Assurance of Salvation: God's Power and Promise
Summary
In this sermon, the focus is on the profound assurance of salvation and the sustaining power of God in the life of a believer. The message begins by acknowledging the clear division between those who will spend eternity in glory and those who will not, emphasizing that this is a fundamental aspect of the gospel. The world is depicted as being under the influence of a power opposed to God, yet believers are assured of their perseverance through the invincible power of God. This power, which raised Jesus from the dead, is the same power at work in believers, ensuring their ultimate salvation.
The sermon further explores the logic of salvation, drawing from the Apostle Paul's teachings. It argues that if God reconciled us to Himself while we were enemies through the death of His Son, how much more will He save us by His life. This logic is irrefutable and underscores the certainty of God's commitment to His people. The doctrine of union with Christ is highlighted, illustrating that once a person is in Christ, they are indissolubly joined to Him, partaking in the divine nature, which cannot be undone.
The sustaining grace of God is described as an active process where God guides, restrains, and works within believers to will and to do according to His purpose. This divine work is evident in the transformation and sanctification of believers, leading them toward glory. The sermon concludes with the assurance that this process leads to a foretaste of glory even in this life, with the ultimate promise of eternal glory with God.
### Key Takeaways
- The Assurance of Salvation: The division between those who will spend eternity in glory and those who will not is a fundamental aspect of the gospel. Believers are assured of their perseverance through the invincible power of God, which is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This assurance is not based on human effort but on God's unchanging purpose and power. [24:36]
- The Logic of Salvation: The Apostle Paul's teachings provide a logical foundation for the certainty of salvation. If God reconciled us to Himself while we were enemies through the death of His Son, how much more will He save us by His life. This logic underscores the certainty of God's commitment to His people and the assurance of their ultimate salvation. [29:35]
- Union with Christ: The doctrine of union with Christ illustrates that once a person is in Christ, they are indissolubly joined to Him, partaking in the divine nature. This union is permanent and cannot be undone, providing believers with the assurance of their eternal security in Christ. [32:31]
- The Sustaining Grace of God: God's sustaining grace is an active process where He guides, restrains, and works within believers to will and to do according to His purpose. This divine work is evident in the transformation and sanctification of believers, leading them toward glory. [34:54]
- The Promise of Glory: The process of sanctification leads to a foretaste of glory even in this life, with the ultimate promise of eternal glory with God. Believers are being prepared for a positive glory that goes beyond mere forgiveness of sins, as they are destined to enjoy the life and glory of God Himself. [38:05]
### Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[24:36] - The Division of Eternity
[25:14] - The Power Opposed to God
[26:14] - The Invincible Power of God
[27:01] - Assurance in a Pagan Society
[27:59] - The Logic of Salvation
[29:35] - The Greater Argument
[31:39] - The Doctrine of Perseverance
[32:31] - Union with Christ
[34:26] - How God Sustains Us
[35:24] - All Things for Godliness
[36:08] - God's Chastening Love
[36:46] - The Process Leading to Glory
[38:05] - The Promise of Eternal Glory
[39:21] - The Danger of Misunderstanding
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 5:10 - "For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"
