Once A Sheep Always A Sheep

June 29, 2003 Preacher: Randy Smith Series: John

Scripture: John 10:22–30

Transcript

Once A Sheep Always A Sheep

John 10:22-30
Sunday, June 29, 2003
Pastor Randy Smith



Let me start off by asking you a question. What brings you the greatest encouragement? Maybe I could phrase it another way, what makes you the happiest? Think about that for a moment. Would it be more money or a possession you've always wanted? Possibly it's better health or an improved physical appearance? Maybe you are the happiest when people treat you well or flatter you with words? What encourages you the most? What really makes you happy?

Did you know that God wants you to be happy? We've already learned (in verse 10) that He has come to give us abundant life. But, unfortunately many attempt to satisfy their thirst for happiness with the second-rate pleasures of this world. They tragically fail to find their joy in God.

But as Christians we have been recreated in the likeness of God (Eph. 4:24). We have the "mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16). We are "Not of (this) world" (Jn. 17:16). "Our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20). We "have been raised up with Christ (and are called to) keep seeking the things above" (Col. 3:1). We are to be men and women after God's own heart (1 Sa. 13:14).

Therefore, I ask you again, what is your greatest source of joy and encouragement? Is it the shallow and temporary things of this world or is it that which delights the Lord and brings Him glory? Do these things also bring you the greatest encouragement? Are you a man or woman after God's own heart?

Let me ask you, are you encouraged by the passion that this church has for prayer? It's been said, "You can tell how important a church is by who attends the worship service, how important a pastor is by who attends Sunday school and how important Jesus is by who attends Wednesday nights." While most churches struggle to get a half dozen to assemble on Wednesday evenings, half our church returns for the sole purpose of prayer.

Are you encouraged by the ladies who have faithfully met for over 20 years to pray every Tuesday morning? Are you encouraged by the many whom Christ has drawn to Himself through the ministries of this church? Are you encouraged by the new visitors He continually sends our way? Are you encouraged by the phenomenal unity we experience, even in the midst of our building program? Are you encouraged as you see fellow believers hungering for the Word of God? Are you encouraged as you witness others repenting and being conformed into the image of Christ? Are you encouraged by the commitment that the majority of this church has made to service and even the blessed success of those ministries? Are you encouraged how many are joyfully sharing their faith in spite of the persecution? Are you encouraged by the way God has stirred this flock to financially give over and above with a joyful heart whereby the givers will reap great treasures in heaven and the money may be used for His glory? Just this week I learned that The Grace Tabernacle placed second among all the churches involved in total walkers and total contributions for the "Walk for Life" last fall, a close second only to Calvary Chapel, some 4,000 strong? Are you aware of these things? And if so, does anything bring you greater encouragement than to see God's hand so mightily at work right here at The Grace Tabernacle?

Initially my answer to that question was absolutely no. But after some thought, I must confess that something does bring me greater encouragement as a Christian. And that encouragement is found in the precious truths contained in the Word of God. Truths such as: God loves me so much He willingly died to remove my sin (Eph. 5:2) and "God causes all things to work together for (my) good" (Rom. 8:28) and last, but not least, God will keep me whereby I am guaranteed of my salvation (Heb. 6:11).

The assurance of our salvation, or as it is commonly called, the doctrine of "Eternal Security," is without a doubt one of the most encouraging doctrines in all of Scripture. Eternal Security teaches that once individuals are truly born-again, they will never lose their gift of salvation. Since salvation does not rest on our feelings or experiences, but rather on God's purpose and power, He will firmly keep those who are His until the end.

Unfortunately, this encouraging doctrine has been severely attacked in recent days with the rise of the man-centered gospel. People have wrongly but naturally concluded that the salvation we choose to gain is the salvation we can choose to lose. Imagine wondering if your last sin was the final straw that caused God's departure? Imagine living with the anxiety from day to day as to whether or not you are really saved or will remain saved in the future years to come? What a horrible way to go through life.

On the contrary, I wish to encourage you this morning as to why I believe eternal security is in accordance with the Scriptures. And I wish to defend this case from verses 22-30 in John 10.

