I. Introduction
1. This a security conscious age.
Evidences: storm shelters, emphasis upon safer roads and
automobiles, policemen and surveillance devices, locks on
doors and windows, safe deposit boxes, etc.
2. The burden of this sermon is the
security, spiritually speaking, of the baptized believer, a
Christian, a member of the church (Acts 2:36-37; Mark 16:16;
Acts 8:9-13; Acts 16:30-33).
II. Two extreme views on this
subject--both wrong!
1. Unconditional, absolute security.
Why this doctrine is false: A saved person loses
freedom--grace becomes license to sin. (Romans 6:1-2;
Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 3:12; I Peter 2:16; Jude 4-5).
2. Other extreme, no divine help. This
view is also false.
III. How God keeps the faithful
saved.
1. God is faithful (1 Corinthians
1:9).
2. Jesus is a faithful high priest
(Hebrews 2:17).
3. The word of God is indestructible
(I Peter 1:23-25).
4. The kingdom of Christ cannot be
moved (Hebrews 12:28).
5. These matters give the Christian
great confidence-a sense of security.
IV. Scriptures (Hebrews 4:14-16;
13:5-6).
1. God uses members of the
church--we are our brother’s keeper--(Hebrews 10:22-25),
older Christians (Titus 2:1-10), parents (Ephesians 6:1-4),
elders (Acts 20:28), discipline (I Corinthians 5),
fellowship, worship, promises and a host of other things to
keep His children faithful.
2. Clearly the idea that
Christians are “on their own” in their efforts to be
faithful is false!
V. It is not the case that faithful
Christians are saved one moment and lost the next as is alleged
by those who misrepresent not only churches of Christ but the
Bible as well
(Romans 8:1-2; II Peter 1:5-12;
I John 1:7).
VI. Conclusion: (Romans 8:28-38: 2
Timothy 1:12; 4:6-8). Illustrations:
Noah was secure in the ark
(Genesis 6:18); the Israelites were safe in their
blood-sprinkled houses in Egypt (Exodus 12); those who took
life inadvertently were secure in the cities of refuge
(Joshua 20); those in the ship with Paul were safe (Acts
27:31); and those in the church are secure (Ephesians 5:23).
The unfaithful child of God
cannot claim the blessings of God as long as he is in
rebellion to God.
Note: Every point in this
outline, I learned from some teacher.