READING: 2 Chronicles 4-6, John 10:24-42
“No one will snatch them out of My hand.”
John 10:28
I have quoted these words of Jesus many times in my years as a pastor, primarily when others have asked about the eternal security of the believer: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29). I read the words today, though, and I’m struck again by how much is packed in these verses.
First, the life God gives us is a gift. We deserve only death, but God has chosen to give believers what we don’t deserve: everlasting life. That simple truth gives us purpose for living, removes any fear of death, and reminds us of the deep love God has for us.
Second, the life He gives us really is eternal. At the risk of overstating the obvious, that means the life God has given us will never end. That statement in itself speaks to our security in Christ; if it were possible for us to lose that life, it would be conditional rather than eternal life. That’s not what Jesus said, however. He gives us everlasting life. Period.
Third, we are a gift from the Father to the Son. He protects us as the gift to His Son, and Jesus in turn protects us as the gift He has received from His Father. No one can snatch us from the hand of the Father and the Son, who are one (John 10:30). No one – including we ourselves – is strong enough to pry open their hands to pluck us away. Thus, our security rests not in us, but in the power of the One who holds us in His hand.
What, then, do we say to those who fear that the doctrine of eternal security fosters a laissez-faire Christian life? The result is actually just the opposite – when you realize how much God has anchored our lives in Him, we should want to serve Him even more out of gratitude. That obedience is only more evidence that God has given us new life.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for the eternal life He has given you if you are indeed a follower of Christ.
- If you are not certain that you are a believer, turn to Christ by turning away from your sin and trusting Jesus as your Savior.
PRAYER: “Lord, I praise You for the life You have given me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Chronicles 7-9, John 11:1-29