The Question Of Salvation: Our Birthright?
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His Name.
John 1:12 (NASB)
I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My Hand.
John 10:28 (NASB).
For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring Word of God.
1 Peter 1:23 (NASB)
God's love is beyond our comprehension, but He gives us glimpses--like the love of a faithful parent for a faithless child.
Do we disown our prodigal children, when they get selfish and leave us behind? Or do we pray and wait for their return?
Do we turn our backs as sin covers them? Or do we cover them with selfless love?
Regarding our salvation, God clearly 'Desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth' (1 Timothy 2:4). As far as when the Day of the Lord will come or why more than 2000 years have passed. Even so…
'The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance' (2 Peter 3:9).
If we hope to see loved ones in Heaven, how much more so does our perfect Father? Sometimes I wonder: What would have happened to the prodigal son in Luke 15, if he had never come to his senses?
Therein, consider John 10:27-28. It's a favored Scripture among Christians who believe salvation is guaranteed. In it, Jesus calls Himself a Shepherd, and we count ourselves as His faithful sheep, 'My sheep hear My Voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My Hand' (John 10:27-28).
To me, these Verses reveal that Christians must not just believe that Jesus is Christ, but also:
Hear His Voice. I fear one hour of prime time on Sunday won’t keep God’s sheep on His hard, narrow path.
Follow Him. Following is an ongoing action, rather than a single act, like baptism. It’s a continuing necessity; one where I, a Christian, sometimes fall short.
But our Lord’s love and faith never fall short. Because the Shepherd seeks us when we stray, lifts us when we fall, and carries us home. So… Does our birthright as born-again Christians guarantee an open door to Heaven?
Will Christ choose our ongoing retrieval us… if we choose ongoing rebellion?
Will He choose to carry us as toddlers… if we refuse to grow up in our faith?
The Question Of Salvation: Our Birthright? (Part 2)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.