1. JESUS CHRIST PROMISES TO HAVE A FLOCK

First of all, Jesus Christ promises to have a flock.

Throughout the gospel of John, we have seen the overwhelming majority of Christ's audience disbelieve His message. Look at verse 24. "The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, 'How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.'" I'll get to the motivation for their question in verse 24 soon, but for now I want you to see the response from Jesus. Verse 25, "Jesus answered them, 'I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me'" (c.f. Lk. 10:18-22).

Though Jesus' only official affirmation of His Messiahship came in chapter 4 (4:26) with the Samaritan woman, and to a degree with the former blind man in chapter 9 (9:35), His works, backed up by His teaching, gave clear evidence of His identity. According to Jesus, the people had sufficient revelation and willingly chose not to believe. According to Jesus, it was not a deficiency of knowledge; rather, it was a hardness of their hearts. Even until the end, the unbelievers demanded more and more evidence. As Jesus was being crucified they chided, "Let Him now come down from the cross, and (then) we will believe in Him" (Mt. 27:42).

These accounts show that humans on their own are spiritually blind and by nature, unwilling and unable to follow God. Could Jesus have made it any clearer in verse 26? "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep." Notice Jesus did not say, "You are not My sheep because you do not believe." Rather He said, "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep." The sheep status must come before the belief status. In order to believe, God must change our heart and implant a desire for Christ. John 6:44, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." And in order to be a sheep, we must be appointed to God's flock. John 5:21 "The Son also gives life to whom He wishes" (c.f. Lk. 10:22). Verse 26 clearly teaches that the only reason we believe is because we are already one of Christ's sheep. It's very simple. Those who are not His sheep do not hear His voice, are not known by Him (in the intimate way we spoke of last week) and do not follow Him. However, verse 27 declares, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." In other words, people do not become Christ's sheep when they believe, rather they naturally believe when they hear their Shepherd call them because they are of Christ's chosen flock.

Now here is my question. How is this truth related to our topic of eternal security?

I believe the answer is simple. If we did nothing to enter Christ's flock and nothing to gain our own salvation, is there anything we can do leave Christ's flock and depart from our own salvation? If we are characterized as following Christ, will we not follow Him to heaven where He has gone? Let's think a little broader. Regardless of our relationship, I will always be a father to my daughters. Can God stop being a Father to His children? Will He "unadopt" us? Will He stop the good work He's begun in our life (Phil. 1:6)? Will regeneration be reversed? Will our inseparable union with Christ cease? Will Christ's sheep turn into goats? The Bible firmly teaches that our salvation is grounded in the immutable hands of God from beginning to end in an unbreakable chain of divine events. Romans 8:30, "And these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified."

2. JESUS CHRIST PROMISES ETERNAL LIFE TO HIS FLOCK

In summary, those that are Christ's sheep will always be Christ's sheep. Let's move to the second point. Jesus Christ promises eternal life to His flock.

Verses 22 says, "At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem." As John has done throughout His gospel, He structures his narrative around the Jewish feasts (Feast of Unleavened Bread-Jn. 6:4, Feast of Tabernacles-7:2). In this case he speaks of the Feast of the Dedication (The Feast of Lights). This festival in particular was not mentioned (like all the others) in the Old Testament. Reason being, the Feast of the Dedication was a fairly recent development preceding Christ by roughly 200 years.

In 167 BC, Syrian Antiochus Epiphanes conquered Jerusalem and desecrated the Temple by setting up pagan altars. The Jews revolted under the leadership of Judas Maccabaeus and recaptured the Temple. For eight days in 164 BC the Jews rededicated the Temple. They chose to commemorate this occasion by a yearly celebration lasting eight days entitled, "The Feast of Dedication." This festival is still celebrated by Jews today commonly referred to as "Hanukkah."

In the mind of the first century Jew, the Feast of Dedication was the last great deliverance they had known. No doubt this symbol of hope was a constant reminder as to how they presently longed for God to deliver them from their current Roman oppression. It was their continual prayer that God again would raise up a Judas Maccabaeus or better yet, the Messiah, who would bring freedom to the land. Keep that on your mind!

