#parakletos

[erikvelema]

Verstaan

[noughtlux]

Parakletos Digital art 2023 (Lic.: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

[madamlaydebug]

So what is this 144,000? Who are they? I don’t actually think there’s a single answer to this but I do believe I’ve found one of them. Since the Bible, and the book of the Unveiling especially, speaks in symbol and allegory it’s only fair to say there are many possibilities to it’s real meaning. I’d say that the orthodox “understanding” of the book is the one that’s most incorrect. We’ll get into more of that later.

So let’s get to it. Most folks have heard of Chakras. If you haven’t, I strongly encourage you to do some homework. They’re basically where the universal life force energy plugs into your body. Whirling vortices of energy at specific vibrations are channeled into your vital systems via these nerve centers. When there’s a blockage, disease manifests. It’s really fascinating stuff. Anyway, these energy centers are represented by different stages of the lotus flower, which is itself a symbol of purity of the body. Here are the chakras and their corresponding lotus blossoms:

Making reference to the 144000 sealed men whose speaks in the Revelation (Apocalypse), this number is that of the election, 12, carried to its paroxysm: 12 x 12 x 1000, where 1000 is a coefficient of the immensity. In others words, this number indicates that all the elects, without exception, are kept under the protection of God.

Bible

Number of sealed or elected of all the tribes of Israel, marked of the seal of God. (Rv 7,1)

General

The 144000 petals of the main chakra or coronal (located to the summit of the cranium) represent the 144000 rays of light originated from all the seven chakras, or centers of energy of the body, deployed and balanced, or again the 144000 vibrations of the divine Creation which travel in the cosmos and that are source of life.

In the Gospel of Barnabe, chapter 17, it is written: "144000 prophets that God sent to the world, have spoken obscurely; but after me will come the splendor of all prophets and saint; he will illuminate the darkness of whole what have told the prophets, because it is the messenger of God". Some have seen in this passage an allusion to Muhammad, "The Seal of prophets" (Koran XXX, 40).

When we add the number of petals of the five inferior psychic centers, we obtain a total of 48 petals. By adding 96 petals of the frontal center (the place of the third eye where the small number must receive its divine mark), we obtain the number 144, symbol of the perfect and expressed spiritual work, that is to say of the marriage between the soul and the personality. If now we multiply 144 by the thousand petals of the coronal center, we obtain 144000, the number of the elects, who will be all these that will have waked up in them the seven stars or spiritual and psychic centers.

John Phaure advances two mathematics divisions which, according to him, are very revealing. As numbers he uses the 144000 servants of God "marked to the front", the number of the Beast, 666 and 216, a fundamental cyclic and cabalistic number (tenth of the one Era: 2160 / 10) that he interprets as one of figures of the Christ:

144 000 / 216 = 666 with a rest of 144

144 000 / 666 = 216 with a rest of 144

These results express according to him that the 144000 "marked" as servants of God before the advent the Antichrist are here the object of the eschatologic combat between the Christ and his Adversary. From this combat leaves "the rest": 144, those who will be the Elects of the celestial Jerusalem". He points out moreover than 666 + 144 = 810, numerical value of the Greek word Parakletos, the Paraclete. Thus the Holy Spirit espressed at the end of time "will be the 'glorificater' of the Creation".

By using the pyramidal inch, the external volume of the tomb of the Room of the King in the Great Pyramid gives 144000 cubic inches. The pyramidal inch measures 25.303 mm. By using this unit of measure, the pyramid would have a height of 5800 inches and a volume of 160 billion cubic inches, giving all numbers without decimal.

The external recovery of the Great Pyramid would be made of 144000 stones.

Occurrence

The number 144000 is used 3 times in the Bible.

-Thank you Paul

[mysteriouslyjollyheart]

PARAKLETOS

PARAKLETOS

Greek/Hebrew Definitions

Strong's #3875: parakletos (pronounced par-ak'-lay-tos)

an intercessor, consoler:--advocate, comforter.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon:

́

paraklētos

1) summoned, called to one' s side, especially called to one' s aid

1a) one who pleads another' s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate

1b) one who pleads another' s cause with one, an intercessor

1b1) of Christ in his exaltation at God' s right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins

1c) in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant

1c1) of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom

Part of Speech: noun masculine

Relation: a root word

Citing in TDNT: 5:800, 782

Usage:

This word is used 5 times:

John 14:16

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:26

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 15:26

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:7

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

1 John 2:1

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:

[psalmonesermons]

