AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question Hi there, thanks for being available. I’m trying to decide what John 10:29 means. I guess it’s the once-saved, always saved debate. Is that true, or in this verse, we are safe as long as we remain in God? Are we free to leave “the Father’s hand” & become unsaved?
Answer Hi Greg!
Thank you for your question – and an apology for the delay in answering! Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to access my computer last evening (UK time), and only discovered your question when I checked my e-mails in school today! Unfortunately, I was unable to take the time to answer then.
The simple answer, as far as I am concerned, is that once we are saved, by the grace of God, we remain saved – by that same grace. The complication, I would suggest, has more to do with the experience of that salvation.
We know that there are those who make a profession of faith with their mouths, but who appear not to have truly experienced the grace of God in their lives. Indeed, Paul makes frequent reference to such “false brethren” (e.g. II Cor.11:13; Gal.2:4) as do Peter (II Peter 2:1) and John (I Jn.4:1). Such people are not truly of the Spirit and thus do not “leave the Father’s hand. Rather, they have never been in it!! (and see Matt.7:20, cf Gal.5:22)
The certainty that the true follower of Christ has is possible because it does not depend on anything that we say or do, but in His finished work on the cross. This verse also makes the point that the true followers are a gift to the Son, from the Father. [As a brief aside, this is a passage that may be used to “defend” the doctrine of the Trinity – and not merely because of v.30!]
The eternal life that I (and you!) enjoy, right now, is the gift of the Father, provided through the sacrificial death of the Son, and worked out in our lives by the indwelling presence of Holy Spirit.
Heb.6:4-6 is another passage that you might usefully ponder. My interpretation of those verses is that if a man (or woman) openly, and wilfully, rejects Jesus Christ, then (s)he is to be regarded as unregenerate, regardless of what he may have previously appeared to be. Those of an Arminian persuasion would say that (s)he had, indeed, lost his/her salvation; those of a Calvinist persuasion would say that (s)he never had it in the first place! The end-result, sadly, is exactly the same.
Bottom line? If we are truly “in Christ”, and He is truly “in us”, then we are perfectly safe in the hand of the One Who is greater than anyone/thing else that He has created. Our obligation, then is to “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” (Phil 2:12-13).
I trust that what I have written will be of some assistance – and assurance – but please feel free to come back with a supplementary question. You might also find it worthwhile to visit my site at www.crazyrev.blogspot.com
