Secure in His Hands: The Assurance of Eternal Life John 10:28
Introduction:
Today, we will explore the profound assurance that comes from knowing we are held securely in the hands of Jesus. We will delve into some of the most profound and reassuring passages in Scripture, which highlight the depth of God's love, the gift of salvation, and the assurance of His everlasting care and commitment to us. Let's explore and be transformed by the truth
Our focal verse is John 10:28. This promise from our Lord gives us comfort, strength, and hope. Let's delve into the richness of this promise and see how it transforms our lives.
John 10:28 (NLT): "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me."
Point 1: The Gift of Eternal Life
Jesus declares, "I give them eternal life." This gift is not something we earn; it is given by grace through faith. Eternal life is not merely a future hope but a present reality that begins the moment we believe in Jesus. This life is abundant, filled with the presence and power of God.
John 3:16 (NLT): "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known verse in the Bible, often referred to as the "Gospel in a nutshell." It encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith: God's immense love for humanity, demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. This love is unconditional and all-encompassing.
The term "world" in this context includes every human being. God’s love is not limited by race, nationality, or status. His gift—His one and only Son—signifies the uniqueness and preciousness of the sacrifice. The promise that "everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" offers a universal invitation to salvation.
Billy Graham once said, "God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.'"
This verse reminds us that our faith is built on the foundation of God's love, a love so great that it compels us to share this message of hope with others.
Romans 6:23 (NLT): "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23 contrasts the outcomes of sin and the gift of God. While sin leads to death, God offers eternal life through Jesus Christ as a free gift.
The term "wages of sin" implies something earned or deserved. In contrast, "the free gift of God" emphasizes grace—something given without merit. Eternal life is made available through Christ, highlighting that salvation is a gift we receive by faith, not something we can earn.
Imagine being in debt with no possible way to pay it off. Then, someone steps in and clears your debt entirely, not asking for anything in return. This is what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
Charles Spurgeon said, "Morality may keep you out of jail, but it takes the blood of Jesus Christ to keep you out of hell."
God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus is the ultimate expression of His grace, calling us to accept this gift with gratitude and humility.
Imagine receiving a priceless heirloom from a loved one. Its value is not in its monetary worth but in the love and relationship it represents. Similarly, eternal life is a priceless gift given by our Heavenly Father through His Son, reflecting His love and desire for a relationship with us.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "Faith in Christ is not just a single act but a continuous abiding in Him. Eternal life is not merely a future promise but a present possession for those who believe."
Point 2: The Promise of Security
Jesus promises, "They will never perish." This assurance means that those who belong to Jesus are eternally secure. The security of our salvation rests not in our ability to hold on to God but in His ability to hold on to us. We are safe in His hands, protected from ultimate harm and eternal separation from God.
Romans 8:38-39 (NLT):
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
These verses offer an unshakeable assurance of God's love. Paul lists a series of extremes to emphasize that nothing in existence can separate us from the love of God.
Paul's exhaustive list covers all possible threats—spiritual, physical, and emotional. The phrase "nothing in all creation" underscores the completeness of this assurance. God’s love, revealed in Christ Jesus, is a constant and powerful force that we can rely on, no matter our circumstances.
Think of a parent’s unwavering love for their child. No matter what happens, that love remains steadfast. Similarly, but even more powerfully, God's love for us is unwavering and eternal.
Corrie ten Boom said, "There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still."
We are reminded that in every situation, God's love is with us, providing comfort, strength, and hope.
Consider a shepherd guarding his flock. No predator can snatch a sheep from the shepherd’s watchful care. In the same way, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, vigilantly guards us, ensuring our safety and security.
A.W. Tozer wrote, "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be necessary to his happiness. Or if he must see them go, one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight."
Point 3: The Assurance of Christ’s Grip
Jesus emphatically states, "No one can snatch them away from me." The Greek word used here for "snatch" conveys a forceful, violent action. Jesus assures us that no power—human or demonic—can forcibly remove us from His protective grip. Our security in Christ is absolute because it depends on His strength, not ours.
Jude 1:24 (NLT): "Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault."
Philippians 1:6 (NLT): "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
These verses together offer a powerful assurance of God’s commitment to us. He not only initiates our salvation but also ensures its completion.
Jude 1:24 emphasizes God’s ability to preserve us and present us faultless before His presence. Philippians 1:6 assures us that the good work God started in us will be brought to completion. This highlights God’s faithfulness and the security we have in Him.
Consider a master sculptor who begins with a rough block of marble. He chips away at it with patience and precision until a beautiful statue emerges. Similarly, God is shaping us into His masterpiece, and He will see the work through to completion.
A.W. Tozer wrote, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." When we trust in His ability to keep and perfect us, it transforms how we live our lives.
Think of a parent holding their child's hand while crossing a busy street. The child’s security doesn’t depend on their own strength but on the firm grip of the parent. Similarly, our security in salvation is anchored in Christ’s firm and unwavering grip on us.
John MacArthur stated, "If you could lose your salvation, you would. But the good news is, you can't, because your salvation is not in your hands but in God’s."
Conclusion and Application:
These verses collectively assure us of God's immense love, the gift of salvation, and His unwavering commitment to us. They remind us that:
Through Christ we have the gift of eternal life (John 10:28).
We are deeply loved by God (John 3:16).
Salvation is a free gift of grace (Romans 6:23).
Nothing can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).
God will keep us and complete His work in us (Jude 1:24, Philippians 1:6).
As we reflect on John 10:28, let us embrace the profound truths of the gift of eternal life, the promise of security, and the assurance of Christ’s grip. These truths are not just theological concepts; they are life-transforming realities that provide us with unwavering confidence and peace.
May these truths transform our hearts and lives, filling us with assurance, peace, and a deeper love for our Saviour.
Call to Action:
Trust in God's Love: Embrace the truth that you are loved beyond measure. Let this love be the foundation of your faith and life.
Receive His Gift: If you haven’t already, accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Live in the joy and freedom that comes from being saved by grace.
Rest in His Assurance: Whenever doubts or fears arise, remember that nothing can separate you from God's love. Trust in His ability to keep and complete His work in you.
Rejoice in Your Salvation: Take time daily to thank God for the gift of eternal life. Reflect on the immense love that secured your salvation and live in gratitude and joy.
Trust in God’s Security: Whenever you face doubts or fears, remind yourself of the promise that you are secure in Jesus’ hands. Let this assurance give you peace and confidence in your daily walk.
Share the Good News: There are many around us who are lost and in need of the security that only Jesus can provide. Share the hope and assurance of salvation with others, inviting them to experience the safety found in Christ.
May we all rest in the assurance that we are held securely in the hands of Jesus, now and forever. Amen.
