Below re the rough draft sermon notes for the message on January 7, 2018

In Christ Jesus, Eternal Security by the Hand of God

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 1 as a statement is expounded upon by Romans 2 to the end.

To be free of condemnation has much more to do with the life ahead than the life behind.

We have assurance in this chapter.  Assurance of forgiveness, of grace to grow, and for the eternal security in Christ.

Justified by Faith

Peace and access

Value of suffering leads to endurance, character, and hope, which are all effects of God being at work in you.  If you do not quit, if you find daily strength in Him, that is evidence of His hand.

God is at work.  For no one repents apart from God working in him. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Conviction however is not conversion.  You can agree with the scriptures, you can boast in their morality, but without a change of heart you are still lost. Romans 7:13-25 shows early manifestations of Christ’s work.

The Christian, according to chapter 8, speaks not of law, but of grace.  For we are not under law but under grace.

Seven things about being in Christ Jesus

1. No condemnation, (1-4) but what about the law?  The law could never do what Christ has done.

2. Adopted and sealed by the Holy Spirit. (5-13) Our salvation is guaranteed because of the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification and

3. Witness of the Spirit (14-17) the presence of the Spirit is a proof that we are children of God. Not just forgiven but adopted. We handle life’s problems different from the world using them for His glory. (Coram Deo)

4. The World is Condemned, but the Holy Spirit gives hope. (18-25) because we are sons and daughters, an inheritance of glory is before us. We are often so subjective by moods, this is an assurance that even if we are not feeling it, we are still saved. Creation is corrupted by sin. Look at salvation and ourselves in the big picture of God’s plan.

5. The Spirit prays for Us. (26-27) God does not leave us alone. The Holy Spirit is our intercessor. Our paraclete. He leads, guides, directs, teaches, reveals understanding of scripture. He enriches our prayers.  He seals us for redemption.

6. We are in a process of growth. (28-34) Do not forget this. Especially on the emotional rollercoaster of events.   The very character of God is assured upon the believer’s life. Salvation has a process that God guarantees.  The stages of growth may be obscure, but the are definite.  This cannot fail as God is the one in control.  If He did not spare His own son, how can He not fulfill even the least little event? The son is the guarantee.

7. God’s love is assured by the cross of Christ. (35-39) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? There is no condemnation, thus there remains love. No entity can remove you from God’s love, for it is God who saves you.

• If there is no work that you can do to save you, and yet God chooses to save, you are secure.
• If there is nothing you can do to make God love you any more, and nothing you can do to make God love you less, you are secure.
• If you could sin to lose your salvation, that would mean that your power is greater than God’s. But the cross proves the power of Christ over sin, and the grave.  Nothing is greater.
• “If you could lose your salvation you would.” John MacArthur. But you can’t Man cannot thwart the will of God.