THE GOSPEL IS NOT BY WORKS - Part 2
29) “Once Saved Always Saved”
INTRODUCTION
Hello Dear brethren – it’s so good to see you all again.
I have been away recently and unable to speak for these past two Thursday’s,
But I’m really looking forward to preaching the Word to you all once more today!
Our time together studying the Bible each week...
Is apart of a greater “Gospel to The Nations Ministry”...
And something I am pleased to know - many of you are now faithfully apart of.
Our weekly focus together as Brethren remains unchanged,
And that is to open the Word of God to correctly discern...
“...those things most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1).
Of course, we can say many things about our beliefs as Christians,
But one thing we should all know for certain is that – We believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
RECAP
Now we have already had many lessons on the Gospel so far,
But since it has been a few weeks - I want us to just take a moment...
To recap on what we have previously learnt.
And this is time well spent in my opinion,
Because it will help us lay a good foundation for what is to follow in our lesson today.
On that note, let’s turn back to Ephesians 2:8-9.
Here the Word of our Lord declares this about the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Now there are a number of really important truths that God reveals here about the Gospel.
And one of the most important truths is revealed in verse 9.
This is something we must all be absolutely clear on,
Because the true Gospel of Jesus Christ is - Not of works
This is what the Bible teaches and this is what we believe!
The Gospel truth and getting saved through Jesus Christ – has nothing to do with your works.
Of course, “Works” are things that are done by us.
“Works” are physical actions.
And what the Bible teaches is that our good works - is not what the Gospel is about.
In other words, that is not how you get saved.
You do not work towards your salvation.
You do not work to earn it...
You don’t work to keep it...
Because Salvation of the Gospel is all by grace...through faith... being a gift of God,
It is Not of works!
Let me be really clear in saying this right now,
You can’t work your way into heaven – so there’s no point in any of us trying.
Jesus said – I am the way, the truth and the life...
no man cometh to the Father, but by me!!! (John 14:6)
There is only one way into heaven...
There is only one Gospel truth...
And there is only one promise of eternal life – and it is all through Jesus Christ!!!
That’s why Acts 4:12 declares: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
You see, genuine Salvation can only come through Jesus Christ...
It has never been, nor every will be - about you or your good deeds.
Ephesians 2:9 tells us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is...
Not of works - lest any man should boast!
And Brethren - this is what we believe. Amen!
1) SAVED BY GRACE
Now, if our salvation is not received according to anything we do...
Or according to our own good works...
Then how can it be received at all? Look again to what we are told in verse 8:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves [again it’s not about your good works]: it is the gift of God:
Three more important truths are revealed about the Gospel here,
And the first is that we are saved by “grace”!
The term Grace itself speaks of: “the loving acceptance” and “unmerited favour of God”.
In other words, God’s “Grace” is not something earned or worked for...
But rather something given in love - and which is completely undeserved.
We are only saved according to God’s Grace the Scriptures declare.
We are saved by Grace! This is the first truth verse 8 reveals...
The second truth revealed is that we are saved through Faith.
2) SAVED THROUGH FAITH
For by grace are ye saved through faith;
That term Faith is the Greek word písteos
And it simply means: “to believe”
What do you need to do in order to be saved? – The Bible says you need to believe!
You need to place your faith, hope and trust in Jesus Christ as your Saviour,
Because it is only according to His grace - that anyone can be saved at all.
What do the Scriptures say?
...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, - Acts 16:31.
Our challenge then in order to be saved - is simply to believe in Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let’s not forget about John chapter 3 which tells us that:
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life [how are you saved – it’s through faith in Christ, by believing].
17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved [this is why Jesus came].
18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned [that person is saved]: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-18).
Placing your faith, hope and trust in Jesus Christ...
And believing in the Gospel message is all that is required in order to be saved.
You get saved by accepting Christ as your Savior!
After all, Jesus is the only one that can save you.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
How clear can God make it?
The Gospel is not about you.
Getting saved is not about the things you do...
Because it has only ever been about Jesus Christ – and what He has done for you!
Salvation is not by works the Scriptures declare,
Because Salvation is freely given by grace and accepted through faith.
This is what the Bible teaches and this is what we believe.
3) SAVED BECAUSE OF GOD’s GIFT
Notice how verse 8 ends because again we are reassured of what the Gospel is ...it is the gift of God:
This is the third great truth verse 8 reveals.
Salvation through Jesus Christ is something God wants to give you.
Eternal life and a home in Heaven forever is His gift to all mankind.
And let’s not forget what the true essence of what a gift is:
A “gift” is something bought and paid for by another.
A “gift” is something freely offered...and freely received,
It’s not worked for, or in any way earned – it’s just something freely given.
So brethren this is what the Bible teaches...
