In many religious systems there is a teaching or understanding that as Christians once saved always saved. Now, if we are considering this in light of God’s covenant with us, then this is most definitely a true statement of faith. God will not turn away from us and forsake us, for His gift of salvation is something He will not withdraw from His people. In fact, Jesus affirms this when He is speaking to the Jews gathered around Him in the Temple Square. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no will snatch them out of the Father’s hand. John 10:27-29 What a blessing to have this promise from our Lord and Savior!
Where there is a chance for a person to perish comes in the understanding that God gave us something called free will. We cannot choose to follow Christ, this comes only by the means of God’s amazing grace, but we can choose to walk away from this wonderful gift and blessing the Lord has won for us and given us. There is a difference from being snatched out of the Father’s hand and choosing to jump out of His protective hand. God loves us dearly and He will do whatever it takes to care for us as His children. Yet, He will not force us to love Him or fully trust in Him for our protection and well-being! God can provide us with everything, in fact He owns everything in heaven and under the heavens, but what He truly desires is our heart. Our love and devotion is the best gift we can offer our Almighty God.
In Revelation 10:b the Lord tells us these important words, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” The promises of God are sure and true, you and I can stake our very life-eternal life on them. The warning we are to heed is this: Do not forsake the Lord and His promises, nor give yourselves over to the world’s ways, believing that you can go your own way apart from following your Good Shepherd. When sheep stray from the flock and their shepherd, it puts them in a very dangerous and sometimes deadly situation. Let us be careful and be on constant guard for the devil cannot snatch us out of the Father’s hand, but he will do everything he can to lure us into taking the fatal leap. Yes, be thou faithful unto death!!!!!!!!!Pastor McCarty