We find there is yet an essential part of this building which we ourselves do not have to construct, neither have we the knowledge, the power, nor the tools to do so. That part is the foundation, which has already been divinely laid down and securely placed by the Father... ''for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which (foundation) is Christ Jesus.'' 1Cor.3:11.

''Christ in you" (Col.1:27) becomes your solid foundation and hope of glory, which hope (and "everlasting consolation" - 2Ths.2:16) we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast - Heb.6:19. And "thou shalt be secure because there is hope, yea thou shalt dig about thee and thou shalt take thy rest in safety," Jb.11:18; 8:20. Our salvation is assured by "two immutable things"; God's oath and His own person - Heb.6:13-20.

It is upon this secure and sure foundation, a precious cornerstone (Isa.28:16; 1Ptr.2:6,7), that all believers begin to build the superstructure of a holy temple unto God. This steadfast foundation has been built up and completed upon pillars of love, grace, faith, mercy, truth, peace and righteousness. These are all everlasting attributes of our God, who only through Christ, worketh in eternal salvation - Ac.4:12.

Much good work on our part is required and expected in the construction of the remainder of the building, in order that the enduring glory (Psa.104:31) of God may be manifest 1Ptr.2:12. This construction is to be carried on by the working out of our own salvation with fear and trembling, allowing God to work his will in us (and through us) according to His good pleasure (Phil.2:12,13)...that the excellency of the power of the Holy Ghost that has come upon us may be of God and not of us - 2Cor.4:7.

Only through wisdom (fear of the Lord Prv.9:10) is a house builded and by understanding (knowledge of the holy - Prv.9:10) it is established and completed - Prv.24:3. Therefore, except the Lord in you is building the house ye labour in vain - Psa.127:1.

If our good works of righteousness are not done in, and according to, the will and pleasure of the Holy Spirit then they shall not stand unscorched in the fire that shall surely come to test them. Every man's works shall be made manifest and the fire shall try these works of what sort they be. If they be works built correctly and with the right spiritual materials (attitudes), fastened securely upon the foundation of Christ's righteousness, that man shall receive a reward.

If a man's work be built upon the desires or works conceived of the carnal mind and not of the Spirit, they shall profit nothing - Jn.6:63. That man shall suffer loss of gaining heavenly rewards, but nevertheless (''the foundation of God standeth sure..2Tim.2:19), he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire - 1Cor.3:12-15; Rom.11:6. Often the fires of chastisement shall burn and sometimes even destroy the earthy temple of flesh which has been built in order that the spirit (which does contain the foundation) may be saved in the day of the Lord - 1Cor.5:5.

He is the rock - 1Cor.10:4; Psa.18:31. His work of salvation is perfect - Deut.32:4. Christ worketh in the beginning and shall be in the end of all things pertaining to life - Rev.1:8; Rom.1:36. It is Him in whom also we as children of God have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the eternal purpose of God who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will - Eph.1:11. A woman may lose compassion for her son but God cannot - lsa.49:15.

We can in no wise undo and make void the initial work of new creation life which He only begins in us (2Cor.5:17) for we are really born of God's will and not our own (Jn.1:13); born once only in the spirit as we are in the flesh (Jn.3:3-8) whereby we become adopted and accepted in the beloved according to there riches of His grace - Eph.1:4-11. "Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom he called them He also justified: and whom He justified them He also glorified" (Rom.8:30) for "faithful is He who calleth you who also will do it." 1Ths.5:24.

''Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb: and even to your old age I am He; and even to hear hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry and deliver you.'' lsa.46:3,4; 44:21. The promises of his word are sure, and therein "He shall save his people from their sins.'' Matt.1:12.

"Whosoever is born of God...His (God's righteous) seed (of promise even the Spirit of Christ - Gal.3:16) remaineth in him.'' 1Jn.3:9. This incorruptible seed of new life (1Ptr.1:23) planted in divine grace becomes the eternal foundation of whosoever is born of God. This new life in Christ contains those things which are not seen which are eternal(2Cor.4:18) and are the only things which cannot be shaken or moved from our earth - Heb.12:27,28.

