Pastor John MacArthur has a quote that goes like this:
If you could lose your salvation, you would have.
What is Pastor MacArthur saying? He is saying that if your salvation's security were based on you and your abilities, you would have lost your salvation the moment you thought you had received it. The good news is that our salvation is not based on us, but on Christ's purity and righteousness.
Why do we struggle with the thought of losing our salvation? The answer is that we know our sin. And, many times, it is one sin in particular. A sin that we find ourselves committing over and over again. The shame and guilt of it is what brings us back to Jesus again and again, asking for forgiveness. We wonder, is this it? Is this the moment when God realizes that I am a failure? Have I come back to Him one too many times with this same sin? Surely He will not forgive me this time.
Have you been there?
I know I have. Thankfully, the good news of the gospel is that it is not a matter of our work, but the amazing work of Christ. God has forgiven our past, present, and future sin because of the power of what Christ did on the cross!
Remember, though, what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, "Go, and sin no more." John 8:11
Reflect: Read the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. What do you notice about the posture of Jesus with the woman? Do you perceive Jesus to be like this with you in your sin? Why or why not?
Respond: Our repeated sins always have to do with a deeper issue. Take some time praying and ask the Spirit to show you the places in your heart where wounds or unbelief often lead you to sin.
We look forward to your comments and questions below!
If you want to share this Bible reading plan with friends and family, here is the link:
https://bttb.org/is-christianity-for-you