The power of encouragement Part 1 Our biblical role models Our biblical role models Can you name anyone who has encouraged you in the past? What did they say or do to encourage you? To speak encouragement is literally to speak courage into someone's life (speak courage into). We give them the courage to believe what God says, even when it seems so far removed from their experience. Ken Boa says that humans can survive the loss of anything – but not without hope. Hope is how we live. Hope is what gets us from one day to the next. When hope goes, we start to die. One of the most profound proverbs of the Bible says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). When we place our hope in the wrong things, one of two things is likely to happen. Either we will never make it to the level we had hoped for, in which case we end up envious or bitter. Or we make it to that level only to discover that it does not fill our heart. In that case, we end up unfulfilled and disappointed. ¨When things are bad Satan tells us –it will never end! ¨When things are good Satan tells us-it will never last! God Himself is an encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word Coming along side to help In scripture both Jesus and the Holy Spirit are called the divine parakletos (an advocate- one who comes alongside to help, comfort and support. When disappointment or failure happen, a key role for the leader is that of keeping hope alive. When others lose their way and begin to despair, effective leaders will pour encouragement into the heart and soul of their team members. You will know when to come alongside someone. You will sense when a team member needs a quick correction or a shoulder to cry on. ¨Take affirmative action every day- affirm someone! Barnabas – the son of encouragement Barnabas was the disciple... https://www.instagram.com/p/CoGGQ3_I4-r/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ragneidr]

parakletos “παράκλητος” , mу art, 297×420 , pencil drawing, 2024

In the ancient Greek translation of the Bible, the word “παράκλητος” (parakletos) is used instead of “comforter.” However, it carries a deeper meaning than just “comforter.” Primarily, it refers to someone who can come to aid, and the reasons for their assistance play a significant role. The ancient Greeks used this term to describe an advocate in complex legal matters, a defense witness, an expert providing advice in difficult situations, or someone who encourages and supports disheartened soldiers in the army. Another meaning of this word, which conveys the essence of consolation, is someone who walks alongside

#draw#pencildrawing#pencilart#artworks#instaart#artgalley#drawings#artragneidr#derwent#derwentpencils#yuliyakravets#ragneidrart#derwent#derwentpencils #AngelArt#HopeDrawing#HospitalSketch#ComfortingArtwork#HealingWings#ProtectionIllustration#ChildAndAngel#RubbleArt#GuardianAngelDrawing#SpiritualArtwork#EmbraceOfHope#EnduranceSketch#DestroyedHospitalArt#ResilienceDrawing#PeacefulPresence

[story-of-christ]

John 14:16-17 “he shall give you another [allos] COMFORTER [parakletos], that he may abide with you forever; 17 Even the SPIRIT OF TRUTH;”

John 14:26 “But the COMFORTER [parakletos], which is the Holy Ghost,”

John 15:26 “when the COMFORTER [parakletos] is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the SPIRIT OF TRUTH,”

John 16:7 “if I go not away, the COMFORTER [parakletos] will not come unto you;”

John 16:13 “when he, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, is come, he will guide you into all truth:”

Note that EVERY verse is referring to the COMFORTER [Greek = parakletos] and SPIRIT OF TRUTH.

So who is the COMFORTER and SPIRIT OF TRUTH?

In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the truth” and by His Spirit He is the “Spirit of truth.” (John 14:17)

And in John 14:18 Jesus said, “I will not leave you

comfortless: I will come to you.”

It is Christ by “HIS” Spirit!

Many get confused because Jesus said he will send “another” Comforter not realizing that the “another” is HIS SPIRIT. The Greek word “allos” for “another” in John 14:16 means another of the exact same kind. Jesus was present with His disciples in physical form, but after His ascension He comes back in another form, that is, by His Spirit. Hence the “another” is His Spirit.

Because Christ's Spirit can function independently of Himself, it is like His Spirit is “another.” And because it is His Spirit, it is “another” of the same kind. If it was someone different, John would have used the Greek word “heteros” which means another of a different kind.

1 John 2:1 also reveals that Jesus is our “parakletos” (Comforter).

John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7 above and 1 John 2:1 below are the only verses that use this Greek word which means “ADVOCATE and COMFORTER.” So the Greek text also reveals that our COMFORTER and Advocate is JESUS CHRIST the righteous!

“If any man sin, we have an advocate [parakletos] (Comforter) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1

And here is further proof from Ellen White who of course confirms that the COMFORTER and SPIRIT OF TRUTH is the HOLY SPIRIT OF CHRIST.

