Great Doctrines Lesson 6

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15

King James AV1611

Great Doctrines of The Bible by Dr. James Modlish

Blessed Assurance
(Rom. 8:15-39; Jn. 10:27-29; 1 Jn. 5:10-14))

Intro: We believe that such only, are real believers (saved), and they stay believers; that their attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

There are those who teach that no one can know whether they are saved until they die. Others teach you can know you are saved, but that you are not eternally saved. That , of course, is a contradiction. To be saved means to be "safe", and if a person could be saved one day and lost the next, he would not be "safe" at all.

We will consider two thoughts in our lesson today:

I. Can A Person Have The Present Assurance of Salvation?

[1]. Bible salvation could be nothing but a known fact. Every picture of salvation would teach us that. The sinner is pictured in the Bible as being dead, and when saved made alive. Could a dead person be raised to life and not know it? Could a prodigal son in rage and starvation be clothed and fed and not know it?

[2]. The Bible gives three definite witnesses whereby we may know we are saved children of God:

A. The witness of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:26).

B. Love of the brethren.
C. The Word of God which cannot be broken (1 Jn. 5:13)

The word "know" is a favorite one with John. He makes sure use of it ten times in the book of First John. We know that our sins are forgiven (3:15); that we have passed from death unto life (3:14); that we are of the Truth (3:19); that He is in us (4:13); that we have eternal life (5:13); that He answers prayer (5:13); that we have a new nature (5:18); that we shall be like Him (3:2). Glorious knowledge. Paul, the great apostle said, "I know whom I have believed."

A little orphan girl, happy in the knowledge of Christ her Saviour, was asked how she knew that she was saved, said "He says it, and that is enough for me." Is it enough for you?

II. Can A Person Have The Present Assurance Of Eternal Salvation?

When I speak of eternal salvation, I mean, if saved, you are for eternity. A person is not saved today and lost tomorrow. If so he doesn't have eternal life, but one day of life.

[1]. The saved person has been born of God (1 Jn. 1:13; 3:8). No where does the Bible speak of being born the third time.

[2]. When we become sons of God we are adopted into the family of God (Eph. 1:4-5).

[3]. All children of God are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17).

[4]. The saved person is kept by the power of God through faith (1 Pet. 1:4-5).

[5]. The truly saved person is secure because his hope is within the veil, the priestly work of Christ (Heb. 6:19).

[6]. The believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13).

[7]. The saved are kept in the hands of the Father and the Son (Jn. 10). Thus the believer is just as secure as the Lord is strong. Since He is Almighty, the saved person is absolutely secure. Hence, we know that all who are really saved are saved forever. Are you resting in the Power of God?

An old Scotch lady lay dying. Her minister, wishing to try her faith, said, "Janet, what would you say if, after all He has done for you, God should let you perish?" She replied: "Even as He likes, if He does, He will lose more than I will, for I would lose my soul, but He would lose his honor, for His Word would be broken."

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