Unlikely Leaders Questions and Answers

We sometimes doubt the security of our salvation because of our experiences with others. I’m sure everyone knows a person who seemed to have a vital walk with Jesus, and then abandoned the faith. Some doubt the security of salvation because we struggle with sin. Still others struggle with difficult passages such as Hebrews 6:4–6 or 10:26–27. Despite so many verses that assure us of our salvation, difficult ones can strain our confidence.

Here are some suggestions that have helped me have assurance of salvation. First, we need to interpret our experiences through the lens of Scripture and not the other way around. Although we recognize that the Lord Jesus will never leave us or forsake us, that He holds us securely in His hands, and that nothing will ever separate us from His love, too often we say, “But what about Fred and Gina? They seem to have lost their salvation.” Rather than look to others, start with what the Bible teaches.

Second, we need to interpret unclear passages in light of the clear teaching of Scripture. When I was a freshman student at Moody Bible Institute, I believed in the security of the believer, but I was tortured by Hebrews 6. I remember badgering one of my professors for an explanation. He taught me that we need to interpret the unclear verses of the Bible by referencing the clear ones. That resolved the issue for me. The Bible is harmonious and clearly teaches the perseverance of our Savior. I would always pursue the meaning of difficult passages with what the Bible plainly teaches.

Third, oftentimes passages that seem to refer to the loss of salvation actually refer to the loss of rewards. For example, when Paul says he disciplines himself, so that “I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27*), he refers to being disqualified from receiving a crown (or rewards). Paul is not saying he could lose his salvation.

Finally, people who seem to abandon the faith may have never known the Lord at all. It’s why the Lord will tell some at the final judgment, “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matt. 7:23), not “depart from Me, you lost it.” Too often we struggle because of our own human inconsistency. We have good days and bad days. On good days, we feel God’s love in a tangible way. But on a bad day, we wonder how anyone could love us, let alone God Himself. But God will never love us more or less than He does right now (Rom. 8:37–39).

*All Scripture references in this column are taken from the New American Standard Bible.

When I first became a follower of Jesus, a more experienced believer taught that the spiritual life called for believers to “Let go and let God.” Although he was trying to emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, this led to a passivity on my part. I believed that if I just “rested in Jesus” it would lead to instant godliness.

As time passed, I became convinced that Scripture teaches something different. Our spiritual growth is achieved by God working in us, as well as our own effort. Spiritual growth involves the work of the Triune God. Paul prayed, “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely” (1 Thess. 5:23). The word “sanctify” means “to set apart,” and this passage indicates that God Himself will set us apart from sin and for His service. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to put to death, separate themselves from the behavior of their pre-faith lives. As we are controlled by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), we will be transformed by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together to produce our spiritual growth. Though sanctification is under God’s control, Paul says that God’s people are to “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1). “Cleansing” refers to our decision to separate from sinful behavior so we may mature in holiness.

We are not passive agents (letting go and letting God do all the work), but we participate by obeying God and living according to His standards. Growing in our walk with the Lord takes the balance of a tightrope walker. If we lean too far in one direction or the other, we’re bound to slip. Only by living with the balance of God’s 100 percent of empowerment and enablement and our own 100 percent of diligence and discipline will we achieve mature, spiritual lives.

*All Scripture references in this column are taken from the New American Standard Bible.