Can I lose my salvation? • John 10
By Becky Brown
NO!!! The “risk takers” from our past six lessons proved that God’s got us, no matter what happens. Each of these six addresses eternal security. In our next two lessons, our understanding of this assurance is critical. Our question is: Can I lose my salvation?
Noah was blameless in his day. God used Noah to keep His covenant with Adam. Through that line, God promised to bring forth One who would crush the head of the serpent. The flood destroyed every creature with breath except Noah’s family. The messianic line remained unbroken. God spared Noah.
Joshua had every reason to be discouraged and feel unable and even unworthy to stand in the shoes of Moses as leader of Israel. God spoke to Joshua, set him on his feet and gave him orders to meditate on the Word of God day and night. Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous and watch in faith as God accomplished His plan for His people. God filled Joshua.
Rahab came to faith in the Lord of the Israelite nation. She expressed that faith by hiding the two spies sent into Jericho by Joshua. She acted on her faith and her whole family was saved when Jericho was destroyed. Rahab would become an ancestor of King David and Jesus the Messiah. God accepted Rahab.
David, the “shepherd boy” who replaced Saul as King of Israel, had no doubt Goliath the giant would fall. David knew the God of Israel was going to give him the victory. Shunning the armor of Saul and selecting one smooth stone, the sling did the work. God took aim at the enemies of the people of God. God gave David victory.
John the Baptizer put Jesus under the water in the River Jordan, not because Jesus was a repentant sinner, but because Jesus asked him to do it. God vocally blessed Jesus that day. The Holy Spirit gave approval with His presence. Jesus modeled baptism for all future believers. Jesus gave His sinless, perfect life on the cross for us. He rested in the tomb on the Sabbath. On the first day of the week, this close relative of John the Baptizer rose from that grave. There is no greater power than resurrection power. John drew his resurrection picture with…water colors! God prepared JohnTheBee as the Fore-runner of Jesus.
Stephen became the first martyr of the early church. He was fearless in the face of the religious leaders who were out for blood…Stephen’s blood! They would stone Stephen to death after he pointed out their hypocrisy and responsibility in the crucifixion of Jesus. Stephen arrived fully alive in the throne room of God as Jesus stood to welcome him there. God received Stephen.
Our great wonderful God has been working out our salvation since before He created this universe. “Uni” means one. “Verse” means word. God’s Word, spoken and written, has always been accomplished. His omni-science/presence/power made a way for sinners to be made right — long before the “pair on the ground” stood under the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and selected their forbidden fruit.
God knew man and woman would sin. He made a way for them to be made right with Him through the blood sacrifice of an innocent for the guilty. Salvation was God’s idea. For those who believe in the shed blood of Jesus, salvation is eternally secure.
In John 10, Jesus uses the shepherd/sheep motif to explain the relationship He desires with EVERY person. Jesus is the door (gate) where sheep enter into the fold. He keeps the sheep safe. He provides green pastures and still waters for them. He leads them. He knows them. He even names the sheep!
There is only one way into the fold: trusting belief in the shepherd as He lays down His life as surety for the sheep. He willingly lays down His life and takes it up again! He is one with the Father. No one can steal these sheep. They are covered by the nail-scarred hands of the Shepherd inside the hands of His Father. Ephesians 1:13-14 declares the Holy Spirit Himself seals us as the down payment toward our personal redemption from sin.
Salvation originated with God. To say we can “lose” salvation limits the power of God. God made every provision for His sheep. All God’s sheeple said, “Baaaah-men!”
Brown leads LittleBrownLight Ministries.