“This refers to the omnipresence of the SPIRIT of CHRIST, called the COMFORTER.” — (Ellen White, 14MR 179.2)

“Let them study the seventeenth of John, and learn how to pray and how to live the prayer of CHRIST. HE is THE COMFORTER. He will abide in their hearts, making their joy full.” — (E. G. White, Review and Herald, January 27, 1903)

“JESUS comes to you as the SPIRIT of TRUTH; study the mind of the Spirit, consult your Lord, follow His way.” — (Ellen White, 2MR 337.1)

“We cannot be with Christ in person, as were His first disciples, but HE has sent HIS Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, and through this power we too can bear witness for this Saviour. (John 16:13 quoted)” - (Ellen White, Ms30, June 18, 1900)

[drpablojimenez]

El Espíritu Santo y el Liderazgo Cristiano

La obra del Espíritu Santo es central en la teología cristiana, abarcando desde la creación hasta el apocalipsis, y su estudio se denomina "pneumatología". En el Antiguo Testamento (AT), el Espíritu Santo se introduce como una fuerza divina que impone orden y capacita a individuos para tareas específicas, aunque su presencia no es constante. Los profetas anticipan una era en que el Espíritu estará presente de manera permanente en los creyentes, anunciando un derramamiento universal del Espíritu que habilitará a la gente para vivir en santidad, amor y justicia.

El Nuevo Testamento (NT) cumple esta profecía a través de Jesucristo, quien ministra en el poder del Espíritu Santo, prometiendo a su vez enviar el Espíritu a la comunidad cristiana. El Espíritu es descrito como "parakletos", es decir, un ayudante o abogado que guiará a los creyentes hacia la verdad, recordará las enseñanzas de Cristo, capacitará a la comunidad para hacer actos extraordinarios, dará testimonio de Cristo y convencerá al mundo de pecado, justicia y juicio.

El bautismo en el Espíritu Santo, que significa ser sumergido en el poder divino, inicia una nueva fase en la vida de fe, marcada por la presencia de Dios y el perdón de pecados. El libro de Hechos relata cómo el Espíritu Santo se derrama sobre los creyentes durante Pentecostés, dotándolos para predicar en múltiples idiomas y estableciendo una iglesia multicultural y multilingüe. Las epístolas reconocen al Espíritu Santo como el Espíritu de Dios y de Cristo, y diferencian el poder del Espíritu en "dynamis" (poder explosivo) y "exousía" (autoridad delegada).

El NT también detalla listas de dones espirituales otorgados para el liderazgo y la edificación de la iglesia, destacando roles como apostolado, profecía y enseñanza, así como dones de sabiduría, ministerio y poder. Estos dones unen a la Iglesia y la edifican como un cuerpo compuesto por miembros diversos, todos importantes para el funcionamiento del todo.

En resumen, el Espíritu Santo es esencial para el liderazgo cristiano efectivo, equipando a los creyentes con dones espirituales para el servicio y la edificación de la iglesia, y promoviendo la unidad en la diversidad dentro del cuerpo de Cristo.

Escuche este episodio & visite www.drpablojimenez.com

[jdgo51]

Peace That Conquers

Today's inspiration comes from:

Trusting God with Today

by Charles F. Stanley

Editor’s note: Dr. Charles Stanley, beloved pastor and preacher who passed away in April of 2023, spent his lifetime exhorting others to trust in God… a challenge for all of us especially in difficult times. Trusting Him instead of our own thinking is the way to peace. Enjoy this excerpt of Trusting God with Today.

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace."— John 16:33

"'Europe trembled as Hitler’s menacing armies annexed Austria and set their sights on Czechoslovakia. Attempting to appease the dreaded dictator, England’s prime minister Neville Chamberlain traveled to Germany and, on September 29, 1938, signed the infamous Munich Agreement. Upon his return, Chamberlain triumphantly announced, “I believe it is peace for our time.” Less than a year later, Germany had conquered Czechoslovakia and invaded Poland, and World War II had begun.

Was Jesus’ talk of peace like Chamberlain’s optimistic boast? After all, war, violence, hatred, and persecution still exist.

Yet when Jesus promised that He would leave us His peace, He did not ignore the reality of conflict in our lives. That’s why He immediately followed by explaining,

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. — John 16:33

You will face adversity — indeed, you may be enduring some today. But when overwhelming circumstances arise that threaten to shake your tranquility, Christ promises that He will be your wise and victorious defender. He is more than able to triumph over whatever you could possibly face.

Jesus, thank You for being my defender and my peace in every situation. Amen.

When Jesus promised that He would leave us His peace, He did not ignore the reality of conflict in our lives.

