When the Lord Jesus Christ saves people, it is not just for the moment. Rather, it is with an “eternal purpose” in view. Christians are saved for time and for eternity. And no one can lose his or her salvation, though some may think otherwise. There is ample proof in the Scriptures to address the subject.
Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior begins the Christian life. The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Because of a person’s faith in Jesus Christ, that person is “declared righteous” by God who has declared, “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more”(Hebrews 8:12).
The Christian’s life is an “abundant life” because Jesus Christ, as the “Good Shepherd,” said “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:10,11). The following hymn has been sung over many years by individuals, choirs, and congregations. And it stands as a testimony for believers in Jesus Christ.“New life in Christ abundant and free! What glories shine, what joys are mine, What wondrous blessings I see! My past with its sin, the searching and strife, Forever gone—There’s a bright new dawn! For in Christ I have found life.”
The Christian’s life is a “spiritually secured life.” And it is based on four principles that God has declared in His Word for His eternal and unfailing purpose through the Gospel. The Gospel means good news “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (! Corinthians 15:3,4). This is exactly the purpose for which Jesus Christ came into the world.
Sadly, some people have been against Christians because of our faith in Jesus Christ. But we have this wonderful and blessed assurance that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). However, absolutely nothing will ultimately gain any victory over us. And Almighty God makes it very clear in His Word. Paul writes, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39). Note well that the Scriptures address the range and scope of things that mortal man would try to discourage, dissuade, or deter us from God’s love.
Is there anyone to condemn the Christian? No one. God has given positive proof that no one will ever be able to condemn a believer in Jesus Christ. And here is the reason, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). This verse clearly sets forth four major reasons why no one can condemn the Christian. 1. Christ Jesus has died. 2. Christ was raised from the dead. 3. Christ is at the right hand of God. 4. Christ is interceding for us.
Under the topic “The Believer’s Challenge, No 256” Spurgeon presents Romans 8:34 as “the four marvelous pillars upon which the Christian rests his hope. Here is an excerpt from his sermon: “We have before us in the text the four marvelous pillars upon which the Christian rests his hope. Any one of them were all-sufficient. Though the sins of the whole world should press on any one of these sacred columns, it would never break nor bend. Yet for our strong consolation, that we may never tremble or fear, God hath been pleased to give us these four eternal rocks, these four immovable foundations upon which our faith may rest and stand secure.” (Rev. C. H. Spurgeon June 5,1859). This is indeed is the Christian’s hope, because he can never be condemned. Therefore, we are completely secured in the the Lord Jesus Christ who loved us, died for us, raised for us, at the right hand of God, and is interceding for us.
The Christian life has always and will always have challenges. However, it is absolutely the very best life—second to none. “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied”(1 Corinthians 15:19). “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness . . . On Christ the solid rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand” (Edward Mote, 1797-1874).
Let all Christians be encouraged and inspired to keep on living the “abundant life,” not to please men, but to please God. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).