2. Ephesians 1:18-20 - "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."
3. 2 Peter 1:3 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 5:10, what is the significance of being reconciled to God while we were still His enemies? How does this relate to our assurance of salvation? [29:35]
2. In Ephesians 1:18-20, what are the three things Paul prays for the Ephesians to know? How does this prayer relate to the power of God in believers' lives? [26:45]
3. How does 2 Peter 1:3 describe the resources God has provided for living a godly life? What does this imply about God's sustaining grace? [35:24]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of God's power in the perseverance of believers? [26:14]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the logic presented in Romans 5:10 strengthen the argument for the certainty of salvation? What does this imply about God's commitment to His people? [29:35]
2. In what ways does the sermon describe the power of God as invincible and limitless? How does this understanding impact a believer's confidence in their salvation? [26:31]
3. How does the doctrine of union with Christ provide assurance of eternal security for believers? What does it mean to be indissolubly joined to Christ? [32:31]
4. How does the sermon explain the process of sanctification as a foretaste of glory? What role does God's sustaining grace play in this process? [34:54]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about your salvation. How can the assurance of God's invincible power, as discussed in the sermon, provide comfort and confidence in your faith journey? [26:14]
2. Consider the logic of salvation presented in Romans 5:10. How does understanding God's commitment to save us through Christ's life influence your daily walk with Him? [29:35]
3. The sermon emphasizes the doctrine of union with Christ. How can this understanding change the way you view your identity and purpose as a believer? [32:31]
4. In what ways have you experienced God's sustaining grace in your life? How can you be more aware of His active work in guiding and transforming you? [34:54]
5. The sermon mentions the promise of glory and the foretaste of it in this life. How can you cultivate an awareness of this glory in your everyday experiences? [38:05]
6. How can you practically rely on the resources God has provided for a godly life, as mentioned in 2 Peter 1:3, in your current circumstances? [35:24]
7. Reflect on the idea that God's sustaining grace is preparing us for eternal glory. How does this perspective influence your priorities and decisions? [39:21]
Devotional
Day 1: The Invincible Assurance of Salvation
The assurance of salvation is a profound truth that offers believers a deep sense of security and peace. This assurance is not based on human effort or merit but on the invincible power of God, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This power ensures that believers will persevere in their faith and ultimately spend eternity in glory. The division between those who will spend eternity with God and those who will not is a fundamental aspect of the gospel, highlighting the importance of this assurance. Believers can rest in the knowledge that their salvation is secure because it is grounded in God's unchanging purpose and power. [24:36]
Ephesians 1:18-20 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's power? How can you remind yourself today of the invincible assurance of your salvation?
Day 2: The Irrefutable Logic of Salvation
The logic of salvation, as presented by the Apostle Paul, provides a solid foundation for the certainty of salvation. If God reconciled us to Himself while we were still His enemies through the death of His Son, how much more will He save us by His life? This argument underscores the certainty of God's commitment to His people and the assurance of their ultimate salvation. It is a reminder that God's love and grace are not dependent on our actions but are rooted in His eternal purpose and plan. Believers can find comfort in knowing that their salvation is secure because it is based on the unchanging nature of God's love and grace. [29:35]
Romans 5:9-10 (ESV): "Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How does understanding the logic of salvation change your perspective on God's commitment to you?
Day 3: The Unbreakable Union with Christ
The doctrine of union with Christ is a profound truth that assures believers of their eternal security. Once a person is in Christ, they are indissolubly joined to Him, partaking in the divine nature. This union is permanent and cannot be undone, providing believers with the assurance of their eternal security in Christ. It is a reminder that our identity and security are found in Christ alone, and nothing can separate us from His love. This truth offers believers a deep sense of peace and confidence, knowing that they are forever united with Christ. [32:31]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How does the truth of your unbreakable union with Christ impact your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 4: The Active Sustaining Grace of God
God's sustaining grace is an active process where He guides, restrains, and works within believers to will and to do according to His purpose. This divine work is evident in the transformation and sanctification of believers, leading them toward glory. It is a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives, shaping and molding us into the image of Christ. Believers can find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their journey of faith, as God is continually working in them to fulfill His purpose. This truth encourages believers to rely on God's grace and strength as they navigate the challenges of life. [34:54]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's sustaining grace in your life? How can you actively rely on His grace in your current circumstances?
Day 5: The Foretaste and Promise of Glory
The process of sanctification leads to a foretaste of glory even in this life, with the ultimate promise of eternal glory with God. Believers are being prepared for a positive glory that goes beyond mere forgiveness of sins, as they are destined to enjoy the life and glory of God Himself. This truth offers believers hope and encouragement, knowing that their present struggles and challenges are part of God's greater plan to prepare them for eternal glory. It is a reminder that our ultimate destiny is to be with God and to share in His glory forever. [38:05]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal glory with God influence your perspective on your current struggles? What steps can you take to focus on the hope of glory in your daily life?
