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The battle between Bios and Zoe The battle between Bios (natural biological life) and Zoe (abundant life from God) is fought in the mind and each decision is made by our will, which should always be for Zoe to win. This battle between the life of God in us and the old sinful nature of the flesh is being fought out in our being everyday of our lives. Zoe will transform us into sons of God Bios will transform us into selfish failures Who do you want to win, Zoe or Bios ? You get to choose. If Bios wins you will be a carnal Christian, lukewarm in your faith. Concerned not so much with God`s will as your own convenience, You will become a self-pleaser or a man-pleaser rather than a God-pleaser. You will not be prepared to make any sacrifices since Bios always looks after No. 1. You will take part in envy, strife, and division. You will gradually fall away from God. If you choose Zoe, you will grow spiritually and develop into a full maturity in Christ. You will manifest the fruit of the spirit in your life such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. You will fulfill all your destiny in Christ Jesus and become a son of the Living God. Our Bios natural life must be crucified for Zoe to have the victory. Look to the Master Jesus Christ, he was rejected of men, lead a life of humility, he was misunderstood by his closest family, betrayed by an intimate friend, jeered at, beaten by the Roman authorities, tortured, and finally executed by death on the cross, just the perfect way to kill the self-life! Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The joy set before him is part of Zoe. The joy opened the way to be able to endure the suffering shame and death. What was the Joy set before him? 1. His obedience to Father 2.His salvation of his Church “Follow me” says Jesus Christ. Will you endure crucifixion of your bios life for the joy set before you? John 6:67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Do you also want to go away now that you know that you will have to co-operate with God in the crucifixion of your natural life? It is not going to be easy! Or do you say with Simon Peter in John 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (Zoe). Amen Personal Prayer

Zoe life vs Bios life What quality of Life do you have today? What kind of Life has God? What quality of Life does God enjoy? We know both from scripture and by experience that “God is Love.” his being, his life is Love with the Father and the Son in a dynamic loving relationship. A relationship full of joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. In God`s life there is no sin, no pride, no envy, no injustice, and no selfishness. God`s life is full of creative power, power to create the Heavens and earth, power to create plants and animals, power to create man in his own image. On the day that you believed in Jesus Christ the very life of God entered your being. The uncreated life of God dwells inside each believer shedding abroad love, joy, and peace in our hearts (Romans 5:5). This is the abundant Life Jesus came to give to his church. In the New Testament there is a special Greek word for this abundant Life of God is named Zoe. You may have heard it as a girl`s name; what a beautiful name, meaning “Life as God lives it.” All human beings who are alive possess “Bios” that is the natural biological life. But only those who are born again of God`s Holy Spirit possess Zoe life (together with Bios). The word Zoe (although we derive words like zoology from it) has been given a special meaning by God in the New Testament This is similar to the way that agape (the Love of God) has a special meaning in the New Testament and is different in meaning from phileo (brotherly love). So what does Zoe mean. Zoe (Definition): The main thrust of word in New Testament is... Zoe is Life in the absolute sense. Zoe is the uncreated life. Zoe is life as God lives it. Zoe is eternal life. Zoe is the life the Father and the Son have in themselves. Bios is natural life; is flesh life, and is the mere animal life. Zoe life left Adam on the day he sinned against God. Zoe life entered into you on the day that you believed in Jesus Christ. Key Scripture: John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life (zoen) and have it to the full." Jesus came to give us Zoe life. Zoe life is superabundance, life in excess, overflowing, more than sufficient, profuse, and abundant life, and life as God lives it. Zoe life rising within you brings fullness of joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness and kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Most of us will know by now that Zoe and Bios are at war within us. The Bios the natural (sinful) life of the flesh is selfish, wants to be coaxed and praised, often takes advantage of others, exploits people and situations for its own benefit or selfish purposes. Bios hates Zoe and wants to avoid its influence like the plague. The natural Bios life recognizes that Zoe is much stronger than it and given half a chance Zoe will crucify Bios. Thus Bios fights Zoe every inch of the way as in Mark 14:34-36. Mark 14:34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” v34-36 we see Jesus' natural Bios life responsding to the upcoming crucifixion. Yet at the end of v36 we see the Zoe life of Jesus empowering him to say ''Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 we will continue to look at the battle between Zoe and Bios.