And this is what we believe – Chapter and Verse.
Salvation is by Grace... received through faith...because it is a Gift of God.
And none of this has anything to do at all – with your good works!
Amen – Thank you Lord.
INTRODUCTION – “ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED”
Now knowing and understanding all of this,
And seeing first hand what the Bible teaches about the true Gospel of Jesus Christ,
I want to teach and reveal yet another important truth about the Gospel today.
And this message is truly marvellous to know and understand.
Now listen carefully – because the Bible teaches us that:
“Once you are saved – you are always saved”.
In other words, once you receive Christ as your Saviour...
Nothing can ever change the promise of His salvation or rob you of your home in heaven.
And do you know why – it’s because Christ is the one saving you.
You do not save yourself – Jesus is the one and only one that saves,
And because the promise of your salvation rests firm in Him...
“Once you are saved – you are always saved” – Amen!
This is what the Bible teaches – and brethren this is what we believe!
So lets now explore this wonderful truth together.
Please turn with me now to 1 John 2:25:
And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.
SALVATION IS PROMISED OF GOD
The first thing the Bible teaches us about the salvation of God - is that it is a promise.
And not just any promise – but a promise that “He”, the Lord God almighty,
Has promised to all who believe.
And as I will show you in a moment – a distinct part of this divine promise of eternal life,
Is complete and total assurance in Christ that – “once you are saved - you are always saved!”
Now before continuing, we need to first come to an understanding of what a Promise is.
A promise is “a pledge”, “solemn oath” or “commitment to do something”.
Most of us can appreciate this basic notion although
It is important that we don’t fail to recognise the staggering differences that exist
Between the promises of man - and the promises of God.
Friends, family, husbands and wives – even our own Government
Frequently make all kinds of “promises” – many of which are not upheld and followed through with.
The fact is, whenever man makes a promise...
There is no real assurance or guarantee that those commitments will be followed through with.
The truth is, man’s promises are frequently broken.
Have you ever known someone to break a promise?
I’m sure we all have experienced this – at some point right?
You see, the problem we have is that we are all sinners,
And because of our sinful nature and sinful tendencies...
Sometimes the things we say and the things we do – are not the same.
Turn with me to Psalms 146:3. Notice what God says here about mankind – He says:
3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
The words, the oaths, the promised help of others - is not what you ought to be trusting in.
And there is a good reason for that – because in man there is no help.
You can’t really trust in man or the promises He makes.
For this reason, the Scriptures teach us - that as Children of God
We ought to avoid making promises. Turn James 5:12.
With respect to making promises – notice again what the Bible says:
But above all things, my brethren, swear not [don’t make promises], neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Here God teaches us to keep things simple.
He says avoid making promises and taking up oaths...
Because eventually there is going to be some that you cannot keep...
And that will bring condemnation upon you.
Instead, we are taught that if you say “yes” to something – do it.
And that if you say “no” to something – stand by that decision.
Don’t make promises that you can’t keep.
Of course, the key thing to note in all of this...
Is that there is a difference between man’s promises and the promises of God.
Because man is a sinner at heart – you cannot place your complete faith, hope and trust in Him,
But with God you can!
What God promises – God delivers.
Everything that God says – He does. There is no broken promises with Him.
And remember just what God promises to us?
This is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 Jn 2:25)
That’s a promise – and because this is God’s promise to us...
“Once you are Saved – you are always saved!”
GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES
Does God keep His promises? – Yes!
In fact, there are many, many examples in the Scriptures of God doing exactly that.
Turn with me to 1 Kings 8:56
Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses His servant.
God delivers on His promises!
He delivers every time, on every word - this is absolutely guaranteed.
... there hath not failed one word of all His good promise – we are told. Amen!
Psalms 89:34 declares this of God’s Promise:
My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
Unlike with man - Everything God says - He does.
We can also add to this Hebrews 10:23 which simply says:
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering [in other words be stable and steadfast in what you believe – why?]; (for He is faithful that promised;)
God is always faithful to His promises - remember that!
And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 Jn 2:25)
This is what I want you to know and understand today,
Because it is God that promises you this – “Once you are saved – you are always saved”.
SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER
As saved Children of God – we should have absolutely surety in the salvation that God has promised.
There is no reason to doubt it – not if you understand who God is, and what the Scriptures teach.
If you are ever going to have any kind of personal security...
Or heart felt assurance in the Gospel,
You need to first have confidence in what God Promises.
And make no mistake, He promises you eternal life and a home in heaven for ever!
And remember, that Promise is not of works!
You are only saved by God’s Grace...through Faith in Jesus Christ....
Because this is God’s divine Gift to you.
That’s it – that’s what the Gospel is.
This is the wonderful promise of God to all who believe.