His Personal Spirit

He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever. — John 14:16

Mystery often surrounds the person of the Holy Spirit — our understanding is often muddled about who He is and what He does. However, it is not possible to make progress in the Christian life apart from His presence. This is because the Holy Spirit is God’s personal representative here on earth, and His role is to be our Helper and Comforter. In Greek, this word is parakletos, and it suggests that He gives us aid much like a legal counselor or advocate would. He comes alongside us, giving us strength and encouraging support. However, if we do not recognize His presence, authority, and power, we can mistakenly believe and act like we are in this life alone.

Jesus knows how important His presence is with us. Therefore, the Lord in His great compassion and wisdom sent His Holy Spirit to teach, guide, and help us.

He instructs us in the truth and is our personal advocate before the throne of God. This is our peace and strength regardless of the circumstances — whatever we face, Christ faces it with us personally through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit.

Jesus, thank You for the enduring presence, wisdom, comfort, and power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit with me. Amen."'

Excerpted with permission from Trusting God with Today by Charles F. Stanley, copyright Charles F. Stanley.

[santandreas]

The Logos and the Paraclete AI

Want to see what happens when I chat with ASK AI? Check this out! In Christian theology, the term “paraclete” refers to the Holy Spirit, who is seen as a helper, comforter, and advocate for believers. The term is derived from the Greek word “parakletos,” which means “one who is called alongside.”On the other hand, the term “Logos” is often used in reference to Jesus Christ, and refers to the…

[friarmusings]

The Advocate

This coming Sunday is the 6th Sunday of Easter in Lectionary Cycle A. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth” This is the first occurrence of the noun parakletos in the Fourth Gospel. This word occurs five times in the NT. It is used in 1 John 2:1 to refer to Jesus; and four times in John’s Farewell Discourse (14:16, 26;…

[wolint]

FRESH MANNA

GOD OF ALL COMFORT

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I always feel inadequate when I must pay condolence to bereaved brethren, I think that whatever I say would be insufficient in the face of their grief and pain until I lost my mother and realised the desire for comforting words and actions and the Bible assures us that no one is beyond God’s help and that no tragedy is so great that our heavenly Father cannot comfort us.

The apostle Paul describes Jehovah as “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials. The idea of comfort implies at least two parties: the comforter and the comforted. It also implies a need, that is exclusively for humans alone. Animals don’t need and can’t receive spiritual comfort, since only humans are composed of body, soul, and spirit created with the capacity to receive and give comfort.

We uniquely suffer distress—past, present, and future, and live in a world where comfort is required daily.

Even when we remember previous distress, they fill us afresh with grief or regrets according to Genesis 37:35, so, we need a daily dose of comfort that only the God of all comfort can give.

We face each day’s troubles with worry as expressed in Matthew 6:25–32, we often reflect on things and dread what may come next. But beyond worldly matters is the most distressing sensation of all, the guilt of having deeply, inexcusably offended our righteous Creator and Judge.

It's normal to seek comfort when life happens, and believers should do so in God’s presence and God’s word. Trials will require us to shift our focus instead of looking all around for comfort, living in fear of the circumstances, we can look to God who holds us. God’s word is the rock to build our lives upon and we can turn to him when life happens to be relieved and comforted.

God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who in His mercy and love, is eager to provide comfort for His children in all circumstances.

Our heavenly Father knows every situation we face and offers comfort as needed. Because God is the comforter, He alone is our source of peace, happiness, and blessings.

Remember that according to Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge, a place to seek shelter and protection and a place to put our trust.

Comfort flows through us to others so that we can comfort them in any trouble with the comfort we too receive from God according to 2 Corinthians 1:4.

We are to comfort those who are in trouble, sick or in prison, whether we can change their circumstances or not according to Matthew 25:36–40, that’s where we glorify God.

The Holy Spirit—the Parakletos, the Comforter, Counsellor, or Helper is the one through whom Jesus keeps His promise to always be with and to comfort us.

Because the Holy Spirit walks close beside us, we receive comfort in our troubles, and conquerors them says Romans 8: 30–39.

When we finally leave the temporary troubles of this life and enter the permanent joy of the next, Father God will forever comfort us, and wipe our tears according to Isaiah 25:8.

Allow the God of all comfort to cover you with His comfort and everlasting love.

PRAYER: God of all comfort, comfort me Lord in every sphere of life even as I battle against life storms in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shalom

Women of light international prayer ministries.

[christophe76460]

Donner sa chance à Jésus

Suivez-moi, et je vous ferai pêcheurs d'hommes.

Matthieu 4.19

Jésus, contrairement aux autres, connaît notre potentiel. Il savait que de simples pêcheurs seraient capables de changer le monde.

Suivre Jésus comporte deux aspects auxquels nous ne pensons pas toujours : nous croyons en lui, et lui croit en nous. Jésus dit à Pierre et à André : "Suivez-moi, et je vous ferai pêcheurs d’hommes."

