Saturday, August 4, 2012
You are Saved by Grace Alone!
Ephesians 1:11-12 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
CONTINUE IN HIS GRACE
In these last, evil days of corruption and ungodliness, there are so many attacks against our faith, both subtle and blatant. Do you sometimes worry whether you will be able to remain in the faith? Do you worry about your children and grandchildren? Remember that God has been planning your salvation from the beginning. You have been "predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will." God always fulfills what He plans. He is not going to let anyone snatch you out of His hands. No matter how bad this world becomes, God is able to keep His own elect.
Remember what Jesus said when He was speaking about the terrible times of suffering and temptation that would come upon Jerusalem when it would be destroyed. He warned, "False Christ's and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). The implication is that no matter how great the deception, it will not be able to deceive God's elect, because God has armed them with His truth.
This teaching is given for our comfort in fearful times, however we also need to beware of our own flesh. If we think to ourselves, "I'm one of God's elect, nothing can happen to me, so I can do what I like, or I don't have to go to church all the time, God will keep me safe," that is a false sense of security. That is not the attitude of God's elect.
Remember what Jesus said, "If you continue in My word, you are my disciples indeed." Our security always lies in God who works through His word. God promises through the Apostle Peter, "You are kept by the power of God through faith, unto salvation." That power of God to keep you in the faith is given through the gospel which "is the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).
Your salvation is by grace from beginning to end. Let this be the source of great joy and security and since that means we have no power of our own to even help in our salvation, may it drive you to cling all the more to your loving God and His gracious, powerful word. Rejoice to be one of God's elect and live like you are God's chosen child. What a joyful and secure life that is.