Quotes
"Deliberately the Bible makes it clear that there are certain people who are going to spend their eternity in glory and there are certain others who are not going to do so and if that isn't the gospel what is you find it everywhere this division this judgment this separation God's people those who are not God's people it is God's purpose I say to save such as believe and it's on Earth unchanging purpose it's a purpose that must be carried out." [00:24:21]
"Now obviously and clearly this world is governed by a power that is inimical to God he is described as the devil or Satan or the God of this world and he has organized his forces with unusual ability and power and subtlety and and everything in this life and in this world practically is set against God's people Temptations suggestions insinuations the whole outlook the whole way the whole bias oh I need describe it it's all against us." [00:25:07]
"The answer of the Bible is the power of God held by the power of God sustained by this grace of God thou wil hold me by my right hand thou will guide me with thy counsel that's the only basis the power of God and of course it is a power which is in vincible it is illimitable it is endless and that is why of course the Apostle Paul in praying for the church at Ephesus you remember he prays three things for them." [00:26:14]
"If while we were enemies we were reconciled unto God by the death of his son how how much more shall we be saved in brackets for certain by his life can you refute that logic you see what he's saying if this almighty God sent his only begotten beloved Son to bleed and to die upon the cross on calvary's Hill for us while we were enemies how much more shall we be saved by his life." [00:29:20]
"He that spared not his own son who didn't spare in humiliation who didn't spare him suffering or didn't spare him the spitting and the trial and the crown of thorns and the agony of nails hammered into his early hands and feet he who sped not his own son how shall he not also with him freely give us all things do you want anything further if that isn't enough for you I despair of you for God who's done that for us is B to give us everything that's essential for our final salvation." [00:30:26]
"We are saved by Union with Christ that's the teaching of the scripture in Romans 5 and six as we were all in Adam so all were saved and in Christ you remember the contrasts Romans 5 and 6 we are saved by Union with Christ and I suggest to you that if you're ever in Christ and joined to him you can never cease to be you become a part of him you are joined to him indissolubly you are unified with Christ." [00:31:58]
"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel which means this doesn't it that he leads us he guides us while he does all that we were talking about last time he restrains us puts thoughts into our minds not only that he works within us work out your own salvation with fear and trembling says Paul for it is God that worketh in you both to Will and to do that's how he preserves his people that's how he sustains Us by his grace that is how he sanctifies us and delivers us from sin." [00:34:26]
"All things everything that is necessary to living The Godly life is given to us in the scriptures in the Holy Spirit in the presence of Christ all things that pertain to life and godliness have been given to us and by means of these things God leads us on and sustains us and holds us and perfects us he's dealing with us we are his workmanship and he chilling bits off us you may be taken ill it may be God doing it to you." [00:35:24]
"Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom he cth that's his process of bringing us and sustaining us to that ultimate let me end with it what does all this process lead to well according to this man it leads to Glory thou Willl afterward receive me to Glory or if you prefer the other translation thou will leave lead me on after glory and it just means this if we are th in God's hands and being sustained by him we arrive at a certain amount of Glory even here in this world." [00:36:08]
"Even in this world we begin to enjoy something of the fruits of Salvation and that's Glory the gifts of the Spirit The Graces of the spirit the Fruit of the Spirit that's all a part of the glory when God begins to produce these things in you he's glorifying you he makes you unlike the world and its people he makes you like Christ and something of the glory of your blessed Lord belongs to you you arrive at a certain amount of Glory even here Celestial fruits on Earthly ground from Faith and Hope May grow." [00:38:05]
"Thank God it's true ah yes but this is only the beginning that's only a for test it is indeed afterward we shall arrive at it perfectly the glory that awaits us all that is meant by Heaven all the glimpses that are given to us a crowning day is coming by and by a Crown of Glory awaits me says the great Apostle Paul and that is why Paul again you remember in those three prayers that he offered for the church at Ephesus did pray among other things this that they might know the riches of the glory of God's inheritance in the Saints." [00:38:59]
"The ultimate of Salvation is this that we just go and enjoy God's life with him what poor creatures we are what foolish creatures grumbling and complaining holding on to things in this world my friend do you know that you and I if we're in Christ Christ we are destined to enjoy the life and the glory of God himself that's the glory that awaits us it isn't merely forgiveness of sins we are being prepared for that positive Glory that's the teaching this man goes on to say it God willing we shall consider it next Sunday morning." [00:39:21]
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