Lessons from the Heart
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Salvation is eternal. If a person knows one verse of the New Testament, that verse may well be John 3:16. John wrote of our "eternal" or "everlasting" life. This life is demonstrated by Christ's ministry during His time on earth, His death, burial and resurrection from the dead.
The Book of Hebrews also describes our salvation as "full assurance," "strong consolation" or "encouragement," and a "sure and steadfast hope," "firm and secure."
Our church is currently studying the book of Philippians. Paul tells us here that the Christian becomes a citizen of Heaven (Ph. 3:20). It is the nature of citizenship that when it is awarded to a person he or she retains it for life.
The death of Christ "perfects us forever" (He. 10:14). This does not mean that we become an instantly perfect person in this life. Every person on Earth retains their "flesh" or "sinful nature" while he or she remains alive. But His death removes the barrier of the flesh and allows us to have complete peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Many Christians love the promises of God. Indeed, the study and understanding of the promises give the Christian great stability in times of trouble and despair. Many if not most of these promises are permanent.
Consider the rainbow. In Genesis 9 God promised Noah that He would never again destroy life by means of a great flood. When we see the beautiful rainbow after a late afternoon storm, God reminds us that His promise "is an everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures" (Genesis 9:16).
How can God permanently guarantee that He will not destroy the earth again by flood but allow men and women to escape His grasp once they believe? He would be inconsistent if He did.
Again, many sincere Christians disagree about these things. But my purpose is not to argue theology. Our eternal destiny depends upon our faith in Jesus Christ and His work based on His death on the cross. Do you know Him and believe what He says?