That old corruptible growth of sin unto death to whom we were once totally bound as it's servants, abideth not in the house forever but the Son abideth ever (in our house - 2Cor.5:1) (Jn.8:35) because if the Son therefore shall make you free (from the dominion of sin Rom.6:14,18; Gal.5:1) then the promise stands "ye shall be free in deed." Jn.8:36.

We are told that "whosoever is born of God sinneth not." Jn.5:18. This speaks of our new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Eph.4:24) and also of the Christ, the only begotten - 1Jn.5:1,18. Only when we abide in Him we do not sin (1Jn.3:6) for only He that has suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin - 1Ptr.4:1. Christ is the first born of many brethren (Rom.8:29), brethren who shall be made whole, spirit, soul, and body, without spot of sin - Eph.5:27.

Christ has borne the penalty for every sin that any man could ever commit - 1Ptr.2:24; 1Jn.2:2. Therefore when one becomes a new creation spirit by his grace, sin and death can no longer separate him from heaven's arms unless it were true that Satan, who has the present relegated authority in the power of death, has more strength in his power than does the power of love found in eternal life which comes solely by God's grace. But, we know "we have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (Heb.10:34) which is more than sufficient for us (2Cor.12:9), for truly do we receive an abundance of grace (Rom.5:17) and power in salvation - Jn.1:12; Ac.1:8. God's own definition of grace is "My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest.'' Ex.33:12-9.

If God now be for us, who can really (and ultimately) be against us? Rom.8:31. He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how shall He not with Him give us all things? Therefore who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect for who shall accuse His chosen? It is written we are and shall be more than conquerors through Him that loved us, for God himself becomes our shield of salvation (Psa.18:35) and our defense Psa.62:2.

Who or what shall separate us from the ultimate love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine or peril or sword...or death or angels (rulers of the darkness of this world) or principalities or powers (even of spiritual wickedness in high places - Eph.6:12), or things present or to come, or height or depth be able to separate us from God's love? I am fully persuaded that none of these things, neither any other thing in God's creation (including ourselves) shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus - Rom.8:35-39.

All Christians are reckoned as becoming a part of Christ's body (Eph.5:30; 1Cor.12:12) and His one Spirit - 1Cor.6:17; 12:13. Every part of this one "body of Christ" must be fit together to make up a complete body - Eph.4:16. If any one member could be separated then the body would not be perfect nor whole.

Jesus said. "Upon this rock (revelation of himself as the foundation stone) I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'' Matt.6:18. Christ only, has the keys of hell and death and only He can open or shut the gates of salvation into the realms of heaven's temple, whereby it is certain that "him that overcometh'' "shall go no more out" (Rev.3:12) once man has entered the gate or door of salvation (Jn.10:7) into "the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." 1Tim.3:15.

Every born again believer receives the free gift of God's love which is a gift of never-failing charity - 1Ptr.4:10; 1Cor.13:8. At the initial point of receiving this gift of spiritual understanding which comes wrapped in grace and everlasting life, one is brought back into a perpetual covenant relationship with God - Heb.8:19; 10:16. Former understanding and memory begin to penetrate through the darkened carnal mind - Jb.38:7; lsa.40:21; Jn:14:26. This new relationship is wrought in God's mercy and grace and Christ's faith which is unto all generations (Psa.119:90)), even to the end that the promise might be sure to all the seed - Rom.4:16.

All the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. They are irrevocable and can never be taken back by God - Rom.11:29; Jas.1:17. The Lord saith, "My salvation shall be forever and my righteousness shall not be abolished." Isa.51:6. It is also stated, "His mercy is everlasting'' (Psa.100:5) and "His righteousness endureth forever." Psa.111:3. We are also to be assured that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: Nothing can be put to it (by man's works) nor anything taken from it (according to man's own works of labour): and God doeth it, that men should fear before him - Eccl.3:14; Gal.3:15.

Because of the new everlasting covenant God has made with his people, "Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation'' (Isa.45:17) and in the Lord "all the seed of Israel shall be justified, and shall glory." Isa.45:25. Not for Israel's sake but for God's own sake (Isa. 43:25; 47:8-11)does He redeem them in love and pity - Isa.63:9. This definitely does not involve or include only a relative few, for God's holy word has promised "all Israel shall be saved''...''for this is my covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins.'' Rom.11:26,27; Ezk.37:11-14.

