Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
From a sermon by Preacher Clark at Grandma’s house, early 1969.
Gary’s Reel 2, CD-6 Track 1
“Not everyone in the body of Christ is the elect of God.” The message that the Preacher delivered that day needs to be heard around the world. It is good to know that when we are born of the Spirit, Jesus has washed away all our past sins, but the understanding that believers will be judged according to their works after they are born again is essential to our spiritual good health. Being born again gives us hope of salvation; obeying God after we are born again secures that hope.
Peter told the people on the day of Pentecost that the baptism of the holy Ghost is for all who are called by God (Acts 2:39), but not all who are called out of sin will be faithful to God after they come out of sin. Jesus told his disciples that “many are called, but few are chosen.” And he strongly suggested that the deceit of Satan would increase as this age drew closer to its end to the point that only the very elect among God’s own people would escape it (Mt. 24:24). No wonder Peter exhorted believers to strive to “make your calling and election sure” (2Pet. 1:10).
Are you a believer? Do not become proud. You are not saved yet. Besides, “the demons also believe, and tremble” (Jas. 2:19). Do you believe so much that you tremble? If not, then demons have more faith than you do.
When will the precious sheep of God be taught the truth so that they can know the fear of God and be prepared for the coming of His Son?
I remember when my Grandmother was on her death bed, she and my father held a brief conversation in which he told her, “Hold on, Sister Edna, you’re not saved yet.” That is the kind of encouragement and love that every one of God’s people needs. Of course, he new that she was going to be with Jesus; her life had spoken for itself on that issue. But Jesus did say that “He who shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved”, and she had not quite reached the end; she still needed faith to make it through the door of her eternal home. Even Paul declared, long after he had been converted, that it was his greatest hope to attain to the resurrection of the just (Phip. 3:11). So, while there is cause for confidence in Christ, there is no room for smugness in Christ.
One of the best bits of knowledge that a minister of Christ can feed to the flock of God is that “You are not saved yet.” That is a truth that applies to every saint living on earth, all the time they live here. And it is a truth that the wise in Christ embrace.