" It Really Does Matter... " (Part 4 of 5 )

Philippians 1:3-6   " I thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel from the first - day until now;  Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST: "

     It really does matter what you believe about the eternal security of the believer.  Either Salvation is entirely by grace through faith alone, or Salvation is through our own effort, merit, or  "will."  The Scriptures are definitive in declaring that GOD the FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT are strong enough not only to save a sinner but also to keep him or her saved through their power. One's understanding not only of the nature and purpose of Salvation but also of the person of GOD is extremely vital.  The Apostle Paul made it clear that any "gospel"  not consistent with the Gospel he declared - grace alone through faith alone in the person and work of JESUS CHRIST - is under GOD's curse, for it is NOT truly  "good news"  (Gal.1:6-9).  In today's text, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that the GOD WHO called and saved you promises to see your redemption through to the end (v.6).  HE - NOT you - is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of your faith (Heb.12:2).

     It really does matter what you believe about Israel and the church. The promises GOD gave to Israel in the Old Testament are still valid (Rom.11:25-27).  The LORD has not withdrawn HIS promises, nor has HE given them to a new group of people.  Those who embrace a  "Covenant Theology"  as well as many today who categorize themselves as  "Reformed"  believe that GOD will not keep HIS promises to the people of Israel as HE stated in the Old Testament, falsely supposing that the church has replaced Israel or that Israel has  "merged"  into the church.  However, to presume that GOD's promises are void, have been given to another people, or are symbolic rather than literal is to misinterpret and misapply Scripture and, worse, to accuse GOD of failing to fulfill HIS promises. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org