"All shall know me from the least to the greatest" (Heb.8:11; Jer.31:34), and "It is written in the prophets, and they shall all be taught of God.'' Jn.6:45. "Everyone shall receive of thy words." Deut.33:3. "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and iniquities I will remember no more. In that He saith a new covenant, He hath made the first old'' (Heb.8:12,13) "by the which will (of the new covenant sacrifice) we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.'' Heb.10:10.

This means once for all time for it has been said, "My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isa.32:17; 54:10; Lev.26:44,45; Jer.31:35,36. He hath made even for us an "everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure.'' 2Sam.23:5.

Upon receiving His life we become complete in Him (Col.2:10) for of Him are we in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption(1Cor.1:30) and your new life becomes "hid with Christ in God," Col.3:13. God's righteousness and "His (your imparted) righteousness endureth forever.'' Psa.112:3.

The Christian's position is secure because as Christ is so are we in this world - 1Jn.4:17. Hereby we discern that "by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified." Heb.10:14. Yes, "God sent redemption unto his people. He hath commanded His covenant forever" (Psa.119:9) and will be ever mindful of it - Psa.111:5. "The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.'' Psa.112:6.

Upon entering into this new covenant relationship through salvation, God who is the author of our faith, shall also be the finisher - Heb.12:2. We can be confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ - Phil. 1.6. As with Abraham, that which God had promised he was also able to perform - Rom.4:21.

Since one is born again through the faith and grace of Jesus Christ and not at all of our own works (2Tim. 1:9); and since our salvation is all His work (Isa.45:8; Eph.2:10; Psa.92:4, Jonah 2:9), it follows that even repentance is given us from God - 2Tim.2:25; Ac.11:18. This means then that our works or lack of them, can avail nothing towards keeping us in the initial love of Christ - Eph.2:8,9; Rom.4:4-6. "It is God that justifieth - Rom.8:33.

Indeed, it is only through God's work "that ye believe on Him.'' Jn.6:29; Phil.1:29. Not only is it His choice (Jas.1:5,18; 1Cor.1:25-30) but it clearly also is His mercy (Tit.3:5; Lam.3:22), His grace (Rom.3:24; 5:15), His righteousness (Rom.1:17; 3:10,21,22), His faith (Gal.2:16; Habk.2:4) and His keeping power (Jude 24; 2Tim.1:12) wherein one's spirit is saved by (Rom.1:16; 1Cor.1:18, 24) and kept by the power of God through Christ's faith unto (even the uttermost..Heb.7:25) salvation ready to be revealed in the last time - 1Ptr.1:5; 2Tim.1:12.

This is none other than a reserved salvation and inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you (1Ptr.1:4, 2Cor.5:1-4), even you to whom God hath pledged the earnest or guarantee of His Spirit - 2Cor.5:5. God Himself has made this guarantee, not man, therefore it is up to Him to keep it. We are free to draw near to God "in full assurance of faith." Heb10:22.

Therefore let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering for He is faithful that promised - Heb.10:23. Let us not willfully grieve the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption (Eph.4:30), sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance - Eph.1:13,14; 2Cor.1:22. This seals guarantees our redemption. This eternal truth cannot be broken or taken away.

This is the same Comforter and Spirit of Truth which Jesus had promised "shall be in you'' (Jn.14:17) in order "that He may abide with you forever.'' Jn.14:16. For the ultimate and eternal purposes of God (Gen.1:26) even "for the truth's sake, He dwelleth in us and shall be with us forever.'' 2Jn.2. There is no such thing as losing initial salvation. You cannot become "unsaved" and then get "resaved" through making wrong or right choices!

