Last Sunday’s sermon was looking at Hebrews 6 – a somewhat complicated passage to navigate, and looking at possible interpretations, one of which is that is was written to believers, and taught that they could lose their salvation.

Of course we utterly reject this interpretation on the grounds that it is not only not supported by other scripture, but it does in fact conflict with other clear scripture that reveals one of the most amazing provisions of God to His children—Eternal life means eternal life. It will never end. No matter what.

It begins with this, eternal means eternal, not potentially eternal.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

If Hebrews 6 meant that a Christian could lose their salvation, John 3:16 is one very empty promise.

Jesus Himself assures us.

John 6:39 – This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me, I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

Note, it does not say “of most that He has given me” or “of some that He has given Me.” No, He says “that of ALL that He has given Me, I lose NOTHING, but raise it up on the last day.” We are safe in His will.

Romans 8:29, 30 — For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren, and these whom He predestined, He also called, and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Every single one who believes is foreknown and is also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son. And every single one is called, no one is missed. And every single one is justified, no one is left in their sin. And every single one is glorified, none is left behind.

I love that it says not just that we are predestined, but that we are predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son! On what possible basis would God ever reject us when every one of us has been predetermined to become like His Son? He would also have to reject His own Son. Is that possible? Of course not! If He won’t reject Jesus, He won’t reject us who will assuredly become conformed to the image of His Son.

He goes on. Look at this . . .

Romans 8:31-39 — What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³Just as it is written,

“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If God has predestined us to become conformed to the image of His Son, what can be said? If God is for us, who can be against? And God is the one who justifies us! If He didn’t spare His own Son, but gave Him over for us, why in the world would He withhold anything else from us? He not only doesn’t do so, but He freely, generously, abundantly gives us all things! Who will charge us? What good would it do? It will fall upon the ears of our merciful Lord, who, as our High Priest in Heaven, will intercede FOR us. So nothing, absolutely nothing, will separate us from the love of Christ, no circumstance of any kind. And no being or beings of any kind can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Our hope is sure and secure.

Paul, after lamenting his own sin as a Christian, and bemoaning the frustration of being more than a split personality, but a dual personality—one, the inner man who always agrees with the law of God; the other, the flesh who always agrees with the law of sin. He cries out: who will set me free from this body of sin?! Thanks be to God, in Christ Jesus our Lord! And look, look what comes next…

Therefore, there is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus!

Philippians 1:6 says it this way: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

1. It is not our work to finish, it is His work.
2. We can’t finish His work, but He can. More importantly, He will.
3. We cannot help but end up being completely transformed in Christ, because He Himself will do it.

This is just a sampling of the amazing promises we have—that we are saved forever, and it cannot be lost, taken, or in any way diminished. God will not allow it.

So how should we respond?

With thankfulness to God. Seeking to please Him. Giving our life to Him. Drawing near to Him, no matter what, because He always cares for us and accepts us, and is ready to help us. Trusting Him.

Consider sharing how this truth has impacted your relationship with Jesus, and others, or express your response to it. Feel free to ask questions as well.