"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

When it comes to the issue of evidence of salvation, we must stay with what God’s Word tells us . People’s opinions in this matter are useless.  God’s Word plainly tells us that the only true evidence of salvation is God-given faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as He is identified and distinguished in the glory of His Person (Who He is) and in the power and success of His finished work of redeeming His people from their sins and working righteousness for their justification before God (what He accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection).  The Gospel is the “power of God unto salvation TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH” (Romans 1:16). “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH” (Romans 10:4) . This is belief of the truth , not a lie (see II Thessalonians 2:13-14) . This is the gift of God given to His people and the fruit of Christ’s obedience unto death as their Surety, Substitute, and Redeemer (Ephesians 2:8-10) .  This is th...

"We are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe, to the saving of the soul." -Hebrews 10:39 [KJV] There is somewhat implied in this text, which is not expressed. It was not out of the apostle’s thoughts. It ought never to be out of ours. Why do we not draw back unto perdition? Is it because of our own might, power, and faithfulness? No. But because "we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” (I Peter 1:5.) Why do any draw back unto perdition?  Because they do not believe the word of God: do not live upon the power of God: their hearts are not renewed by the grace of God; and they do not choose for their portion, in time and eternity, the Son of God. But they must have made some progress in the way of salvation, else how can they draw back unto perdition?  Many go great lengths in profession and expressions. They are like a new moon that shines bright at the beginning, but does not last all night. They seem to b...

"He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom."  —Isaiah 40:11 [KJV] My soul, mark in this sweet scripture how Jesus is described, in not only attending to all the various wants of His fold, but to the very method of imparting to their several wants in a way corresponding to His own character and their state. In the fold of Jesus, like the sheepfold among men, some are sheep and some are lambs: some of advanced age, and some of younger standing. Well, where will Jesus put the lambs and the weaklings of His fold? Certainly, if there be one place in the heart of Jesus softer and more tender than another, there the lambs shall lay. And as Jesus Himself lay in the bosom of His Father, so the lambs of His flock shall lay in His bosom. Sweet thought to encourage thee, my soul, and all the followers of Christ!  Jesus will not thrust out the lambs into the dangers of the wilderness, where the prowling beasts of prey are, nor expose them to over-dr...

"In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve."   -Jeremiah 50:20 [KJV] Some have feared lest in the great day their sins should be brought to light, and they put to shame by the exposure of their crimes to open view. But that will not be the case with the dear family of God. We read indeed that "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake;" and whilst some awake "to everlasting life," others will awake "to shame and everlasting contempt," because their sins will be remembered and brought against them as evidences of their just condemnation.  But the wise, who "shall shine as the brightness of the firmament," will rise to glory and honour and immortality, and not one of their sins will be remembered, charged, or brought against them. They wil...