"If ye be Christ's (seed), then are ye Abraham's seed" (Gal.3:29) which "seed shall endure forever." Psa.89:29,36. We become the "preserved of Israel" (Isa.49:6,8), "sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ." Jude 1. "The Lord is thy keeper" (Psa.121:5) "in whose hand is the soul of every living thing." Jb.12:10. We cannot keep ourselves in either life, for only "He holdeth our soul in life and suffereth not our feet to be moved." Psa.66:9. "He shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out (even thy going out and drifting completely away becoming lost forever from the intimate fellowship of His love) and thy coming in (to his everlasting and enduring love covenant with you) even for evermore." Psa. 121:5-8; 2Tim.4:18.

God who shall supremely confirm (make authoritative, ratify) you unto the end is faithful who shall establish and keep you from all evil - 2Ths.3:3; Jn.17:15. It is a faithful saying: for if we be dead with him (and all Christians upon receiving initial salvation positionally are - Col. 2:12,20) we shall also LIVE with Him - Col.2:13. "Being justified we shall be saved by His life" (Rom.5:10), not we might be saved "if" we do this or don't do that!

If we suffer, we shall also REIGN with him. If we deny him (in our action or works -Tit.1:16) He will also deny us the full rewards and benefits of our inheritance - 2Jn.8. Even if He denies and we believe not, as did the children of Israel (Psa.78:22), yet He abideth faithful to the promises of His new covenant - Rom. chapter 11; Psa.37:24; Lam.3:31; Jn.6:37-39 etc. He cannot deny Himself the fulfilling of His word (2Tim.2:11-13) for we became heirs according to His unfailing promise - Gal.3:29.

The fact is, we still are begotten sons of the Father, begotten of His Spirit and His life. No matter what kind of sons we are. A father son relationship can be broken, a son can be disowned but in reality it can never be severed or totally nullified....We will always be sons whether birthed in natural life or spiritual rebirth into the family of God.

Therefore, shall our unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid - Rom.3:3. Yet this is what a lot of saints believe. However the word of God says, although some have their faith overthrown, "nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are His." 2Tim.2:18,19. Only He knows them for sure and only "He preserveth the souls of his saints" (Psa.97:10; Isa.49:8), for "He withdraweth not His eyes from the righteous." Jb.36:7; Prv.10:30. "A just man falleth seven times (completely), and riseth up again." Prv.24.16. "A bruised reed (that fails to give a sweet sound) shall He not break and smoking flax (that fails to give a shining light) shall He not quench until He send forth judgement unto victory" Matt.12:20. His mercy surely endures forever.

Even "though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.'' Psa.37:24; 31:23; Jer.8:4. "All His saints are in thy hand.'' Deut.33:3. Because "the Lord forsaketh not his saints, they are preserved forever." Psa.37:28; Prv.2:8. True to His word and faithful is He that calleth you, who also will preserve you - 1Ths.5:24. ''Your heart (spirit) shall live forever.'' Psa.22:26.

The Son of man is truly come in the flesh to save that which was lost (Matt.18:11), even the spirit, soul and body of man which was lost in sin and death - Eph.2:1. The lost of a truth, includes all, "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.'' Rom.3:23; Rom.5:12. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.'' 2Cor.5:19. This is God's purpose and pleasure in sending his Son because "the whole world lieth in wickedness." 1Jn.5:19.

This minute portion of the universe at least, is in a state of corruption and decay (Rom.8:20) and "the whole world" (1Jn.2:2) is that which Jesus said, ''I am come to save." Jn.12:47; Jn.3:17. He loves everyone that much! Can the Agape love working in salvation in any way fail? - 1Cor.13:8.

Has Christ somehow failed in His mission? Shall He fail to fulfill his purpose and make his word void and of none effect? God forbid. It is a promise that "Charity never faileth.'' 1Cor.13:8. We can be assured by his word, that ultimately God will do all His purpose and pleasure - Isa.46:10,11; Isa.55:11. If the counsel or work be only of men it will come to nought, but if it be God, it cannot be overthrown and shall therefore surely come to pass - Acts.5:38,39.

As we have shown in the scriptures, man's salvation is of God. Shall the Father of the spirits of all flesh (Nu.16:22; Mal.2:10) leave even one of His own creation which men would tell us have forever gone astray? No! This is not the will of the Father, neither is it His ultimate purpose nor pleasure that even one of these little ones should perish forever - Matt.18:12-14; 2Ptr.3:9.

