Contemplations: I am Christ's
Encouragement from Spurgeon and John 10
About Contemplations:
As I read from my lectionary and other daily readings, such as Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman, and Celtic Daily Prayer, I make a habit of cherishing those truths that speak to my soul. I pray that these words reach your soul, too.
Much like meditations, these contemplations are meant to direct the gaze of our hearts to Jesus. These posts do not condone the positions and theology of the respective authors. Nor am I endorsing the views of the authors or the religious traditions they represent.
For Christians, the concept of eternal security in Christ can feel abstract or disconnected from daily life. As we struggle with sin, nagging doubts creep into our hearts:
“Have I crossed a line?”
“Was my last sin so ugly that God’s Spirit has abandoned me?”
“Has God given up on me?”
I have wrestled with these doubts. Yet God, by His mercy, has lead me to some wonderful truths to assure me of His love for me and my security in Him.
For starters, take this excerpt from Streams in the Desert. This piece is attributed to C.H. Spurgeon, responding to 1 Cor. 3:23
“Ye are Christ’s” You are his by donation, for the Father gave you to the Son; his by his bloody purchase, for he counted down the price for your redemption; his by dedication, for you have consecrated yourself to him; his by relation, for you are named by his name, and made one of his brethren and joint-heirs.
Labor practically to show the world that you are the servant, the friend, the bride of Jesus. When tempted to sin, reply, “I cannot do this great wickedness, for I am Christ’s.” Immortal principles forbid the friend of Christ to sin. When wealth is before you to be won by sin, say that you are Christ’s, and touch it not.
Are you exposed to difficulties and dangers? Stand fast in the evil day, remembering that you are Christ’s. Are you placed where others are sitting down idly, doing nothing? Rise to the work with all your powers; and when the sweat stands upon your brow, and you are tempted to loiter, cry, “No, I cannot stop, for I am Christ’s.
When the siren song of pleasure would tempt you from the path of right, reply, “Thy music cannot charm me; I am Christ’s.” When the cause of God invites thee, give thy goods and thyself away, for thou art Christ’s.
Never belie thy profession. Be thou ever one of those whose manners are Christian, whose speech is like the Nazarene, whose conduct and conversation are so redolent of heaven, that all who see you may know that you are the Saviour’s, recognizing in you his features of love and his countenance of holiness.
“I am a Roman!” was of old a reason for integrity; far more, then, let it be your argument for holiness, “I am Christ’s!”
Next, hear what Jesus tells us in John’s gospel. He is the good shepherd and we are His sheep. More importantly, He says, no one can remove us from his grip:
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. —John 10:28-29
Do you struggle with feelings of inadequacy?
Do you worry that you sinned too much for God to forgive you?
Take heart—you belong to Christ!
Respond to God:
Let these words sink into your soul. Re-read them, again and again.
Tell God your fears, doubts, worries, and desires. Be candid—He can handle it!
Repeat to yourself, aloud: I am Christ’s! No one can snatch me from his grip.
Express gratitude to Christ for His sacrifice. Confess your sins and trust that He is faithful to forgive.
Trust that God is faithful to His word.
I pray this encourages you!