How to live with singleness of heart How do we live with integrity? Firstly, we must know God’s word, this is His righteous standard for our lives. Often our own ideas and thought have been shaped by the world and it is only reading and obeying God’s word that our minds are renewed and transformed. We also need to be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Most of us believers at one time have had a check in our spirit when proposing to take a certain course of action. It is important to acknowledge this and take another look at the proposed course of action. Sometimes it is not as dramatic but as this, but you lose your peace over the matter, maybe tossing and turning in your bed at night. Again we need to take heed of any loss of peace. Pray through any major decision that might compromise your integrity. Another time to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit is when we take communion. Paul says let a man examine himself before partaking. We need to ask God regularly if we are missing it or displeasing Him in any area of our lives. Sometimes when I do this I see a face or situation come before me and I know that I need to repent before I partake of the Lord’s table. There will be times when we need to take Godly counsel. Psalm 1 says ‘how blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly’. Only take counsel from a brother or sister who is trying live a life of integrity before God. If something is doubtful then do not do it! Hindrances to integrity Fear of man and respect of persons. James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? When we show preferential treatment to people based on their ouitward apprearance then we are not walking in integrity. As you know God looks at each person's heart not their clothing. God commands us to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. For us to be able to do this we must adopt a uniform approach to our life. That is we must put His way, His word and His will as our first priority. If our choice is to please ourselves, our relatives, friends, or God , then integrity of heart and singleness of life demands that we please God . What about you today, are you a man-pleaser or a God-pleaser? Matthew 12:46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Jesus counted those people who obeyed God's will as much as his close family. Backlash When we walk in integrity of heart there often is a backlash, people attack you and your stand but who are you going to please? Remember the disciples after being beaten and forbidden to preach in Jesus name any more. They asked should we obey man or God, what about you? The backlash sometimes comes from within the church, Satan sometimes inspires jealousy or mistrust in us to get us to persecute the person who is refusing to compromise. All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution! The backlash is to try to stop you showing integrity the next time a similar situation arises. Conclusions Integrity of our heart demands that we apply the same righteous standard of life and conduct consistently to every situation irrespective of who or what is involved. We must know God’s word to know what His will is in any particular situation. As we read and meditate on the word we are being trained to walk in integrity. As we pray and fellowship with God, we become more sensitive to the voice and prompting of the Holy Spirit. We must search out suitable sources of godly counsel when we need it. Then we must walk in the light of the truth that we have at that time. We can then begin to lead a daily life of refusing to compromise but with humility. Integrity of heart and life is God’s will for each one of His children and when we walk in the integrity and singleness of our hearts we will touch many lives inside and outside the church. Amen Personal Prayer

Integrity is living with singleness of heart A useful example to illustrate the idea of integrity is to consider a 30-mph speed limit sign. It is always 30 mph when you pass by it. It does not vary with the time of day, the weather or is altered by whether it is a rich or poor person who is driving past. Can we say today that we handle God’s word in such a way, uninfluenced by our mood, our health or with respect to who it is the has done something contrary to God’s word? Do we say, yes, it is wrong for others to do this, but I do allow myself to do it! There is a great temptation for Christians to indulge themselves and their families or friends when we ought to be confronting the situation in love and humility. Nathan the prophet displayed great wisdom and integrity when he confronted David with his sins of adultery and murder. He did not let David’s position as king or the fact that he might be killed, stop him from confronting David. Would you be willing to risk your life as a matter of integrity? or how about a friendship or relationship? or even your popularity? Too often believers give tacit approval to open sin by saying nothing just in case they might ruffle a few feathers! God does not want us to have two sets of rules or standards either for ourselves or our loved ones. There have been times in my life that I have let the Lord down and have not walked blamelessly before Him, but I am convinced that it is His will that we adopt a lifestyle with a singleness of heart before Him that is a lifestyle of integrity. Definition of Integrity: The state of being complete or undivided [1]. Terms which occur in parallel with integrity (Hebrew tom, tomim) suggest it has shades of meaning including: righteousness (Ps. 7:8). uprightness (Ps. 25:21). without wavering (Ps. 26:1).