Speaking the Truth in Love
The Good Shepherd: Staying in the Flock I (4 of 6)
Base Text: John 10:1-30
Series Introduction: Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, Hebrews 13:20 describes Jesus as the Great Shepherd, 1 Peter 5:4 as the Chief Shepherd. This analogy is not new to describe God’s people; it can be seen amongst other places in the Old Testament in Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34. There are many things John 10:1-30 teaches and shows us about Jesus and who are his sheep. There are also some items the passage does not teach but others have said it does. This six part series is intended to introduce you to Jesus the Good Shepherd and teach you how to become part of his loved flock!
Tonight’s Topic Introduction: There are so many great lessons from John 10:1-30, for now let’s focus in on one topic: Does this passage teach the idea of Once Saved Always Saved?
Read: John 10:1-30
Once Saved Always Saved Arguments
John 10:28-29 states “no one shall snatch them out of my [Jesus’] hand” and “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand” (ASV)
What do some say these verses mean?
No one is able to snatch the sheep out of Jesus and God’s hand (remember God and Jesus have the same hand John 10:30). The sheep in Jesus and God’s hand are part of the Good Shepherd’s fold. From past lessons you know being part of the Good Shepherd’s fold means you are in a saved state. The argument is that once you are in God and Jesus’ hand you cannotbe removed, ever, for any reason.
Before getting into the discussion on what these verses do not mean let’s discuss…
What do these verses mean?
- Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Hebrews 13:5 – God will never leave nor forsake us (his followers)
- Romans 8:31-39 – Similar verse in thought
- Psalm 23 – God will comfort us (his followers)
- No one can make us sin!
- The Devil seeks us – 1 Peter 5:8
- (but) Sin is our choice! – James 1:13-15
- God provides escape from temptation for us (his followers) – 1 Corinthians 10:13
What do these verses not mean?
Let’s continue on the thought of sin…
- Sin separates you from God! (Isaiah 59:2, Galatians 5:16-26)
- If you are in God’s hand and sin, what happens to you?
- Let’s go to the passage John 10:28-29
- The context of the passage is referring to the safety the Good Shepherd offers his sheep from thieves and robbers
- “no one shall” or “no one is able to” “snatch them out…” itself demands the understanding that no one can force the sheep out of the fold or hand of Jesus and God
- Combining the thoughts:
- No one can force me out of the hand of God
- I can choose to sin
- Sin separates me from God
- I CAN CHOOSE TO LEAVE THE HAND OF GOD!
- No one else can force me
- No one else can make me
- Only I can choose to leave
Some will combat this argument with a painfully contrived circular argument that is:
“Those who are in the Hand of God will not sin. If they do they were never truly in the hand of God”
This argument is yet another false doctrine. The Bible clearly teaches one can fall (to fall you must have somewhere to fall from, like the hand of God…)
Conclusion
Jesus will protect his flock! He will provide a way of escape so we do not have to choose to leave his hand! Only we can choose to give up the gift God has promised us! Do you have the hope of the promise God desires for us? If not…
How do we become part of the flock of the Good Shepherd?
Hear the Good Shepherd’s voice
- Jesus is speaking to us today: Hebrews 1:1-2
- The scriptures are inspired of God: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Trust (believe) the Good Shepherd
Confess that Jesus is your Shepherd, he is the son of God and that he laid down his life for you
Stop roaming around aimlessly (repent), change your life’s direction and follow the Good Shepherd
Obey the Good Shepherd’s voice (be baptized and remain faithful)
- Several previously read verses (Mark 16:16, Acts 10:43-48, Acts 8:36-39, Acts 2:38)
- I Peter 3:21
