Philippians 1:6

CAN WE BE SURE SALVATION WILL LAST?

Intro: Paul makes a bold statement regarding the salvation of the Philippian believers. His statement makes it clear the a person can enjoy absolute assurance of salvation. Assurance not just that we are saved, but that the Lord will maintain that condition forever. Assurance is one of the greatest blessings in life! To know that one is saved and that regardless of what happens in life, nothing will ever be able to change that fact is a blessing without compare! Everyone needs this level of assurance, but sadly, many do not possess it.

In this verse, Paul offers three statements regarding salvation that can help us reach that place of peace. So, I ask the question: Can we be sure salvation will last? Let's investigate these statements by Paul and find out. (Ill. Notice his statement regarding:

I. THE COMMENCEMENT OF SALVATION

(Ill. He which hath begun a good work in you.)

A. A Work Of God - (Ill. Eph. 2:1; John 6:44) (Salvation is a work begun by God in eternity past - Eph. 1:4-6; Rev. 13:8; 17:8)

B. A Work Of Grace - (Eph. 2:8-9 - God does in us what we cannot do for ourselves. He comes to those who are helpless to come to Him - Rom. 5:6-8)

C. A Work Of Glory - (Ill. When we are saved, we become a new creature - 2 Cor. 5:17, and partakers of the divine nature - 2 Pet. 1:4. Think of all you received when you were saved: New family, freedom, Father, forgiveness, future, faith, etc.)

II. THE CONTINUATION OF SALVATION

(Ill. Will perform it - Salvation is an ongoing work! Ill. Was saved - Am being saved - Will be saved!)

A. The Process - (Ill. Called Sanctification - We are a work in progress, Ill. I John 3:2 "doth not yet appear..")

B. The Plan - God's plan is to reproduce Jesus in each of us - Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18. Ill. 1 John 3:2 "shall be like him..."

C. The Power - This, too, is a work of God - Gal. 2:20!

III. THE COMPLETION OF SALVATION 

(Ill. Until the day of Jesus Christ)

A. God's Plan - According to John 17:24 and Romans 8:28-39, God plans on the redeemed coming home!

B. God's Promise - this is something we have the Lord's word on - John 6:37-40; John 10:28. What better guarantee is there?

C. God's Performance - Ill. "Who also will do it!" He is able - Eph. 3:20 and He has promised to see to it that we arrive safely at home in Heaven, 1 Pet. 1:5. If it was up to us, we would all go to Hell! Thank God Heaven depends on Him and not us!

Conc: Can we be sure that salvation will last? Consider for a moment the thrust of this verse. Salvation is in the hands of God from start to finish. Salvation is, therefore, in good hands and we can have confidence in God's power to save us and to keep us saved. When you boil all the junk away, all we had to do with our salvation was to come to God by faith when He called us. The rest is in His hands! And, those are hands that I can rest in!