“The Bible doesn’t teach ‘once saved, always saved,’ but neither does it teach ‘once saved, never sure.’”
Neal made this statement last Sunday when teaching a Bible class on Hebrews chapter ten. He pointed out the three “let us” statements in the text that show us how to have this confidence: draw near (v. 22), hold fast (v. 23), and encourage others (v. 24). Neal summed it up with this statement:
“To keep from falling away, stay close to God and to one another.”
It was such a beautiful study. I noticed a great contrast in verses 38 and 39. There are those who “shrink back” and those who “live by faith.” Starting at verse 22, we can see the difference between the two.
Shrinking back involves:
- “sinning deliberately”- v. 26
- “fearful expectation”- v. 27
- “punishment”- v. 29
- “outraged the Spirit”- v. 29
- “trampled underfoot the Son of God”- v. 29
- “vengeance/ judgment”- v. 30
- “fearful”- v. 31
Living by faith involves:
- “full assurance”- v. 22
- “clean and pure”- v. 22
- “without wavering”- v. 23
- “compassion/ joy in struggles”- v. 32-34
- “confidence”- v. 35
- “great reward”- v. 35
- “endurance”- v. 36
- “preserve our souls”- v. 39
The “living by faith” life is the one I want! But sometimes I get caught up in my own sinful struggles or fears or doubts. I’m thankful that God knows His creation and put something in place for that. He gave me you. You play a role in the confidence of my salvation. You encourage me.
Perhaps you wrestle with never feeling good enough. You’d love to say with confidence, “I’m saved!,” but niggling doubts hold you back. You have drawn near to God. You are staying faithful, even through trials. But the ever-present fear is still there, keeping you from fully embracing hope. Well, remember the the third “let us” because it’s just as essential as the first two. “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” The surest way to get over being unsure is to encourage others. The Hebrews writer said that’s one of the reasons we meet together (v. 25). Before you show up for worship, think about specific ways you can “stir up” other Christians. Anytime you’re with your church family, be eager to greet them, listen to them, shoulder their burdens, praise their efforts, and rejoice in their presence. You’ll be contributing to their confidence in their salvation and, in turn, strengthening your own.
“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.”
(Hebrews 10:35)