Forever His

<p>So why a book about “Eternal Security”?  Aren’t there plenty one might ask or is this another Calvinism vs. Armenian book?  My answer comes both as a pastor and hopefully a balanced Biblicist opposed to both Calvinism and Armenianism extremes. </p><p>In fact both sides in years gone by have referred to the issue as “Assurance of Salvation.”  For the Calvinist assurance is reached by rising to a level of spirituality. One then recognizes that you are preserved by the grace provisions of the Lord’s enablement apart from your works.  However your works must prove it.  This of course is part of their view of predestination and regeneration.  For the Armenian one is also preserved by grace and some human efforts which one could sin or backslide enough and lose. This then is the evidence of unbelief or fallen grace.</p><p>As a pastor the following can be seen by those who struggle with the concept of eternal security or full assurance.  First there is a level of joy and peace never fully realized.  Second there is the insecure life with a level of constant fear or guilt.  It is like a child on a bike being chased by an angry dog.  You are always looking over your shoulder to see if some sin failure or imperfection is going to catch you.  You must keep peddling harder.  Finally there is the unconscious doubt that surfaces.  The “am I good enough for God; am I doing enough for God; am I pleasing God enough?”  Oh the emptiness and misunderstanding of His unmovable love which escapes the doubter!</p><p>The issue of being Forever Forgiven Forever Secure “Forever His” is paramount to “<em>growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ</em>” 2 Peter 3:18. It is much deeper than accepting a propositional theological truth concerning one’s salvation.  It is more than being a separated (sanctified) believer.  Your personal eternal security is the groundwork for a relationship with Christ our husband that is the wellspring of an overflowing abundant life.  It becomes the joy of liberation in Christ. </p><p>So let us consider the why and the benefits of being “Forever His”.</p><p> </p>