We have learned thus far that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all the Jewish festivals (i.e. Jn. 6:48; 7:37-38; 8:12). In other words, they were an indirect prophecy, which pointed to Him. In the same way, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Feast of Dedication. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, has come to bring deliverance. It seems as if this was exactly what the Jews had been waiting for! Or was it?

As we know, unfortunately, the majority of the Jews rejected Jesus because of their understanding of "deliverance." Their minds were fixed on a political Messiah who would bring physical deliverance. Jesus came to be a spiritual Messiah who would bring spiritual deliverance. And when they realized that Jesus was not the long-awaited king who would rout the Romans and establish the kingdom as they envisioned, but rather live a life of meekness and suffering, they crucified Him for being a fraud. Their worldly minds could not envision His plan for spiritual victory over the domain of darkness and a kingdom that would begin by Him reigning in their hearts. This is why Jesus refused to answer their question as to whether or not He was the Messiah (in verses 24-25). Yes He was the Messiah (and their King), but since the Jews expected their Messiah to be a military leader, instead of a suffering Servant, He resisted the public designation to prevent further confusion.

Now, what does all this have to do with Eternal Security? The Jews were shortsighted. In longing for the temporary deliverance, they missed the eternal deliverance that Jesus was offering. Beginning in verse 28 Jesus said, "And I give eternal life to them."

Now, if Jesus Christ's purpose was to bring eternal life and He promises His sheep eternal life, should we not take Him on His word that eternal life will be eternal? Eternal life ending is a contradiction of terms! The Scriptures even teach that He has given His Holy Spirit as a pledge (arrabon), a down payment, if you will, for security (2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 1:14).

Furthermore, Jesus said, "I give eternal life to them." This indicates that eternal life is a gift (Jn. 4:10). Should we believe that God would be unable to keep His word or someday take back His gift? Eternal life is like any other gift. We don't work for it - we simply receive it. Therefore, since we did nothing to earn it, should we believe there is something we can do to lose it? If there is nothing to merit it, there is nothing to demerit it. Denying the eternal security in eternal life violates the integrity of an unchanging God who gives good and only good gifts to His children (Jas. 1:17).

3. JESUS CHRIST PROMISES PROTECTION TO HIS FLOCK

If the first two points have not convinced you of eternal security, I am assured the final one will. Beginning in verse 28, "And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (Jn. 10:28-30).

Let's break this down one clause at a time. In verse 28 Jesus said, "They will never perish." Literally in the Greek this clause is translated, "They will not ever perish forever!" The language speaks of a definite impossibility for one of His sheep to perish. Think about that. Is there anything you can name that doesn't perish? Everything in this world, including the world itself is temporary and subject to disposal. But not our salvation! The Good Shepherd (who cannot lie) has declared there has never been one of His sheep that has perished and there never will be one. Backslide they may, but perish, never!

Let's move on. The next clause says, "And no one will snatch them out of My hand." The Greek word translated "snatch" (NASB, NIV) or "puck" (KJV) or "steal" (NJB) is harpazo. John used this word in 6:15 when he spoke of the crowd who intended to take Jesus by force. The meaning in chapter 10 is that no one, regardless of their strength and power will ever violently remove Christ's sheep from His hand. You say, would someone try? Oh yes, that is what the verse is implying! I'll give you three: the world which hates the sheep, the flesh which wants its pleasures, and Satan who is seeking someone to devour will not succeed. Jesus said, "No one will snatch them out of My hand." Our security rests in the hands of the Good Shepherd. One commentator said, "Our continuance in eternal life depends not on our feeble hold on Christ, but rather on His firm grip on us" (Leon Morris, John, 521).

Think about it, could Jesus really be considered a Good Shepherd if He allowed His sheep to be taken from His hand by the wolves, thieves and robbers (Jn. 10:1, 8, 10, 12)? Such a notion is tantamount to blasphemy! Spurgeon once said, "If it could be that one sheep were plucked out of his hand, then would the devils in hell rejoice, and say, 'He could not keep them. He said that he would, but he could not. We have managed to pluck this one, or that one, out of the pierced hand of their Redeemer.' But such a horrible exultation shall never be heard throughout the ages of eternity."

