Assurance of Salvation: The Promise of the Good Shepherd

 

Summary

In John chapter 10, Jesus makes a profound promise: "My sheep shall never perish." This assurance speaks to the enduring nature of true faith. If you truly belong to Christ, even if you stray, you will inevitably return. This is exemplified in the life of Peter, who, despite denying Jesus with cursing, repented and was restored, demonstrating that he was indeed one of Christ's sheep. This promise also implies that those who turn away and do not return were never truly His sheep.

Some Christians argue that a believer can lose their salvation, citing passages like Hebrews chapter 6. However, it's crucial to interpret Scripture in harmony with itself. Jesus' declaration that His sheep will never perish means that Hebrews 6 cannot suggest that some of His sheep will perish. Scripture consistently affirms that nothing can separate God's people from His love and that He will complete the good work He begins in them. Therefore, Hebrews 6 must be understood in a way that aligns with these truths.

The principle taught in Hebrews 6 is that it is possible to have spiritual experiences that are not saving experiences. This distinction is vital because being in such a position is spiritually perilous. The New Testament consistently warns against the danger of mistaking spiritual experiences for genuine salvation. True faith is marked by perseverance and a return to Christ, even after wandering. This understanding calls for self-examination and a reliance on the grace and power of God to sustain and complete the work He has begun in us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Assurance of Return: True believers, even if they stray, will inevitably return to Christ. This is a testament to the enduring nature of genuine faith and the relentless pursuit of the Good Shepherd. Peter's restoration after his denial of Christ exemplifies this truth. [00:54]

2. Scriptural Harmony: It's essential to interpret Scripture in light of Scripture, ensuring that no passage is understood in a way that contradicts another. Jesus' promise that His sheep will never perish must guide our understanding of challenging passages like Hebrews 6. [02:46]

3. The Inseparability of God's Love: Scripture assures us that nothing can separate us from God's love. This truth provides comfort and security, affirming that God's commitment to His people is unwavering and eternal. [03:08]

4. The Completion of God's Work: God, who begins a good work in His people, will bring it to completion. This promise underscores the faithfulness of God and the certainty of His purposes being fulfilled in the lives of believers. [03:28]

5. The Danger of Non-Saving Experiences: Hebrews 6 warns of the possibility of having spiritual experiences that do not equate to salvation. This serves as a caution to examine our faith and ensure it is rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ. [04:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Jesus' Promise: My Sheep Shall Never Perish
- [00:33] - The Inevitable Return of Christ's Sheep
- [00:54] - Peter's Example of Restoration
- [01:32] - The Implication of Not Returning
- [01:50] - Hebrews 6 and the Debate on Salvation
- [02:13] - Interpreting Scripture with Scripture
- [02:46] - The Inseparability of God's Love
- [03:08] - God's Unwavering Commitment
- [03:28] - The Completion of God's Work
- [03:46] - Spiritual vs. Saving Experiences
- [04:04] - The Danger of Non-Saving Experiences

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:27-29
2. Hebrews 6:4-6
3. Philippians 1:6

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#### Observation Questions
1. What promise does Jesus make about His sheep in John 10, and how does this relate to the concept of enduring faith? [00:09]
2. How does the example of Peter illustrate the idea that true believers will return to Christ even after straying? [01:13]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the interpretation of Hebrews 6 in light of Jesus' promise in John 10? [02:46]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between spiritual experiences and genuine salvation as discussed in Hebrews 6? [03:46]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's love is inseparable from His people, and how does this provide comfort to believers? [03:08]
3. What does the sermon imply about the nature of God's work in believers, and how does Philippians 1:6 support this understanding? [03:28]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from your faith. What brought you back, and how does this relate to the assurance of return discussed in the sermon? [00:33]
2. How can you ensure that your spiritual experiences are rooted in genuine faith rather than just emotional or temporary experiences? [04:04]
3. In what ways can you actively remind yourself of the inseparability of God's love in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [03:08]
4. Consider the promise that God will complete the good work He has begun in you. What steps can you take to cooperate with God's work in your life? [03:28]
5. How can you apply the principle of interpreting Scripture with Scripture in your personal Bible study to avoid misunderstandings? [02:46]
6. Identify an area in your life where you might be mistaking spiritual experiences for genuine salvation. How can you seek clarity and assurance in this area? [03:46]
7. Think of someone in your life who may have strayed from their faith. How can you support and encourage them to return to Christ, reflecting the Good Shepherd's pursuit? [00:54]

Devotional

Day 1: The Assurance of Return
True believers, even if they stray, will inevitably return to Christ. This assurance is rooted in the enduring nature of genuine faith and the relentless pursuit of the Good Shepherd. The life of Peter serves as a powerful example of this truth. Despite his denial of Jesus, Peter's repentance and restoration demonstrate that he was indeed one of Christ's sheep. This promise offers comfort and hope, reminding believers that their relationship with Christ is secure, even in moments of wandering. The Good Shepherd's commitment to His sheep ensures that they will not be lost forever but will be drawn back to Him. [00:54]

Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt distant from God. How did you experience His pursuit and return to Him? What steps can you take today to draw closer to Him?


