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The Surety of Our Salvation
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe churches of God do not believe that the Bible teaches the Doctrine of Eternal Security, the idea that once a person professes belief in Christ, salvation is irrevocable regardless of future conduct. Salvation requires repentance and belief in the gospel. Justification comes through repentance of wrong ways of thinking and living, and sanctification occurs as growth into the image of the Savior takes place with help from God. Faith without works is a dead faith, and obedience to God relates directly to salvation. Belief in God alone places a person at the same level as demons. God has given the Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come and does not waste efforts on failed projects. God exhibits patience so that all may turn away from sins. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ must be taken personally, as He became the propitiation for sins, with the Greek word for propitiation being hilasmos, a synonym of Hebrew kippur, as in Yom Kippur. Jesus Christ laid down His own eternal life as the surety for salvation. Appreciation for what God and Jesus Christ have done leads to working to follow Their example, which is knowing God and leads to salvation and eternal life. God, who has begun a good work, will complete it. From God's end, salvation is practically an accomplished fact if cooperation with Him occurs. Although there is no such thing as Eternal Security, confidence and security exist in the Eternal when cooperation with God takes place.
Is it Salvational?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeIt is easy to denigrate a matter as not being 'salvational,' but the real question to ask is, How will this action affect my relationship with God?
Snapshots (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeAmong the greatest challenges we face is not to let a bad snapshot—or even a whole progression of them—convince us that the journey is not worth continuing.
God's Workmanship (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod assumes the burden for our salvation, but we are obligated to yield to His workmanship—made manifest by good works, the effect of salvation.
Eternal Security (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAll people will be judged according to the quality of their works after they make the covenant with God. Works are required and rewarded.
Eternal Security (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of the harshest criticism we receive is for our position opposing the doctrine of eternal security and stating that works are required for salvation.
Hebrews (Part Eleven): A Simple Recap
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Most of the attrition from the truth stems from losing interest. Drifting away is rarely intentional, but the result of choosing to live carnally.
Hebrews (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus experienced the same temptations and suffering we do, qualifying Him for the role of High Priest, the bridge-builder between man and God.
Limited Atonement
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prospect of atonement and salvation is available to everybody, but only those called by the Father—not by an evangelical altar call—are eligible.
The Judgments
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMultiple billions of people have lived and died without even hearing the name of Jesus Christ. But God has distinct periods of judgment and resurrection.
As I Breathe
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloSome in the church of God have succumbed to the lie that we do not need to be overly concerned about sinning because we are under God's grace.
Loving Christ and Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThere is a direct relationship between loving Christ and doing the right works. God's love for us places us under a compelling obligation to reciprocate.
Sovereignty, Election, and Grace (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGrace's influence extends beyond justification, into the sanctification stage where the believer yields himself to righteousness, keeping God's commandments.
Two Realities
Sermon by David C. GrabbeAt baptism, we begin living in two realities simultaneously, one identified by the physical senses and the other discerned by the eyes of faith.
Hebrews (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study byThe ancient Israelites resisted the gospel, refusing to mix it with actual obedience. What they heard never became a part of their lives; Egypt never left them.
Does Jesus See You as His Friend?
Sermonette byJesus puts a condition on our friendship: We are His friends if we do what He commands, unlike the assumption that belief on His name is the only requirement.
Confidence in the Flesh Versus Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must turn from our own gossamer righteousness to God's solid righteousness, accepting a higher standard than the rest of society.
Right Out of the Gate
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloGod has called many to be the bride, but only a relative few have been chosen. We have the honor of having God as our friend just as much as Abraham.
Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAt the end of Malachi, the priests make seven feeble queries, questioning God's providence and His faithfulness, asking what good it does to be godly.