We come to a section in our reading that makes me a little apprehensive, where our author uses the phrase “eternal security.” Again, he speaks from a certain evangelical frame of reference, so this is a term we could debate. Having come from the same theological perspective myself, I know there are shades of understanding regarding this term within that circle. Over time through my own study I came to and was brought to a deep appreciation for the Reformed perspective of the perseverance of the saints, which is another way of stating and defining eternal security, something we looked at a few comments back.
However, given the author’s perspective, he has important things to say here -true as such- and significant if read with discernment. So, I would ask you to hearken back to the Larger Catechism questions 79-81 and recall that:
True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God, and his decree and covenant to give them perseverance, their inseparable union with Christ, his continual intercession for them, and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Q79 (see also Q80-81)
Rereading what is inscribed below, I’m tempted to change or alter a few things to get rid of my apprehension. At the same time, it does contain many pearls of wisdom on a string of great value. …I think if I were to change one thing, I’d simply strike the word “eternal” where it’s found in the front of the word “security, or “secure”. Leaving the word out places our security more focused on and “in” Christ were it belongs, and is less of a distraction to a man-centered understanding that the idea of eternal security may foster.
Okay, I’m just rambling now, and we’ve all got better things to do, like prayerfully considering what can be learned and applied with discernment from this mediation.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 22—Completeness and Security – Continued
Secure in Christ
Based upon the preceding facts, the eternal security of the believer becomes a foregone conclusion; once the Holy Spirit establishes the Christian in the previous steps, there can be no question about this one. But without the required scriptural preparation, there is bound to be a nagging question mark hovering in the background: am I unconditionally and forever saved, or am I on probation?
The secure believer may now and then be accosted by those who strongly oppose any thought of unconditional, eternal security. They refer to it as “that damnable doctrine,” and insist that such a belief results in lawlessness. What these dear people fail to grasp is that the believer who truly stands in the grace of positional security is the one who most fully fears God and hates sin. And he hates sin for what it is, not just for its consequences. Moreover, his is not a slavish fear; it is not a fear of losing God’s love, but of offending and grieving it.
“But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared” (Ps. 130:4). The fear of the secure believer is a reverential trust, coupled with hatred of evil. “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil…” (Prov. 8:13). “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11, 12). Grace banishes all guesswork, and gives one assurance; the law keeps one guessing.
The truth of security holds the Christian firm in the midst of the process of growth. It is the insecure believer who is naturally unstable and flounders from one “experience” to another, never learning and therefore never arriving at the truth. Resting in our eternal position frees us from the futile and sinful self-effort of trying to make our condition the basis of our security. Abiding in our eternal security in Christ gives the steadiness of faith necessary for the Holy Spirit to carry on His gracious ministry within—that of dealing with self in crucifixion, and thereby causing us to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).
…….To be continued