[2] blameless (Ps. 101:2).[3] Examples of persons of integrity Here are five examples of Old Testament characters who were designated persons of integrity: Noah (Gen. 6:9) Abraham (Gen. 17:1) Jacob (Gen. 25:27) Job (Job 1:1,8; 2:3) David (1 Kings 9:4) English translations frequently render the underlying Hebrew as perfect or blameless. Perhaps the inclusion of Jacob is surprising since he is also known for his deceit.[4] English translators describe Jacob as a plain (KJV), or a peaceful, or a quiet man in other translations.[5] New Testament In the New Testament, integrity occurs only at Titus 2:7 in reference to teaching [6]. The idea of singleness of heart or mind is frequent: see also Matthew 5:8; 6:22; James 1:7-8; 4:8. Walking in integrity is an example. Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. The bible says, ‘train up a child in the way to go and when he is old, he will not depart from it’. One of the most effective ways of training people is by example! The parent who says do as I say but does not do it themselves is likely to exasperate his children. What a legacy it is for our children when they see us consistently applying God’s word and ways in our day to day lives. They are doubly blessed, to see our example and to be free from the consequences of our otherwise disobedience to God. When we walk in integrity, we are an example to the whole church. It is a sad thing to see when a new believer sees an experienced believer compromise on God’s word and then tries to justify it, thus setting a bad example for the new believer. This scripture will also apply to our ‘spiritual’ children, those recent converts who will follow our example of walking in integrity. Their Christian walk will be blessed by our example. Psalm 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Amen Personal Prayer Footnotes [1] Strong's Hebrew: 8537. תֹּם (tom) -- completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate. [2] Found in the NRSV, NASB, and NIV [3] Found in NRSV in this verse the Hebrew uses tom twice, otherwise translated integrity. [4] Jacob’s deceitfulness (Gen. 27:5-27; 30:37-43; 33:13-17). [5] In various translations such as the NASB, NRSV, NIV, and REB. [6] Found in translations such as the NRSV, NIV, and REB). In Part 2 we consider how we can live our lives with integrity.

Comfort one another with these words When we believers go through challenging times, we can become a bit earthbound and be affected by what we see and hear. It is easy to become a little forgetful of the enormous comfort [1] that we receive from God’s word concerning our eternal destiny. Recently a brother was wondering what it would be like in heaven. He expressed the opinion that the bible had little to say about heaven and eternity. I disagreed with him on this, as I find all through Scripture there are clues and tantalising hints about what we believers shall be like and what will happen in heaven in the hereafter. So, today my fellow believer, you are invited to relax and permit me to share with you some of these glimpses from scripture of your eternal destiny in Christ Jesus. The format of this message [2] is not a formal bible study but an opportunity to meditate on and eagerly look forward to your eternal reward! You hear the shout! [3] The voice of the Archangel! it is the Lord himself! The King of Kings! The Lord of Lords! He is descending from highest heaven with the sound of the trumpet. The dead in Christ are arising. We, who are alive, are changed in the twinkling of an eye! Our corrupt bodies become incorruptible! Our mortality is swallowed by immortality! And we are like Him! Yes, like Him! and we are caught up to be with Him, Him who our souls love, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We were told to comfort each other with these gracious words. We then see that we are indeed surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, our fellow saints and we shall be with Him forever! Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament and those who turn many righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Our citizenship is in heaven, no longer eagerly waiting, our lowly bodies transformed and conformed to His glorious body. We are like Him, with glorious bodies. We are with Him! – oh the joy for in His presence is fullness of joy and He is allowing us to share in His glory! And to some of us, the ultimate accolade and the sublime reward of “well done thou good and faithful servant.” With baited breath, we watch as our work is tried by fire [4], some suffer loss, as the wood, hay and stubble is burnt, yet, there is great joy for the gold, silver and precious stones – the Lord’s reward to His faithful. As Abraham’s servant led Rebecca to Isaac with bracelets and ornaments, so the Holy Spirit lifts up the Church and brings us to Christ in the air, bestowing on us precious jewels and ornaments on us that Jesus might present us to the Father without spot and without blemish. We are clothed in splendour, with the robe of righteousness! Next, we attend the marriage supper of the Lamb! Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God the Almighty reigns. We rejoice and are glad and give the Glory unto Him, for we are come to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and we have made ourselves ready, we are clothed with fine linen, bright and clean, which is the righteous acts of the saints. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. These words we can now see are true. We await the new heaven / earth with no more sea, and the new Jerusalem descending out of heaven. He wipes away every tear, no more death, mourning, crying pain. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard or what has entered the heart of man. All that God has prepared for those that love Him. And we have received the Spirit from God that we might know the things freely given to us by Him. Meanwhile let us not grow weary in well doing for in due time we shall reap that harvest and receive or eternal reward! Amen Personal Prayer Footnotes [1] 1 Thessalonians 4:18 [2] This message is written from a pre-millennial rapture point of view. You of course are free to construct your own ‘glimpses of things to come’ from your own eschatological point of view. [3] 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 [4] 1 Corinthians 3:12-13

Go and do thou likewise What is compassion? To enter sympathetically into someone’s sorrow and pain. To show fellow feeling. To extend mercy and help when we see someone’s pain. To show pity in the kind sense. Jesus is a compassionate Saviour. So many times he showed compassion. Compassion when expressed usually leads to action whether in healing, prayer, or appropriate help etc. Examples of Jesus' compassion For the Multitude Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. For the blind Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. For Jerusalem Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! For the Leper Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. For the Bereaved Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. The Good Samaritan One of the most outstanding acts of compassion was told in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Q. Who is your neighbour? A. Anyone that you can see needs your help. The Samaritan owed the wounded man nothing but recognized that a fellow human being (made in the image of God) was suffering and needed serious help and care. This compassion is a facet of the Love of God. The Good Samaritan firstly took the risk of assisting the wounded man as the robbers could still have been around. There would be plenty of blood on the victim yet the Samaritan helped him, gave him first aid and took him to a place of safety where he could recover. He also paid the wounded man’s expenses promising that he would meet the wounded victim’s full bill. This Samaritan showed great compassion and gave a wonderful example to us of how to show compassion especially to a stranger. Jesus say to us today 'Go, and do thou likewise.' Amen Personal Prayer

Responses to scriptures which appear to be against eternal security. There are Christians who believe that they can lose their salvation. It is worth considering just for a moment, that there are only two positions on this matter. Either you can or you cannot lose your salvation! In general, two types of error can be made when trying to interpret a passage of scripture. 1. Either or the verse or passage is misapplied i.e. it is talking about a different subject altogether (and not salvation in this case). 2. A verse can be taken out of context and so it is meaning becomes distorted. An example of such an error is where some people say that because Galatians 5:4 [4] says that we can ‘fall from grace’ then this means we can lose our salvation. This passage is talking about how to lead the Christian life not about salvation! Scriptures used to oppose the doctrine of eternal security. Generally, they can be divided into five main groups. 1. Passages dealing with fruit and the judgement of believers works. e.g. In the parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9) the main thrust of the story is about people’s hearts and the fruit that they will produce when salvation comes. Only the first category the hard-hearted person who refuses the seed of God’s word is an unbeliever. See also Hebrews 6:7-10 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. 2. Passages about God disciplining believers. Although God does discipline his children, he does not throw them out of his family. The unforgivable sin is of course the sin of not believing what the Holy Spirit and the Word God say about Jesus Christ and can only be committed by unbelievers! In Acts 5:1-11 Annanias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and died! This does not imply that they lost their salvation, but it was a judgement of their works. Their dead works will be burned up in heaven just like ours! See also the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 28 and especially v.19 ...you and your sons will be with me. 3. Passages taken out of context. Matthew 24:13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. The context of ‘saved’ here is that of delivered i.e. will not die but survive. Matthew 7:21-23 ...I never knew you; depart from me your evil who practise lawlessness. This is talking about judgement day (every knee ...) and is clearly talking about unbelievers. 