You say; I want even more security. OK, look with me at verse 29. Jesus declared, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." Some of the preachers from the past two centuries would refer to this as being sandwiched by two hands of the Trinity. Spurgeon said, "But see the Father, he puts his hand over the hand of Jesus! There, now; you are inside two hands." A.W. Pink said, "(We are) secured between the clasped hands of Omnipotence." M'Cheyne said, "There are two hands upholding the sheep, one below and the other, so that if you were to fall out of one hand, you would just fall into the other."

With this unity between the Father and Son in mind (c.f. Jn. 17:10) is it any wonder that Jesus concludes our section in verses 30 with the high point of the chapter. "I and the Father are one." You'll remember that the Jews wanted a simple answer as to Christ's identity in verse 24. I bet this answer was more than they expected! Jesus was the Messiah, but here He professes to be God!

"Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, 'for your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:35-39). Losing our salvation is an impossibility!

Before we close, allow me to address three questions that might be on your mind in regard to eternal security.

First, since it is impossible for Christ's true sheep to fall away, what do we make of an individual who professes Jesus, possibly was even baptized and then totally walks away from the Good Shepherd? Did they lose their salvation? Of course not! Such an individual is only giving the evidence that he or she was never saved in the first place. 1 John 2:19, "They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us." Many false converts start off strong only to peter out along the way and eventually apostatize. True sheep of the Shepherd will demonstrate their true identity by faithfully persevering until the end (Rom. 11:22; 1 Cor. 15:2; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:14)!

Second question (and related to the first), are all who profess Jesus as their Savior sheep that belong to the Shepherd? The answer is no. We saw this often in the gospel of John (2:2, 6:66, etc.). Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd said He knows (ginosko) His sheep (Jn. 10:14, 27). Remember, I said last week that this speaks of an intimate knowledge. However, some false converts, even those who call Him "Lord" will hear the chilling words spoken of in Matthew 7. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness'" (Mt. 7:21-23). Obviously Jesus in His omniscience knew of them, but the intimate relationship between the sheep and his shepherd was non-existent.

Finally, and most importantly, how do I know if I am a sheep of the Shepherd? The previous verses I read from Matthew 7 answer that question. Jesus said, "But he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter" (Mt. 7:21). You will remember the parable of the four soils. All four groups confessed; only one group was truly saved. Who were they? "The ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance" (Lk. 8:15). You will remember Jesus when He identified His true spiritual family. He said, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it" (Lk. 8:21). Or if I can tap into the shepherding metaphor, Christ's sheep are the ones who recognize His voice, listen to His voice and follow Him (Jn. 10:4, 27). One can pray a thousand "sinner's prayers" and have dramatic emotional experiences and witness a total change of circumstances and still be lost. Therefore an individual must examine himself (2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pet. 1:10) and ask himself this important question. Do I have ears to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd as He speaks to me in the Scriptures (Rev. 2:7a) and am I willing to follow Him out of a joyful and obedient heart? Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (Jn. 10:27). All three of these verbs are in the present tense, which speaks of a continuous, ongoing action.

We saw many verses in chapter 6 that give assurance of our salvation (Jn. 6:37, 39-40, 44, 54). This morning we examined a few from chapter 10 that do the same. The Apostle John said that Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd will keep and protect those sheep, which belong to Him.

When we as a family go to the beach, I enjoy taking my two oldest daughters out into the waves. Both venture into the surf with their daddy. Kayla tends to be relaxed, while Hailey is a little more "white-knuckled." Nevertheless, both trust me to protect them. But let me ask you, which one is safer? They are both equally as safe! Though the situation may be dangerous to a youngster, their safety is not determined by their own strength and abilities, but rather mine. As long as they remain in my arms, they are safe.

In the same way, our eternal security is not based upon our own strength and abilities, but on Jesus Christ who is both willing and able to protect those who belong to Him. Once a sheep, always a sheep!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet. 1:3-5)


More in John

May 9, 2004

The Priority of A Disciple

May 2, 2004

From Fishermen To Shepherds

April 25, 2004

Fishing For Men