When Christ ascended on high he began searching out not only the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt.15:24), to whom He was first sent in the flesh and whom received Him not (Jn.1:11), but He is sent also to search for all we (sinners) who like sheep have gone astray - Isa.53:6; 1Ptr.2:25.

We see Jesus in divine wisdom and foreknowledge prophetically stating, "I will draw all men unto me'' (Jn.12:32), whereby the word that "now commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Ac.17:30) (of necessity including every man on the earth and under the earth - Phil.2:10,11; Rev.5:13) shall not return unfulfilled. It shall prosper in the thing whereto it is sent (Isa.55:11) because what God's soul (and not what man's soul) desireth, even that He doeth (Jb.23:13) regardless of the sin and rebellion of man.

Christ was the living bread sent unto and cast upon the sea of humanity, who shall find it, after many days (Eccl.11:1; lsa.60:5). then shall they not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God - Matt.4:4; Isa.59:21. In type, Jesus once had commanded his disciples to "gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." (Jn.6:12) so that all would get to eat and all would benefit.

Our Lord is now in the process of searching the mountains of the kingdom's of men in the earth, continually calling these lost sheep who have been taken captive by the devil even at birth. He is doing this that he might bring "the world and all things that come forth of it" (Isa.34:1) to God (1Ptr.3:18) even for the purposes stated in Eph.2:7 and 1:10.

For the Lord has said I will seek that which was lost and bring again that which was driven away (all that which was lost through the original act of disobedience - Gen.3:24; Rom.5:12) and will bind up that which was broken and strengthen that which was sick: but not before He first destroys the fullness and strength of evil with His righteous judgment - Ezk.34:16; Hos.2:19.

In the continuing process of this divine calling, those sheep who hear His voice become born "of the truth" and this happens to every man in God's own mysterious order or rank (1Cor.15:23); whereby He gives unto them age enduring life and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of his hand - Jn.10.28. Jesus said, "He that heareth my word and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed (forever) from death unto life" (Jn.5:24) and ''I will raise him up at the last day.'' Jn.6:44.

Most assuredly then, there is now no condemnation (sentence of death) for those who are in Christ Jesus - Rom.8:1; 1Jn.3:20,21. "Being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." Rom.5:9. These sheep are returned from the snare of death and given to Christ of the Father, who is greater than all creation and no man nor creature shall be able to pluck them out of the Father's hand - Jn.10:29. "No man nor creature" includes ourselves as well.

He had also said, "There is none that can deliver out of my hand." lsa.43:13. Jesus Himself further said, "all that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out" (Jn.6.37)...and this is the Father's will... that of all which He hath given the Son, He should lose nothing - Jn.6:39. So it shall come to pass that the saying might be fulfilled which Jesus spake...''of them which thou givest me I have lost none.'' Jn.18:9. This counsel (purpose) of the Lord standeth forever unto all generations - Psa.33:11.

It shall surely come to pass in the ages to come that Christ shall see of the travail of his soul (for spirit, soul and body) and be fully satisfied - lsa.53:11; Jb.23:13. For even as in Adam all (bodies) die even so in Christ shall (that same) all (who were in Adamic bodies) be made alive (both in spiritual and in literal resurrection life) - 1Cor.15.22.

His anointed Spirit of burning and Spirit of judgment (lsa.4:4) shall have broken every yoke of bondage and taken away the burden of death, (Isa.10:27) for this is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth (Isa.14:26; 1Jn.3:8) whereby the creation "itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty (found in salvation's deliverance) of the children of God." Rom.8:21.

The Lord of hosts hath purposed and who shall disannul it? Isa. 14:27. No longer will God's Spirit strive with man's flesh for God shall be all in all - 1Cor.15:28. Beloved, truly this is "the gospel (good news) of the grace of God.'' Ac.20:24.

Does this revelation of the abundance of God's eternal grace give one a license to sin? God forbid - Rom.6:15. It does not! Yet some do wrongfully use it as a justification or excuse. Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. But again, this can be and is abused by the corruption that abides in the heart of men. How shall we who are new creations that are dead from our former relation to sin, live any longer therein that relationship? Rom. 6:1,2. God is not blind nor is He fooled, for "the Lord God of recompenses shall surely requite.'' Jer.51:56.