4. Passages exhorting believers to live in fellowship. Hebrews 6:1-6 careful study of this passage shows that the ‘repentance of v.6 is referring to the same repentance from dead works’ as verse 1. This is talking about believers who are out of fellowship with the Lord and need to get rid of their dead works. 5. Miscellaneous scriptures. Revelation 3:5 ‘Overcomers’ Some people assume that some believers will not be overcomers and hence lose their salvation. However, in 1 John 5 4-5 defines who the overcomers are i.e. one who has faith in Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:11-13; ‘If we deny (disown) Him....He will also deny us. However at the end of the day if God remains faithful our salvation is secure in Him, and He always remains faithful. Conclusion The grace of God should promote holiness in our lives. We are in a relationship with God which cannot be broken although our fellowship can. Your eternal life has already begun so let us live and act in a worthy manner! Jude:24-25 24 Now unto him that can keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion, and power, both now and for ever. Amen. Prayer Teaching adapted in part from BBS TAPES 9-11 by the late Roger Price (Chichester Christian Fellowship). Footnotes [1] Titus 2 11-13. Ephesians 2:8-10. Romans 6:11-15. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20. Ephesians 3:20 -4 22. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12. Collossians 3:1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 1 John 3:13. [2] Double negative in Greek for emphasis ‘never ever’. [3] Guarantee or down-payment. [4] Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Eternal security and the Trinity Two Views of Salvation Some people would say that man’s work can help him earn salvation, whereas others say salvation is entirely God’s work. If salvation can be earned or deserved in any way, based on our actions, then there is a possibility that we might stumble and lose it again. This is in effect a ‘social gospel’ a gospel based on good works. This would mean that salvation was gained by doing good works and implies a necessary standard of conduct. If, like most Christians we believe that salvation is entirely the work of God, then we could only lose it through some failure on God’s part. This is of course impossible. The Bible is clear on this point that salvation is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Four Foundational Principles for the Eternal Security of a believer 1. God’s omniscience; he knows everything, past, present, and future. He knows each one of us at our worst (faults and failings) and at our best. He knew what he was doing when he saved each one of us. He was big enough to complete the task of preparing us for eternity. Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. See also 2 Timothy 2:13, Isaiah 46:9-10. 2. The nature of a gift from God; Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. A wage is earned, but a gift is given, the Greek word for gift charisma means a gift. Eternal life is a gift, and the Scripture says in Romans 11 :29 the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. If we could lose our salvation, then surely God’s omniscience and grace would be in doubt! 3. The work of the Trinity in our salvation All three personalities of the triune Godhead co-operated in our salvation. The idea that any or all of them failed is absurd. a) The work of the Father. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Father God planned our salvation and has adopted us into his family. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: It was the Father who began the good work in us, and He will faithfully complete it. b) The work of the Son Jesus died for every sin; past, present, and future. If even one sin was not covered by his blood, then we would be in grave danger. But thank God that no sin can now affect God’s plan, because they have all been considered since Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. Jesus is our advocate (1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:). The parakletos (advocate) means one called alongside to help. Jesus does not turn his back on us when we sin but rather, he rushes to the Father saying, ‘Yes, I know he is guilty, but I paid for that sin on the cross’. When we get to heaven there will be great rejoicing ‘He (Jesus) shall see the travail of his soul and be satisfied (Isaiah 53:11). Jesus is both judge and advocate (John 5:22,27). The court is biased in our favour! c) The work of the Father and Son Together. John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day.40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Father gives men to the Son and He will lose none of them! John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never [2] perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man can pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. d) The work of the Holy Spirit. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest [3] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. We are sealed now at the point of salvation. This implies a ‘done deal’. God owns us from that moment forever. The King of King’s seal cannot be reversed. 4. The family or kindred relationship. We are born-again into God’s family; Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Even if we deny Our Father, He remains faithful to us. Amen Personal Prayer Footnotes [2] Double negative in Greek for emphasis ‘never ever’. In Part 5 we examine the scriptures used to argue against eternal security.

