I Will Never Leave You!

by Dan McDonald..."My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30. This is one of the most awesome passages in the Bible dealing with our security in Christ, a truth with which so many Christians struggle today. I vividly remember as a teen battling with the thoughts about NOT being be saved because my life didn't reflect one of Christ-likeness, but rather one of an "unsaved" person. Therefore, because of my "works" I didn't think I was a child of God. As a result, I constantly prayed the "sinner's prayer" probably to the tune of a thousand times throughout my high school years. Oh, I had made a profession earlier on in my life and believed on Jesus as the scriptures teach - but I just didn't "feel" saved at this time in my life. Not until my mid to late 20's did I realize the significance of the afore mentioned words of Christ, "No one is able to snatch or steal you from My hand or My Father's hand because We are one." A few misleading sayings like: "You didn't truly believe," "You really didn't mean it," "By your fruits you will know them," "A true Christian would NEVER do anything like that," and many more dispiriting idioms we commonly hear based soley on WORKS, led to my doubting of Christ's one-time work in my life. However; Bible verses such as Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness..." Eph. 2:9 "Not of works, lest anyone should boast." and Rom. 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved," are all clear on what constitutes a believer. All those years of doubt, discouragement and reckless abandon because of a distorted view of salvation made me quite an insecure individual! Needless!...How about you? Are there days you don't quite "feel" saved because of some comment someone has made about you, or because of some work or deed you've done or participated in that you know was inappropriate? We are ALL sinners saved by our Savior's wonderful grace (undeserved favor). If you have believed on the name of the Lord, whatever age you were, as the scriptures so clearly teach, you ARE saved! Now, go away from where you are with this renewed hope, faith and vision - Your Father will NEVER leave you or disown you!