It remaineth for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap - Gal.6:7. If we sow to sin we reap death (Rom.6:16) for the motions of sin which are yet allowed to work in our fleshly carnal minds and souls, still brings forth fruit unto death (either spiritual or literal or both ) - Rom.7:5. This operation is the law of sin and death (Rom.8:2), which is still at war with the new law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:2; Gal.5:17) which does war even now in our natural minds - Rom.7:23. So then, both life and death worketh in us - 7Cor.4:12.

Because of the fact that sin reigns in death (Rom.5:21), man has no power whatsoever to cure himself of his sinfulness, just as he has no power of himself to permanently cure any form of death that works in him - Ecc.8:8; Rom.3:20. Paul states, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Rom.7:24. He knew in himself that he alone could not. The only answer can be, ''I thank God (that there is real and lasting deliverance) through Jesus Christ our Lord.'' Rom.7:25.

Under the law of the spirit of life wherein dwelleth grace and faith, one is made free from the dominion of sin (Rom.6:14) in the spirit and becomes acknowledged in God's eyes as a servant of righteousness - Rom.6:18. Being made (not--been made) free from sin's dominion, the spirit becomes a quickened life and is enabled to grow because of righteousness (Rom.6:4), but the body and soul remains in death to a degree because of the still presently operating law of sin and death - Rom.8:10. Yet in the beginnings of one's salvation he has therefore the beginning of fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life - Rom.6.22; 8:10; Gal.3:3.

As sin has once reigned overall in death's dominion, grace doth now much more abound in strength through the righteousness of Christ's dominion unto eternal life (Rom.5:20,21) and of the increase of His government's dominion and the peace it brings there shall be no end - Isa.9:7. There is therefore now no condemnation (judgment against) to them which are in Christ, for greater is the power of righteousness and grace that abides in Christ's life that is in you, than the power of death in unrighteousness that is in you and in the world - Rom.8:1; 1Jn.4:4.

Brethren, behold, the kingdom of God is with you (Lk.17:21), "wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (much less lost), let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.'' Therefore despise thou not the riches of his grace in goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, especially in putting up with you and chastising you; knowing that the goodness and mercy of God leadeth thee to turning you from your sins - Rom.2:4. Behold therefore both the goodness of God's mercy and the severity of his judgments (Rom.11:22; Psa.78:34-38) always remembering, ''He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap (rewards unto) life everlasting.'' Gal.6:8.

That fundamentalist teaching which basically denies that the grace and power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is greater than the power of sin, even in a born again Christian is not in fullness of truth. It teaches that one can be "cut off'' and become a "castaway" from the salvation which the Lord declares shall be forever. This is a manner of speaking against the most high power of the Holy Ghost , denying His keeping power, which Jesus said shall be in you that He may abide with you forever.

Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost if held to, shall not be forgiven in this age nor the age of the kingdom to come. Judging one to be a child of the devil or to be unsaved, is saying he hath an unclean spirit and is another form of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost in God's children, for only God really knows those that are His.

This is also a doctrine in which its followers serve God in varying degrees of fear; the kind of fear which hath torment. It is based on interpretation of scripture which contradict the plain simple statements of Jesus and the prophets and is not at all compatible with the ultimate plan and purpose in God's salvation. It is therefore built on a very weak foundation.

This doctrine indirectly implies and implicates that we keep ourselves in the unmerited favour and grace of God through our own works of obedience or lack of them. As has been shown this is scripturally unsound. Man cannot earn or even inspire his own salvation. He can only receive. How can he possibly lose it over something he does or does not do in the flesh? Is the will of Christ's saving power within not far higher and stronger than the will of man in his carnal mind and in the world? Are not all believers said to be married to Christ, becoming his bride? Rom.7:4. Would God constantly go against His principles and holy word by granting divorce? Hos.2:18-23. "I will betroth thee unto me forever," saith the Lord.

Can a Christian "lose His salvation?" The true answer is yes and no. They can lose their salvation in the sense of losing their "deliverance", losing any spiritual progress that may have been gained before entertaining sin and disobedience. But the initial basic gift of salvation of the spirit which foundation is ever there remaining to be built upon, still stands secure as an anchor of even the soul.