The case for once saved always saved. Is it possible for a true born-again believer to lose their salvation and end up in the eternal lake of fire, separated from God forever? The question usually arises when someone we know or even perhaps ourselves, who previously professed Christianity but is now living far from Jesus and does not seem to even care. As we begin this important study it is crucial to remember that not everyone in any given fellowship may be truly born again! Our question in this study is focused on those who have truly been born-again. This study has three parts to it. 1. The need for holiness in the believer’s life. 2. Bible evidence to support ‘once saved always saved’. 3. Responses to those scriptures which appear to contradict this. It is clear from the teaching of the Bible that the Lord wants and indeed expects us to lead holy lives that bear fruit. It does matter how we live in every area of our lives, and we must not grieve the Holy Spirit who indwells us by living in constant sin. The grace of God and His righteousness in us are not a license to sin. Even if we do stumble our hearts should be quick to confess our sins to the Lord. Background Calvinists and Armenians Calvinists (John Calvin 1509-1564) generally believe in Eternal Security. They believe that God knew everyone who would believe from before the foundation of the world, and because of this He called and chose each one. In this viewpoint God has done all the work for salvation in the past and the people will be saved in the future. One drawback from this point of view is that because it is so focused on the past it leaves out how the believers live in the present. When taken to extremes this could be taken to mean that it really does not matter how the Christian behaves and hence opens the door for widescale immorality. Arminians (Jacob Arminius 1560-1609), on the other hand, concentrate much more on the present. They also believe God has called and chosen us, but that this calling works only on a day to day basis. So, if we live a holy life today, we are still saved, but if not, we are in instant danger of losing our salvation. Some Arminians become very legalistic and keep long sets of rules perhaps even to the extent of keeping all the law of Moses. Some are in more bondage to the law than any legalistic Jew! Most of what the Calvinists believe is scripturally correct, but a balanced biblical viewpoint must take the present into account. Jesus is alive today and .... He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever liveth to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:23-25). Israel needed a high priest to represent the people to God and in the same way Jesus Christ our high priest makes daily intercessions for each one of us. Our eternal security and salvation do not only depend in what the Lord has done in the past but also on the fact that Jesus Christ is interceding for us today. This means there is a present aspect to our salvation. In other words, if Jesus stopped interceding for us perhaps, we might lose our salvation. Praise God however that He can save us to the uttermost (panteles) meaning completely, utterly, or finally, or even better everlastingly (forever). This present aspect of our salvation means that God requires something from us today! Our present-day sin is still loathsome to God. Although Jesus paid the price in full for all our sins when we sin today, Jesus has to say to His Father ‘I suffered and died for that sin’. So, there is still a reaction in heaven when we sin though He graciously forgives us when we repent. Our sins are still of real significance today and we must remember that obedience is better than sacrifice. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. The basis of our eternal security is founded in two equally important things. 1. The work and calling of God in the past 2. The living intercession of Christ for us. If we remember both aspects, they will keep us from extremes of considering sin unimportant or trying to live under the Law. Our love and gratitude to Jesus will lead us into greater holiness. Some Arminian preachers are frightened to preach on God’s grace in case it will promote sin in the believer’s lives. The Bible however teaches that as we acquire an understanding of the grace and love of God and a revelation that Jesus is constantly interceding for us, then we will be inspired to lead holy lives. The supporting scriptures for this motivation to holiness are given below [1]. From these scriptures it is clear that God does not employ fear or outward things to spur us on to holiness but rather it is the truth inside us that will cause a response from our hearts. We respond to God’s love and grace. Those forgiven most, love most! Holiness needs a new nature. No matter how good on external appearances people are, only the new birth can really change their nature. People who have only received the Gospel in their heads are often more difficult to convert because they think they are already saved. Amen Personal prayer [1] Titus 2 11-13. Ephesians 2:8-10. Romans 6:11-15. 1 Corinthians 6:15-20. Ephesians 3:20 -4 22. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12. Collossians 3:1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 1 John 3:13.