Day 2: Scriptural Harmony
Interpreting Scripture in light of Scripture is essential to avoid contradictions and misunderstandings. Jesus' promise that His sheep will never perish provides a framework for understanding challenging passages like Hebrews 6. This approach ensures that no passage is isolated from the broader biblical narrative. By seeking harmony in Scripture, believers can gain a deeper understanding of God's promises and truths. This practice encourages a holistic view of the Bible, where each part supports and enriches the others, leading to a more profound faith and trust in God's Word. [02:46]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: Are there any Bible passages that you find difficult to understand or reconcile with others? How can you seek guidance and wisdom to interpret them in harmony with the rest of Scripture?


Day 3: The Inseparability of God's Love
Scripture assures us that nothing can separate us from God's love. This truth provides comfort and security, affirming that God's commitment to His people is unwavering and eternal. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God's love is not dependent on their actions or circumstances. Instead, it is a steadfast and unchanging force that sustains and upholds them through all of life's challenges. This assurance invites believers to live with confidence and peace, knowing that they are held securely in the loving embrace of their Heavenly Father. [03:08]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe in the inseparability of God's love? How can you remind yourself of His unwavering commitment to you today?


Day 4: The Completion of God's Work
God, who begins a good work in His people, will bring it to completion. This promise underscores the faithfulness of God and the certainty of His purposes being fulfilled in the lives of believers. It is a reminder that God's work in us is ongoing and that He is committed to transforming us into the image of Christ. This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's timing and process, even when progress seems slow or difficult. By relying on His strength and guidance, believers can have confidence that He will complete the work He has started in them. [03:28]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel like God's work is incomplete? How can you trust in His faithfulness to bring it to completion?


Day 5: The Danger of Non-Saving Experiences
Hebrews 6 warns of the possibility of having spiritual experiences that do not equate to salvation. This serves as a caution to examine our faith and ensure it is rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ. Spiritual experiences can be misleading if they are not accompanied by true faith and transformation. Believers are encouraged to seek a deep and authentic connection with Christ, marked by perseverance and a return to Him, even after wandering. This understanding calls for self-examination and a reliance on the grace and power of God to sustain and complete the work He has begun in us. [04:04]

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual experiences. Are they leading you to a deeper relationship with Christ, or are they merely emotional or superficial? How can you ensure your faith is genuine and transformative?

Quotes

"My sheep shall never perish that's what Jesus said my sheep shall never perish they'll have a faith that lasts here's what that means it means two things number one it means that those who are truly Christ sheep and turn away will come back if you really belong to Jesus Christ and you have turned away from him you will come back you may be away for a long time you may go a long way away but if your Christ sheet you will come back you must it's inevitable because true faith lasts and Jesus Christ never loses a single one of his own sheep." [00:14:13]

"Great example of this of course is Peter you remember how far from faith he went he denied that he ever knew Jesus and he did it with cursing if you had been there and heard Peter swearing away you would have said he's gone he'll never come back from this there's no hope for him speaking like that about Jesus but Peter repented and he was wonderfully restored showing that he truly is one of Christ's sheep those who are truly Christ's sheep and turned away will come back it's inevitably so Jesus as my chief never perish I never lose one of them." [00:63:05]

"It also follows that those who turn away and do not come back were thereby never Christ's sheep and the profile and the position of these people is what is laid out for us in Hebrews and chapter six now I'm very well aware of course that some Christians believe that a person who truly belongs to Jesus Christ can lose their salvation and they will point to this particular passage in the New Testament in support of that particular belief." [00:108:14]

"But here's the problem with that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God it is all the word of the one God and what that means is we must always interpret Scripture in the light of Scripture and we must never understand any one part of scripture in a way that makes it puts it in direct contradiction to another part of Scripture so our Lord Jesus says my sheep will never perish." [00:147:39]

"So Hebrews chapter 6 then cannot mean that some of his sheep will perish the scripture tells us that nothing can separate the Lord's own people from his love therefore Hebrews in chapter 6 cannot that mean that some things will separate God's own people from his love the scripture makes very clear that God who begins a good work in his people will bring it to completion." [00:181:72]

"And so Hebrews chapter 6 cannot mean that in some cases God will start and then abandon what he's begun and not bring it to completion so I want to suggest you that these verses in Hebrews chapter 6 teach to us a principle a very important principle that actually runs right the way through the New Testament and it's this that it is possible to have spiritual experience that is not saving experience and to be in this position is to be in the position of the greatest possible spiritual danger." [00:212:80]

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Transcript
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