SALVATION-129 II. WE ARE NOT GUARANTEED SALVATION; WE HOPE FOR SALVATION Heb. 3:6 - we are Christs house if we hold fast our confidence and pride in our hope (not our certainty). Heb. 6:11 - we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope (not certainty) until the end. Heb. 6:18 - we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope (not the certainty) that is set before us. Heb. 6:19 - we have a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone before us. Heb. 7:19 - on the other hand, a better hope (not certainty) is introduced, through which we draw near to God. Heb. 10:23 - let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Heb. 11:1 - now faith is the assurance of things hoped for (not guaranteed), the conviction of things not seen (heaven). Heb. 12:1 – let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Heb. 12:15 – see to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness spring up and cause trouble, and by it many become defiled. Furthermore we read in James 1:12 - we must endure trial and withstand the test in order to receive the crown of life. It is not guaranteed. 1 Peter 1:3 - by His mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:13 - set your hope (not assurance) fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:21 - through Him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 2:2 - like newborn babes, long for spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation. How can you grow up to something you already possess? 1 Peter 3:15 - always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you. Moreover; in the letter of John; 1 John 3:3 - and everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure. These verses teach us that we must cooperate with God’s grace and persevere to the end to be saved. We can and do have a moral certitude of salvation if we persevere in faith, hope and love.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 19:53:50 +0000