Psalm 91:11-16 Angelic protection 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. The mighty and holy angels of God are commanded by him to post a special watch over those who under the shelter of Almighty God. It is their sacred duty to protect God’s people. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. These represent the various obstacles, difficulties, and dangers we encounter in life, even those that are life threatening. We also must be aware of the venom of our spiritual enemies , the fallen angels who operate in the heavenlies. God’s elect, holy and mighty angels are able to deal with such. Jesus has put all things that could harm us under our feet. The Apostle Paul shook off the viper in Malta and was unharmed. When we know we are fully protected in our spirit, soul, and body we can confidently tread on those beings which seek to do us harm. This gives us great confidence in our God. Interim Prayer Lord we thank you for your holy and mighty angels that form a hedge of shelter around your people. Lord, give us your wisdom that we be not deceived into testing you just because we know of your marvelous protection around us. Lord, give us your wisdom to live in these difficult times and bring the light of the Gospel to those still in darkness. In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen 14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” God reveals what he himself finds delightful in a man or woman. v14 Speaks of such a person, who is devoted the Lord, God says because this person clings/cements to God in love then God will deliver such a person and protect them. This is what God delights to do for those who cling to him in love, those who come to recognise his holy name, his person, and his divine attributes. If we want to know the meaning of his holy name in this verse, then we must turn to the example of Jesus Christ, but remembering that because we are ‘in him’ and this verse also applies to us, to the believers dwelling in Gods shelter. This is a position of great honour. v15 Whenever the person who is clinging to the Lord in love, calls out in distress, the Lord promises to answer him. Here we have the very privileged access to the Lord’s help and intervention on our behalf. He promises to be present with us in our various troubles, and if needed to rescue us from our dangers and difficulties. He not only rescues those under his shelter but brings them into a place of honour. V16 God promises to give those who cling to him in love, a long enough life to fulfil all their destiny irrespective of the age they live too as was the case of Jesus who fulfilled all his destiny yet died at a comparatively young age. God’s wonderful salvation extends beyond this life into the next. Prayer Lord teach us how to cling you in our thoughts, in our hearts and in our wills, Lord, cement our hearts to your heart in love, and help us to come to know your holy name in fullness. Lord, we thank you that whenever we call out to you, we know that you will answer us, and rescue us from trouble and bring us into a place of honour. Lord help us fulfil all your destiny of this life and when it is time move us from salvation on earth to salvation in heaven. In Jesus’ name we ask it. Amen

Security in times of trouble Psalm 91:1-10 Psalm 91 has been called God’s atomic bomb shelter, but is in fact it is our nuclear, chemical, and biological shelter. 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most-High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. There is tremendous protection at the foot of the cross, God himself is watching over his people. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Each believer can truthfully say concerning the Lord, that He himself is our place of safety and not only in easy times, He is like a fortress around us and protecting us in time of trouble, battle, and difficulty. 3 Surely, he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. The Lord is an ever-present help in times of trouble and stands ready to help and protect you from the sudden traps of the enemy, like a bird going into a specifically designed trap Satan tries to ensnare God’s people. God thinks that people who lay traps for other people ought to be caught in their own trap. Amen The deadly pestilence includes all parasites, infections, infestations, viral pandemics and the like. Surely, he will save you and yours. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. The picture here is the adult eagle extended the wing over the chicks to protect and ward off any evil. Anyone or anything wanting to do us harm needs to get past our God who places us under his wings and gives us a place of safety, a place of refuge, a place of immunity from evil. God is always true to his word and is so dependable to his people, that his promise of protection to us is like a battle shield or defensive bulwark of a mighty castle. We can be sure of his protection. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. The Lord’s protection of his covenant people is 24/7 x 365 all through the night and day. Whenever our enemy attacks at night trying to terrify us, God’s hedge of protection surrounds us both sleeping and awake. This applies to the targeted attacks (destructive calamity) of the enemy, even the fiery darts of the evil one, and even when the guided missile zeroing in on you, we can remain assured of the Lord’s protection and security. Even when the vectors/agencies of the enemy i.e. plagues, pestilences, pandemics try to latch on to us under the cover of darkness or by stealth, or in the full heat of the day at noon, we need not fear for God is with us and in us, and wrapped/enveloped around us. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. This promise is particularly suited to the historical plague or today’s pandemic which as we can see is claiming thousands of lives around the world today. But, whatever is happening to other people, those of us dwelling in God’s shelter can expect his special providence and care so much so that the Lord will not let the pestilence come near you to hurt you, God has his marked his favour on his people and you are one of them. Those who refuse to come into God’s shelter, one day we will see the come into God’s judgement at the Great White Throne. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 24x7After all God’s above promises of protection, we can indeed say to ourselves with the psalmist, surely the Lord is indeed our refuge and surely we want to dwell under his shadow. Because that is our position, is our true belief then no harm should overtake us and God will prevent disaster coming upon our house. Interim Prayer Lord God, we thank you today for your all-embracing security over your people. We thank you for actively protecting us from plagues and pestilences night and day every day, we thank you that whatever is happening to other people even around us that you will keep the pandemic from us, your people, it won’t reach us. Unfortunately, we will see many who do not love you God fall into the enemy’s hand. We thank you Most High Lord for your assurance that we are in your place of safety, and dwell with you in your shelter where no harm should overtake us nor the plague enter into our houses. We thank you Lord for your shelter at the foot of Jesus’ Christ cross. Amen In Part 3B we will discuss Psalm 91:11-16

Security found in using the Wisdom of God In Part 1 we considered developing our security in God by focusing on the eternal things and by building on the the Rock. Now in Part 2 we consider the security found in the wisdom of God and then proceed to consider security for life and death. 3. To find the wisdom of God we turn to Proverbs 1:7, 20-29. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. 20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares. 23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. 24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-- 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. 28 "Then they will call to me, but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. 29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, This reveals that it is only the wisdom of God in your life that will provide a full and total security for your life. Such wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. In this passage Wisdom explains the terrible consequencies of ignoring her advice. 4. Security in life and in death Psalm 23 gives a wonderful explanation of how the Lord cares for each one of his sheep all through each life and in their death. 23:1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. You shall not want in this life nor the next. We don’t need to fear even when we are dying for surely we will dwell with God in his house forever.The death of the righteous is further described in1 Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. In the above passage 'fallen asleep' means died. Whether we are already dead or are still alive when the Lord descands with the trumpet call both the righteous dead and the righteous living will be with him forever. What a wonderful promise for our security in life and in death' See also Proverbs 14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge. When calamity comes- the righteous will have hope Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. The eternal hope is our security. Hebrews 6:18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, Please note that God cannot lie and He has said our Hope in Him is a refuge. Hope in Him is an anchor for the soul holding us steady when we are tossed to and fro by the storms of life. We must refuse to be driven by our fears/insecurities even at the point of our death. Amen Personal Prayer