This, often misrepresented passage of scripture, does not teach that a person can lose their salvation. I am reminded of one author who stated, “If we could lose our salvation, we all would.” I am thankful that my eternal salvation is not dependent upon me, but upon the precious promises of God, through the sacrifice of His Son, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. When we got saved, we were “made partakers with Christ…” (3:14) Our assurance of salvation does not come from examining ourselves, but rather from examining Christ. Our confidence comes from what God said not on our works. If we have placed our faith and trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross to forgive our sins then we are saved. And if we are saved we should labor in the work that brings glory to God’s name and meets the needs of saints. I do not labor in order to get assurance, but rather I labor for the Lord because I love Him! God keeps His word regarding my salvation because He cannot lie (6:18) and my salvation is based upon the Lord Jesus Christ who has been made my high priest forever!

Pastor Berlin