Initial salvation is freely given. It is not a loan that can be reclaimed. It is an eternal gift...a gift that lasts throughout eternity. It is irrevocable. How could something that is not temporal but rather is eternal, be taken away? Does God change His mind because we have weak moments or fail a times? Does His love and grace change back and forth depending on man's failures or sins? If we could lose everything He gave us then this would be true.

Scriptures seeming to imply that a believer is not secure upon receiving the gift of salvation are many places misinterpreted through the lack of knowledge and understanding of the differences between "the gift" and "the prize". The prize consists of the full rewards, promises and full inheritance promised to "him that overcometh" and to him that endures faithful and strong in his calling unto the end.

No doubt, many shall lose out on "a full reward" of being partakers of the full stature of Christ's divine nature. They shall lose entering into the rewards involving rest and rulership in "the first resurrection." Some scriptures indicate we can fall out of direct fellowship with God through sin and waywardness such as did the prodigal son with his father. However, we can never lose our family relationship and name once we are born into the family of God. "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.'' Lk.15:31.

It remains the same in the spiritual relationship as in the natural. Also, as it is in natural birth we are and can be born only once, so it is in spiritual birth. "And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi (as being joined), and shalt call me no more Baali (still being separate family)." Hos.2:16.

Other scriptures are incorrectly applied to saved persons whereas they are actually speaking of the unsaved: while yet others involve severe and fiery chastisement from God and speak of those whose spirits are saved, yet so as by fire. The gift is unconditional, the prize is not. Once the spirit is saved, the soul is in the process of being saved (transformed by the renewing of the mind if we so allow) and the glorified body that is to come, is yet reserved for those in the future if they follow on to know the Lord in this lifetime.

Only God does "the work" of salvation. Only He who is holy and omnipotent has the kingdom keys (Matt.16:19) to release humanity from their bondage's in death and hell - Rev.1:8. There is more than one key. Man does not have a key to open the door of salvation. No man can open the locked door of spiritual death. Conversely, once Christ has opened it, neither can any man shut it - Rev.3:7. He cannot completely shut off the entrance into life and revert back into the total darkness of spiritual death from whence he came.

God does not hold one key and man another. Nor does God give man a key to accept or reject...to believe nor disbelieve in Him. Even if He did, that would leave man to open the prison door of his soul and it would be salvation by works. The Creator will complete His plan without fail.

It is His plan. It is His work. He is the Potter. We are mere clay. He forms us in the beginning and molds us unto perfection. He is the Boss. The ultimate responsibility and the completion of that work of redemption and reconciliation is not left up to man. He is the author of our faith and salvation and He is the finisher as well - Heb.12:2; Phil.1:6. He alone is qualified to begin and complete His work. That burden of successfully completing that work is the Redeemer's responsibility and in no way depends on man...though in his pride of "self", religious man thinks it does.

Man's salvation is eternally secure because God is working it out. If we could initiate it and work it out ourselves, we wouldn't need Him. Even the work of follow up and preservation has to be accomplished by His Spirit or we would miserably fail. That's why we are well able to be saved to "the uttermost." - Heb.7:25. Thank God our salvation is in no way by chance but in everyway by grace!

God is not willing that any should eternally perish. And indeed, death and hell shall never triumph over Him who instituted these interim conditions in the dispensing of the ages. These conditons of death and hell are merely sharp tools working in His plan of the ages, whereby His eternal will and purposes shall ultimately be fulfilled in all their glory. [Ask for our books called "The Sovereignty Series"].

Beloved ones who are yet bound in the traditional teachings of the doctrines of men. Seek the Lord earnestly to show you the truth of these things. Only God does "the work" of salvation whereby a person is enabled to repent, to expressing faith and belief in a newly created desire to begin doing God's good pleasure - Psa.61:1,2.

All scriptures seemingly contradictory to these foregoing truths of God's eternal grace can be and must be rightly divided in the light of scripture revelation based on the words and teaching of Jesus as the foundation of the temple that shall be completed. Which foundation are you building upon?

K. Ross McKay