Saved today, and lost tomorrow? (Part 4)

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By Charles E. Wigg

They hear His voice: When the Gospel is preached, most react either violently or with scoffing or with cold indifference. If it is preached in the open air, they would shout obscenities or interject in some way. Why do they do this? It is because they know that what is being said is true, and it troubles their conscience. Yet, they will not listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. There is a very great attempt to get rid of anything that would remotely remind any of the voice of the Good Shepherd from the parliaments of (the so-called) ‘Christian Nations’. The excuse offered is that Church and State must be kept separate. But sometimes, even when the voice of the Good Shepherd is heard; there are those that do respond. They hear His voice.

This makes it abundantly clear, that to become one of Christ’s Sheep, a personal response is required. There are many who rely on the fact that their father, or their grandfather were ‘Christians’, so they must be ‘Christians’ as well. But we know those that are genuine “Christians”, are so because they hear, and respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd. When once a person hears the voice of the Good Shepherd calling them to repentance, to turn away from sin, and to turn to Him, they become eager to hear that voice continually. It is normal for such to read the Bible each day, and through that they hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, speaking to them, teaching them, calling them to Himself, and calling them away from things that would be harmful for them. It is normal for such “Sheep”, to be found with His flock, and sheltered and protected in His fold. Once He calls them by name, and they respond, He does not leave them to wander alone, or to get lost.

They follow Him: Once a person realizes that they are truly one of His “Sheep”, their strongest desire is to “Follow Him”. They desire to keep near to Him who is their “Good Shepherd’. They realize that to be near to Him, is a place of safety, because as they walk close to Him, they will be kept from eating things that would be poisonous to them. They also find pleasure in the company of other members of His Flock. That means that they will attend meetings where the presence of the Good Shepherd is known.

I have heard many people object to the doctrine of the eternal security of the believer by saying. “If once saved, I am always saved, then I can do as I like, it does not matter what I do, I can’t be lost”. My answer to such people is this. That once a person is truly saved they no longer desire to do “What they like”, (meaning that such can practice sin, and ‘get away with it’). Christ’s “Sheep”, have a great longing to please the Shepherd who has laid down His life for them. This is their consuming desire, and the fact that they follow Him, is a proof that they are indeed one of His “Sheep”.
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