"NEVER PERISH!"

The Lord Jesus Christ makes this promise with regard to all his elect, those redeemed by his blood, born again and called by the power of his grace - "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish" (John 10:28). That glorious sentence that fell from the lips of the Son of God assures us of two gracious truths taught throughout the Bible:

1. ETERNAL LIFE IS THE GIFT OF GOD'S FREE AND SOVEREIGN GRACE. No man can earn it. No man can bestow it upon himself. No man can put himself in proper condition to receive it. Man by nature is dead in trespasses and sin. Being dead, he is altogether impotent spiritually. If any of Adam's fallen race obtain eternal life it is because God Almighty chose to give it to them and freely does so.

2. GOD'S GIFT OF LIFE IS ETERNAL. Salvation is eternal both ways, from everlasting to everlasting. Because salvation and eternal life is the free gift of God's grace in Christ it is absolutely impossible for a saved sinner to be lost. Many who profess to be saved shall be lost. Many who think they are saved shall perish under the wrath of God (Read Matt. 7:21-23!). But not one of those to whom God has given eternal life shall perish. "They shall never perish" because salvation does not depend upon them. "They shall never perish" because the purpose of God according to election must stand, the blood of Christ cannot be shed in vain, the gifts of God cannot be taken away, and the seal of the Holy Spirit cannot be broken!

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH OF DANVILLE

2734 Old Stanford Road

Danville, Kentucky 40422

236-8235