Thursday September 3, 2015

Read Romans 8:28-39

There’s been immense debate and even the spilling of blood concerning the question, Can a believer lose his/her salvation? The Armenians on the one hand say “Yes” while the Calvinists on the other say “No”. In between there are an infinite number of answers. 

The answer depends largely on whose perspective the answer is given from. If we start with mankind and work from there we will probably answer, ‘Yes we can lose our salvation.’ If we start with God then we will probably answer, ’No, we cannot lose our salvation.’

Romans 8:28-39 deals with God’s perspective. In everything God works for the good of those who love Him. Even in tough times God is working for the eternal good of His children. This good isn’t necessarily material, wealth or health related. But we can be certain that everything we endure will cause us to be conformed to the likeness of the image of God’s Son. We can be certain that everything will work towards our glory and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In verse 35 of Romans 8 Paul asks the natural question that flows from this sovereignty of God. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? (v35). Several options are presented – trouble, hardship persecution, famine, nakedness, danger or even death. The implication is that none of these will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

After this we are encouraged to be more than conquerors in all these things because God’s love is with us. Paul states categorically that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ. That includes ourselves. We can’t even separate ourselves from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

If we consider the alternative we begin to see the theological traumas that arise from any other position. Let’s assume that I can be separated from the love of God in Christ. By definition that means Romans 8 is not true. It means that God is not faithful and certainly is not sovereign. That which can separate me from God’s love is more sovereign/powerful than God! The immediate implication is that God cannot be depended upon. If I cannot depend upon God for my own salvation, can I depend upon Him for anything?

Added to this, if I cannot trust God for my salvation, I could easily be drawn towards insecurity and a works mentality that seeks to please God with good works, shoring up the probability, not the assurance, of our own salvation. It won’t always lead to this but it’s very probable if we have no assurance of salvation.

But if you’re wondering why and how you’ve personally seen believers walk away from the faith and ‘lose’ their salvation, you need to read the parable of the four soils (Mark 4:1-20) and realise that only one soil (the genuine believer) bore fruit.

The congregation that has this confidence in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness will be a congregation filled with joy and overflowing abundantly with grace. Such a congregation will draw others in and transform hard hearted souls and minds with that grace and love.

Prayer:

Using today’s Bible passage and notes write down points for

Adoration:

Confession

Thanks

Supplication:

· If you are lacking in assurance of salvation ask the Lord to convict and convince you of your salvation and His great sovereignty over all creation.

 

· Ask the Lord to bring a deep conviction of Jesus’ Lordship to those in your congregation who don’t believe in Him. Pray that these people would  repent and believe in Him for salvation.

 Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. What role does Romans 8:28-39 play in the congregational setting?

2. What are the implications of being able to lose your salvation?

3. Where do you personally stand on this issue and why?