What Does It Take?

June 20

What does it take to realize the promises of eternal security, of the hope of ruling and reigning with Christ throughout eternity? We are simple folk, for the most part. We haven’t been instrumental in operating governments. We haven’t run major corporations. Most of us consider ourselves to be doing well if we can manage our families—ourselves!—rightly.

So what credentials can we present before the Father on that great, eternal day when He judges the quick and the dead? What will commend us to Him, that He might desire that we be among those included around His Throne, forever singing His praises with the angels?

Of course, we know we, “…must be born again,” according to Jesus’ own words in John 3:3. We know, as He explains to Nicodemus that flesh and blood cannot inherit eternal things, for the eternal promise is to the spirit man. Though flesh cannot be redeemed, the spirit surrendered to Jesus, washed in His blood, will, indeed, inherit eternity.

Further, though there are some who espouse the ‘once saved, always saved’ doctrine, there is an admonition given by the risen Lord in Revelation 2:10 that says, “Be ye faithful unto the end, and I will give you the crown of life.” This encourages us to, “Work out your salvation…” Philippians 2:12, rather than take this great gift for granted.