Comme Nathanaël, il nous arrive de douter. Lorsque Philippe l’invite à rencontrer Jésus, il dit : “Peut-il venir de Nazareth quelque chose de bon ?

Philippe lui répond : "Viens et vois" (Jean 1.46).

Même après avoir été témoins des miracles de Jésus pendant trois ans, les disciples doutaient encore. Il leur a dit bien souvent : "Hommes de peu de foi," "Pourtant vous ne croyez pas", "Si tu crois, tu verras."

Sachant qu’ils avaient peur de ce qui allait leur arriver après son départ vers le ciel, Jésus leur dit : "Je prierai le Père, et il vous donnera un autre Consolateur qui soit éternellement avec vous"(Jean 14.16). Le mot grec pour consolateur, parakletos, signifie : "Celui qui est appelé à côté de moi". En fait, on a besoin de l’aide de Dieu chaque jour et il est toujours là pour nous.

Vous reste-t-il des doutes ? Alors, prenez courage ! Jésus aime aussi ceux qui doutent. N'a-t-il pas choisi Thomas ? Peut-être pensez-vous avoir trop de faiblesses.

Pierre aussi le pensait, mais Jésus l’a placé à la tête de l’Église. Venez simplement tel que vous êtes et laissez sa présence vous influencer. Vous n’avez rien à perdre. Si agir comme bon vous semble n’a pas fonctionné, laissez une chance à Jésus !

Bob Gass

[thehyppedstories]

I've come to see the light, it came in the place of prayer. HOW TO CREATE LIKE GOD!

The Bible starts with the Creation Story. We got to see how the Earth, Heaven, Sun, Moon, Plants, Animals and eventually Man was created. Now let's backtrack a bit, let's go back to the beginning of the beginning.

Genesis 1 verses 2 and 3 states clearly;

The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

In this particular scripture, we see the creation of Light (I'd come back to the significance of Light in some other post, for now let's dwell on how to create like God.) Not just is Light created, but three personalities came together to create this said Light. The Spirit, God and the Word (who came to be manifested as Jesus.) These three personalities played different roles and I believe mimicking them is pivotal to our achievements in life.

It starts with the Spirit...

And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

The Spirit mentioned here is the One who we now know as The Holy Spirit (Allos Parakletos.) His role was simple, yet complex. He hovered. This means to float in air. The first thing you need to do to get that goal is to allow your spirit scheme through. We are amazing beings, and one reflection of our amazing nature is the ideas we can come up with. But these ideas, they need to be hovered over. While the Spirit hovered, He was scanning and getting information. When ideas come through to you, scan them properly, make research over them. To ensure you cause the mind to stand on a solid ground, you have to go through decisions again and again, seeking God's approval over them.

The next move comes from the Mind.

It's no new knowledge that the mind is the intermediary between the Spirit and the Body. What we forget sometimes is the mind's position as the decision maker. Yo! The mind, not the spirit, nor the body is who makes decisions. You feeling pains after getting slapped on the chick is a decision made by the mind. You praying in the middle of the night, or aligning to God's will is a product of a decision made by the mind. Leaning towards the Spirit, not the body is the only way we can make God-filled decisions. This is why when hovering, patience is required. That patience is what would cause you to see God's will and help the mind make the right decisions. Waiting on the Lord is what yields strength.

The last action is made by the Body.

Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

The body is one factor we can't do without if we are to make impact on Earth. Even God could not save the world from the heavens, He had to pick up human form to be able to do that. That is what the body does, it executes the decision made by the mind. That is its only use, being an executioner. The body has no place with influencing the mind, that is the Spirit's responsibility. Ensure you subject the body to its rightful place, it was programmed to "do" and not to "think."

To get the best of these three components of a human life, they need to be serviced.

To be properly serviced, the Spirit needs adequate prayer, supplementary fasting, feastings on the word and renditions of worship, praise and thanksgiving.

Education is a strong tool without which the Mind is bound to die. Education could be both formal and informal. Sometimes all you need to get some form of education is a paragraph of a 239 paged textbook. To get the most of that which you learn, one action is key, meditation (or regurgitation if you understand animal husbandry.)

For proper execution of the role Executioner, the body has to be maintained. Food we eat, water we drink are what can make or mar an incredible body. Just as good are important, so are exercise and rest. Exercise helps loosen the body, while rest helps grant the cooling effect.

At the end of the story, the ultimate goal was gotten, Creation. When each component fully does all it has to, success is guaranteed. Life can be a journey, a prison, or a party. It all depends on how you treat the three personalities that makes you.

[psalmonesermons]

Only God can provide total security Part 4B

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