November 26th~Forever His

Romans 8:18-10:21

Paul’s letter to the Romans is the most precise and profound explanation of the Gospel in the New Testament. He made clear the 
truths that surround the incredible work of God in our salvation. Today’s passage may just be the highlight of this wonderful book, an encouraging stretch of verses that should warm the heart of every believer.

For example, Paul wrote, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son... Having chosen them, He called them to come to Him; and He gave them right standing with Himself, and He promised them His glory” (8:28-30).

He continued, “What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? ...Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? No... overwhelming victory is ours through Christ... I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love...” (8:31, 37, 38).

A common fear among Christians today is that their salvation in Christ may be lost, that by some sin or neglect God’s gracious gift may be forfeited. This fear would be justified if salvation could be achieved through human efforts; but we know that “no one is good, not even one” (3:10). Any “salvation” gained by human effort is no salvation at all. It could be lost because it was never gained in the first place.

Genuine salvation is by grace alone (a gift, not earned), through faith alone (faith given by God), in Christ alone (nothing else). Salvation is a work of God not man. We do not attain right standing before Him by our works; He has given us right standing with Him because of Christ’s work on the cross. What God has given to us, He has promised never to take back. Our salvation, then, rests in the trustworthy word of God, who has vowed to seal us for all eternity.

Consider this confirmation from Romans 8. Those whom God has chosen, He calls; those whom He calls, He justifies, and those whom He justifies, He will someday glorify. Paul also wrote, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6). Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me, for the Father has given them to Me... No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand” (John 10:27-30).

Daily Reflection

Have you ever struggled with the thought of losing your salvation? Why or why not?

To fear losing salvation is to doubt God at His word, and it is to diminish the work of Christ on your behalf. It is to say that what He did was not enough to secure you a place in heaven with Him. God does not want you to live like that. He wants you to rest in Him. As John wrote, “These things have I written to you, who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13, NASB).

BiAY.org |Day 330 — 35 Days to Go