Eph. 2:1-10, The Security of the Believer (5)

Perseverance is the work of God.  We have noted the role of the Father.  But this is the work of God involving each member of the godhead.

ii)      It is a work of the Son, Rom 8:34.  Paul asks “who is he who condemns?”  The question is rhetorical, because thanks to the work of Christ condemnation is no more.  Paul bases this in four works of Christ.

(1)                        It involves His death, John 1:29; 1 Jn 2:2; 1:7; Heb 10:10-14.  Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.  He is the propitiation, the one who satisfies God’s wrath, a work that is sufficient for the sins of the entire world.  He is the High Priest who offers the sacrifice, Himself, that satisfies God.

(a) Complete forgiveness: Acts 2:38; Eph 1:7; 4:32; Col 1:14; 2:13. On this matter of Jesus’ death, we need to note that forgiveness is complete.  Peter called the people of Israel to repent and be forgiven.  The word refers to release from bondage or prison.  Those who receive Christ are pardoned.  Jesus paid the price of “redemption,” the full price!  In Eph. 4:32 the term “forgiven” emphasizes the grace aspect of forgiveness.  It is God’s kindness to us.  Col. 2:13 says that in Christ ALL our sins are forgiven.

(2)                        It involves His resurrection, Rom 6:1-11; Eph 2:5-6; 1 Pt 1:3; Jn 11:25-26; 14:1.  By our identification with Christ (Rom. 6:1-11) we have been “made alive” (Eph. 2:5-6).  Through His resurrection we have been born again to a living hope (1 Pt. 1:3).  Think about what this means in terms of the security of the believer.  We have resurrection life, a life that is eternal. 

(3)                        It involves His session at God's right hand...

(a) The seat of completed work, Heb 10:11-12. The fact that Christ is seated indicates His work is complete.  The work has been done; people must simply receive Christ.  Neither we, nor He, have any more work to accomplish in order for us to be saved eternally. 

(b)            The seat of honor, privilege, Eph 2:6.  Believers have been raised up in Christ to sit with Him in the seat of honor, the seat that is at the right hand of the Father.

(4)                        It involves His intercession for us, John 17:11; Luke 22:32; 1 John 2:1. You might say, “But I still struggle.  I still sin.  What about that?”  Indeed, this is the work of Satan, to accuse believers before God (Rev. 12:10).  But Christ is there to intercede for us before the throne of God.  He reminds all that He has paid the full price.  There is no validity to Satan’s accusation.  The sin is forgiven!