How Firm A Foundation
by Tony N. Boyd
As the Apostle Peter said concerning Paul's epistles, there, are many things
in God's Word that are hard to be understood. It is only thru the illumination
of the Holy Spirit that we can understand any of His blessed Word for He reveals
and searches all things, even the deep things of God (ICor-2:10). The question
concerning the security of the believer is plainly answered in God's Word if we
will study it with an open mind and a prayerful heart. Let's look to the
scriptures:
As with all things God created, man is a trinity- body, soul, and spirit (Gen.
2:7, Eccl. 12:7, Heb. 4:12).
Death was passed upon all men - spiritual and physical death (Gen. 2:17, Rom.
5:49).
Salvation of the soul is immediate upon repentance towards God, but redemption
of the body is in the Resurrection (Rom, 8: 19, Phil. 3:21, 1 Cor. 15:52,53).
While we remain in this body we remain subject to sin (Rom, 7:12 - 21).
However, our obligation to God is to bring this
physical body under subjection and to walk in His
commandments, lest our rewards of righteousness be burned up (I Cor. 3:11 -15,
Rom. 6:6 and 12).
Our assurance is not in the law, which we cannot keep (Rom. 8:3, Acts 13:39, Rom
3-.20); neither in living above sin, which we cannot do (I John 1:10), but that
the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:7). Christ is
continually serving as an advocate for our sins (I John 2:1-2 ). Therefore, I
John 3:9 must be referring to the soul of a saved person, or else the Word will
contradict itself.
With that assurance, we are able to say that now are we the sons of God (I John
3:2 ); that He has given us eternal life, not temporary (I John 5 13 ); that
nothing can separate us from Him (Rom. 8:38 - 39); that no man can pluck us from
the Father's hand (John 10:28-29); that we were made free and pardoned, not
paroled (Rom. 8:2); that we may feel confident of our assurance (11 Cor. 5:6-9)
Because the Holy Spirit himself sealed us (Eph. 1:13 ); that He has purchased us
and not leased us (Eph. 1:14); that the peace of God will keep us (Phil. 4:7, II
Tim. 1:12); and that the hope is both sure and steadfast (Heb. 6:19).
We also know that after a male has been circumcised he cannot be un-circumcised;
the same is true when God circumcises the heart (Deut. 30:6); and that after a
child is born, he cannot be un-born. The same is true with the New Birth (John
3:6) when a person passes from death unto life (John 5:24). Christ knows His
sheep (John 10:4) and he cannot “un-know” us. He will not say at the judgement
that He knew some once but then did not know them. To the lost He well say " I
never knew you" (Mat. 7:23). Those He knew, He kept (John 10:29; 17:12).
There is no picture more illustrative of this security than in the pattern of
the tabernacle given to Moses by God in the mount. This little building, the
size of an ample living room, rested upon a foundation that seemed wholly out of
proportion to itself - blocks of silver, one hundred in number, each block
weighing about one hundred pounds. The total weight, therefore, was five tons.
This silver foundation speaks of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ on which our
entire redemption depends and hangs. The roof was overlaid with four layers of
skins and held with cords and pins. Yes, with bands of love and incorruptible
nails of brass the occupants of the tabernacle were safe and secure! The howling
winds of the wilderness raged for forty long years; the winds blew upon it, the
storms swept over it, and the rains beat upon it. The most secure place in the
camp of Israel was in the Tabernacle which was Jesus Christ.
May God bless you as you continue to study His Holy Word and realize that He
keeps us by the power of His might.
