The Practical Implications of the Sovereignty of God - Part Five

The sovereignty of God in our salvation also gives us confidence as we face the future. We can stand our ground against spiritual opposition because we know that he who has begun the good work will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). As Christians we quickly become aware that there are many difficulties that we are called to go through as we make our way to heaven. There are formidable foes who try to keep us from persevering with the Lord and who discourage us time and time again. It is no wonder then that doubts and fears arise about the ultimate outcome of our commitment. We sometimes wonder if we will make it to the end. Will we be able to hold on to Jesus amid the twists and turns of life? Will we prove to be valiant soldiers or will we turn back in disgrace?

Although we have a very important role when it comes to keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and keeping ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21), we are not kept by our own efforts alone. God, who called us by his grace in the beginning, will keep us by his grace until the end. So Paul can say with great assurance, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). And then a little later in the same letter he adds, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (2:12-13). God is on our side. He has brought us to himself and he will not abandon us along the way. He will keep us to the end. We are safe in the hand of Jesus and in the hand of the Father who gave us to him. As Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will 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 the Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).

To be continued in my next post...