Friday Faith Check-up: Our Salvation Is Assured

"The thief had nails through both hands, so that he could not work; and a nail through each foot, so that he could not run errands for the Lord; he could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation, and yet Christ offered him the gift of God; and he took it. Christ threw him a passport, and took him into Paradise."  - D. L. Moody, "Day by Day with D.L Moody," Moody Press

Guarantees are commonplace with many things we purchase today. They are offered with big-ticket items, such as: automobiles, appliances, and home electronics. Many popular, smaller items come with guarantees, as well. For example, health and beauty products, dairy products, produce, even clothing.

I personally like this particular definition of the word guarantee, it is "an assurance that another’s obligation will be fulfilled, or something presented as such security." Simply put, The strength of a guarantee comes from whoever or whatever stands behind it. We should be able to trust the guarantor, or the person who made guarantee.

We have all have had our share of experiences regarding guarantees. Some good, others, well, not so much. It's these experiences that, either gain our trust or not, make us more cautious and/or skeptical about guarantees. Perhaps a softer, kinder word for guarantee is assurance.

It basically means the same thing, just less harsh, or scary. This week, we shall talk about such an assurance, or guarantee that was mentioned by the apostle Paul in Philippians 1:6. Though guarantees are not uncommon, as I mentioned earlier, this one is indeed uniquely different.

But first a little background is needed. Paul wrote the book of Philippians as he anticipated his release from prison in Rome. The main purpose of this thank-you letter was to show his appreciation and love to the Philippians for their continued help and support, and also to encourage their growth.

In this verse (Philippians 1:6), Paul makes a daring statement concerning the salvation of the Philippian believers. His declaration makes it crystal clear that a person can enjoy total assurance of salvation. He is telling them that this assurance means we are not just saved, but that the Lord will sustain that condition forever.

Remember, I said that this offer of assurance was especially different? This assurance is given to us by Jesus Christ. And as such, this guarantee of our salvation cannot expire or be taken away. It means that nothing will ever be able to change this fact! I challenge you to find a similar earth-shattering, life-changing assurance anywhere else. Please let me know if you do!

Let's ponder all of this for a moment. For you and I to know that we are saved is awesome in and of itself. But, on top of that, regardless of what else happens in life, nothing will ever be able to change that fact. Talk about a blessing without compare. Wow! We all need this measure of assurance, but sadly, too many of us don't ever gain it.

Now, if we look closely at our verse (Philippians 1:6), Pauls states three facts, in regards to salvation, which offer us assitance in reaching that place of peace. Hopefully, this will help answer the question that is begging to be asked, "Can we be sure salvation will last?" 

We'll start our investigation of Philippians 1:6 here. First, let's talk about the beginning, or commencement of salvation (...that he who began a good work in you...). Salvation is a work that God started long before we ever arrived on the scene. Think in terms of eternity past (Ephesians. 1:4-6; Revelation 13:8; 17:8).

Since we could never do this for ourselves, He does it for us as a work of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Thus, when we are saved because of this work of glory, we become a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:7) and partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Secondly, "...will carry it on to completion..." tells us that our salvation is ongoing; that we are a work in progress. You see God has a plan, and that plan is to make each of us like Jesus (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18). We also have the power of Christ inside of us made possible by his crucifixion (Galatians 2:20).

Every good story has a beginning, a middle, and an ending. So it is with our salvation. The last statement "...until the day of Christ Jesus," is a powerful one. If you recall, I mentioned that God has a plan for us. In the end, God plans on the redeemed coming home (John 17:24; Romans 8:28-39). This is God's promise, or guarantee to us (John 6:37; John 10:28). The ultimate guarantee!

Ladies and gentlemen, no one else can any of this for us (Ephesians 3:20). No one! Now, can we be sure that salvation will last? Looking back at Philippians 1:6. we can see that our salvation is in God's hands every step of the way. Therefore, without any doubt, it's extremely safe to say that we can count on His power to save us, and keep us that way.

Scripture: Psalm 60:5; Luke 9:24; John 12:25; Mark 12:30; Psalm 6:3-4  

Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive me of all my sins. I also believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Amen

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye