Introduction
We are all familiar with the attack today on those that believe that they are eternally secure in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many today refer to the “once saved, always saved” position as heresy. They are mistaken, and the Word of God gives us ample assurance of this fact.
Col. 2:6-8
We are to be “rooted”, “built up” and “stablished” in Christ.
The “rudiments” are the elements of the world (Gal. 4:3 & 9) and relate to human effort. The issue of eternal security will always be “grace vs. works” (Rom. 11:6).
Eph. 1:15-19
Paul desired that we should “know the hope of His calling. One hope – (Eph.4:4).
In this study we hope to define this hope and the reasons we can have confidence in our eternal standing in the Lord Jesus Christ.
ONE – The foundation of the gospel.
A. Eph. 3:6 – We are partakers of God’s promise by the gospel.
B. 2 Thess. 2:13-14 – We are called by the gospel.
C. 2 Tim. 1:9-10 -We are called to life and immortality by the gospel.
D. I Cor. 15:1-2 – By which we are saved
TWO – The foundation of the fidelity of God.
A. Titus 1:1-3 – Eternal life promised before the world began.
B. I Tim. 1:1 – Paul’s authority predicated on God’s promise of life.
C. Num. 13:29 – God is not like man; He doesn’t lie.
D. Heb. 6:13-20 – God can swear by no greater than Himself.
THREE – The foundation of the gift of God.
A. Rom. 6:23 – The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
B. Eph. 2:8-9 – Salvation is a gift received from God.
C. 2 Tim. 1:9 – Given us in Christ before the world began.
D. Pro. 25:14 – The boaster in false gifts like clouds with no rain.
FOUR – The foundation of the one baptism.
A. Eph, 4:5 – When we are placed into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13).
B. Col. 2:9-12 – It is the operation of God.
C. Rom. 6:3-5 – God’s guarantee of our resurrection.
FIVE – The foundation of the one body.
A. Eph. 4:4 – There is one body.
B. Eph. 5:28-32 – Bone of His bone & flesh of His flesh. (ill. girl/fingers Jn 10:28-29).
C. Col. 1:9-10 – The fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ bodily.
D. Eph, 1:20-23 – The Church is the fullness of Christ.
SIX – The foundation of the seal of God.
A. Eph. 1:12-13 – The HS – seal of God on every believer (ill. Jer, 32:9-14).
B. Eph. 1:14 – The earnest (security deposit).
C. Rom. 8:14-17, 22-25 – Produces hope & patience.
D. Rom. 8:38-39 – Paul’s persuasion.
SEVEN – The foundation of the armor of God,
A. 1 Thess. 5:8 – The hope of salvation is our helmet (Eph. 6:17)
CONCLUSION – The persuasion – 2 Tim. 1:12