Among the many things that are destroying the peace of not a few Christians is the fear of eternal punishment. When a Christian is dominated by this fear, not only does he deprive himself of a tranquil life, but he limits the grace of God in salvation. To those who suffer under this dilemma, the apostle Paul writes: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities , nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38,39). Paul does not use the word "know," but he applies a term which is much stronger. He says: "I am persuaded." He meant that he had been drawn to determination.

There is a difference between knowing a truth and being persuaded of that truth in your heart. Paul possessed both a head knowledge and a heart conviction. Having committed his soul into Christ's care, the apostle was persuaded that no power, however great, could tear him away from the Saviour in whom he had trusted. He was kept by the power of God.

The word "eternal" is used frequently in connection with the purposes of God on behalf of all who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. The believer is said to have "eternal life" (1 John 5:13). It is stated that he possesses "eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9). His redemption is called "eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12). He has a house "eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1) and an "eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:15). These and other Scriptures show that the soul of the Christian is eternally secure.

The doubting and disillusioned Christian says that if he does not hold on until the end, he will not be saved at last. But the doctrine of the believer's security cannot be looked at apart from Christ. As in the case of every other doctrine, He is the center and the circumference. The doctrine stands or falls according to its relation to the Lord Jesus Christ. My being kept safe is not dependent upon my perseverance, but upon His. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Here we see that Christ not only saves us, but that He saves us to the uttermost—" He is able. "

It is given to every Christian to mount the glorious heights of the certainty of the security of his soul. We are bound too closely to Jesus Christ to fear the most vicious foes of Christian life and liberty. Therefore, take full possession by faith now for nothing can break the tie that binds the heart of God to the hearts of His children. May every believer be able to say with Paul, "I am persuaded."

—Lehman Strauss