Following the Bible study last week, we have been considering the security of our salvation. This is often a ‘hot potato’ in Christian circles, with some branches of Christanity believing that salvation can never be lost and others believing that apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of our faith) is possible. So often, it seems to me that there are many issues which I cannot resolve fully and I have to rest by faith in the fact that God knows everything, even if I don’t! Nonetheless, I do believe that the Bible reminds us frequently that we are saved by God’s grace, not by our own works, and that His love for us is far greater and deeper than most of us can even imagine.
That God takes the initiative in our salvation is obvious. Francis Thompson wrote about this in his famous poem ‘The Hound of Heaven’, which describes us as running away from God, only to be pursued by Him and ultimately found by Him. The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) shows us a father who watches, waits and eagerly anticipates the return of his son. God loves us passionately and longs for us to return to Him. There is a huge difference between our wandering (in the hymn ‘Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing’ we sing ‘prone to wander, Lord, I feel it’) and apostasy, and we can be sure that God’s Spirit within us prompts us, urges us, nudges us constantly to remain close to Him. Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Rom 8:37-39) and we can rest secure in His pursuit of us:
‘Unrelenting grace
Never-failing mercy
Found me in my shame
And gave me life again
Father, You love me
I hear You singing
You are calling me home
You run towards me
With love and mercy
Though I’m unworthy
You pursue me
The moment I cried out
There You were, my rescue
In Your arms restored
Forever I am Yours
You’re ev’rything to me
Forgiven, I believe
Forever I am Yours
Forever I am Yours.’ (‘Pursue Me’, Worship Central)