Conference 2023 Bible Study Outline

Eternal Security and Assurance

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Readings:
John 10:27-30
Romans 5:1, 12-18
Romans 8:1, 29-39
Colossians 2:13-15

Part A: The Eternal Security of the Believer — the OBJECTIVE Truth to be Apprehended. Is it possible for a believer to lose their salvation?

Part B: The Assurance of Salvation — the SUBJECTIVE Appreciation of the Truth. Why do doubts sometimes arise in the mind of a believer?

A: The Eternal Security of the Believer
  1. The Realities to be understood:
    • Salvation: Our need and its nature: 1 Corinthians 1:18
    • Regeneration: A new life within: Colossians 2:13
    • Justification: A new position before God: Romans 5:1, 9
  1. The Relationships into which we have been brought:
    • The Family of God: we have been adopted: Galatians 4:5
    • The Bride of Christ: we have been espoused: 2 Corinthians 11:2
    • The Body of Christ: we are members: Romans 12:4-5
  1. The Representation of two federal heads:
    • Adam, Romans 5:12-18: Guilt before God is immense.
    • Christ, Romans 5:12-18: The gift of grace is irrevocable.
  1. The Recognition of what grace does and does not do:
    • Grace is the basis of our salvation, excluding works: Romans 4:4, Ephesians 2:8
    • Grace is not a license to continue in sin: Romans 6:1, 14
  1. The Roles played by the Godhead in Salvation:
    • The Father and His promise: Philippians 1:6
    • The Son and the price paid: Galatians 1:4
    • The Spirit and His presence: Ephesians 1:13-14
  1. Our Representative in heaven, Jesus Christ:
    • He is our Great High Priest who intercedes for us: Hebrews 4:14-16
    • He is our Advocate with the Father: 1 John 2:2
  1. The Realm into which we have been brought: John 10:28-29
    • The promise of eternal life: John 10:28-29
      • Its definition: John 17:3
      • Its duration: John 11:26
    • God’s eternal purposes: Romans 8:29-30
    • God’s eternal protection: Romans 8:31-39
  1. Our Resource on earth:
    • The Word of God: 1 John 5:13

B: The Assurance of Salvation

  1. The Causes of believers’ doubts:
  • Mistakes regarding the doctrine of salvation and security:
    • “Bad doctrine leads to bewildering doubts.”
      • The completeness of forgiveness: Colossians 2:13 –  All our sins were future when Christ died.
      • The consummated work of Christ: John 19:30
      • The confidence in self: Galatians 3:3
  • Misunderstood texts:
    • Warning passages in Hebrews, such as 6:4-8
    • Persevering passages in Matthew 10:22, 24:14, Mark 13:13
    • “If” passages, such as Colossians 1:21-23
  • Misdeeds:
    • How many sins are enough to make one lose his salvation?
    • Which sins are serious enough to make one lose his salvation?
  1. The Confusion about God:
    • The Judge: John 5:24
    • The Father: Luke 15:20
      • Fellowship was broken; the relationship remained.
      • Forensic treatment vs. familial treatment.
  1. The Character of God:
    • He cannot lie: Titus 1:2
  1. The Centre of attention:
    • The moment and the manner: My changing sentiments, or…
    • The Man: His consistent saviourhood
  1. The Certainty we can enjoy:
  • The Stories that illustrate:
    • Genesis 7: Noah and the ark
    • Exodus 12: The firstborn
  • The Sources that strengthen:
    • The witness of the Spirit: Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, 1 John 4:13
    • The Word of God: 1 John 5:13 –The facts from Scripture produce faith in our hearts.
    • The Work of Christ: 1 John 5:11 – We do not look to our own works to produce assurance.