The problem is, people often get hung up on the things they do...
When it comes to being saved.
Last week, we talked a great deal about how you can’t work to earn your salvation,
But do you know what – you can’t work in order to keep it either.
There is a great misunderstanding among many people about this today.
And please understand this - If the Gospel is not about our good works...
Then just as you can’t work to earn your salvation...
Neither can you work in order to keep your salvation.
Some people read verses like Ephesians 2:8-9...
And they accept that receiving salvation is by grace, through faith, because it is a gift of God,
But then – they believe that they must somehow work in order to keep it.
In other words – they don’t feel that the perfect redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross
Is enough to save them completely from their sins – and they once again get caught up in
The act of trying to save themselves.
They think they need to prove themselves worthy of salvation by faithfully serving God,
Because in the case of any serious sinful transgressions – their salvation could be lost.
Brethren this is absolutely wrong!
Not only is that belief unscriptural – but once again it makes salvation all about your good works.
Remember what the Scriptures teach us:
This is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 Jn 2:25)
Now brethren - God knows how to keep His promises.
“Once you are Saved – you are always saved”...
Because He is the one that saves you – you can’t save yourself!
Friends, please Know and understand this,
That although some people try to work for their own salvation...
And others try to work in order to keep it – both ideas are wrong!
God promises eternal life and a home in heaven to all that believe,
And because that promise is of God – it cannot be broken!
Before we finish this message – let me show you what I mean.
DOUBLE ASSURANCE & TRIPPLE ASSURANCE
Turn with me to John 10:28-30. Here Jesus is speaking and notice what He says in verse 28:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Here Jesus makes a promise to all who chose to believe in Him,
And notice how His promise has two parts:
Firstly, He says: I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
We have heard this promise before haven’t we.
We have talked about it even today and heard it expressed openly in 1 John 2:25.
And Jesus says this promise that I give – it’s forever…
And the one who receives the promise will never perish!
That’s the first part to the promise, but notice also the second part to this promise
In that Jesus says: neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
I’ve got you Jesus says!
Once you get saved – I take you firmly in my hand,
And nothing is going to break my grip.
No man will rob you of your salvation – because nothing can ever be said or done
That will change my promise to you!
Do you know what Jesus is in affect saying here?
He says: “Once your saved – you will always be saved”
This is my promise to you – Jesus says.
Now this should be enough for anyone…
And yet Jesus is still not done reassuring us of His promise.
In fact, He provides even greater assurance regarding our salvation in verses 29-30 saying:
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
Notice here firstly the picture we are given here.
Firstly Jesus says when you place your faith in me to be your personal saviour – I will save you!
I will take you in my hand – and no one will ever be able to snatch you away...
“Once saved - always saved”.
Then He says that the Heavenly Father – which is greater than all...
Will also wrap His hand around you – and no one can rob you away from Him.
In this we are given double assurance and wonderful security in our salvation,
Not because of who we are or what we have done – but because of what God promises to do for us.
Verse 30 is also interesting because Jesus outlines to us that [He] and my Father are one.
This is of course reference not just to the unified plan of salvation
But also to the very triune nature of God.
God is a Triune being – He is one God who exists and reveals Himself to us in three parts,
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit…
Each part although being unique in its role and function,
All work in perfect harmony together…
To accomplish God’s plan for the salvation of all mankind.
And yes – even the Holy Spirit has a distinct part to play…
As were born again of the spirit as is taught by Jesus to Nicodemus in John chapter 3,
And how the Holy Spirt seals and keeps us unto the day of redemption.
This is talked about in Ephesians 1:13 and Ephesians 4:30
So brethren, if you ever feel unsure about your salvation – you don’t need to be,
Because the Bible teaches that we can all take great assurance…
In God’s Promise of eternal life.
In fact, all that makes up God, and even His own triune nature…
Is focused on working together to keep this Promise of salvation in our lives.
As we believe in the Gospel and accept Christ as our Saviour…
Jesus takes us in His hand…and then the Father wraps His hand around us also to keep us,
And then the Holy Spirit acts as a blessed mark and seal upon our hearts…
Guaranteeing us eternal life and a home in heaven forever.
CONCLUSION
So then brethren - what do we believe about the Gospel?
Well we know that it is not by works – but rather by the Promise of God.
And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 Jn 2:25)
Now Brethren because we know salvation to be a promise,
And because we know that unlike mankind – God always keeps His promises,
We can have great assurance in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In fact, because we don’t work to earn salvation...
And because we cannot work to keep our salvation,
We know that “Once we are saved – we will always be saved”
Because it is Jesus that has in fact made the promise to save us!
Brethren this is what we believe!
Thank you for you attention today – join us next week as we continue to explore the Gospel message
