young pastor, Timothy,
But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 2 Timothy 1:12
It is more than believing Him, or believing in Him, which are both contained within the thought; yet much grander is knowing Him. We know our Lord. We know Christ’s heart and His faithfulness. We know His power and His atoning work through His crucifixion. Each time we open the Word; it becomes more and more a matter of seeing Him from the Scriptures rather than searching for Him in the Scriptures. Because we know Christ Jesus, you and I can be secure and assured of our salvation in Him. As Christ’s righteousness never failed, the strength of His nail-pierced hand will hold us on our way; that is, keep us in Him, because He is
“…the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” John 14:6
Hallelujah! and amen!
The saints in Christ will persevere,
For this, God’s Word proclaims;
Jesus, whom we love and revere
Removes eternal shame.