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BRUSHFIRES | WEEK 17

A Discipleship Series from Brushwood Press | BrushwoodPress.com

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Core Doctrine:

Eternal Security – Perseverance of the Saints

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Verse:

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John 10:28–29 (CSB)
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

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Book Context:

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In John 10, Jesus speaks as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and gives His life for them. He isn’t a hired hand who abandons the flock when danger comes—He defends, calls, and holds them with unwavering care. Verses 28–29 offer one of the strongest promises of security in all of Scripture. Christ’s people are held—not by their strength, but by His. He gives eternal life, and no power in heaven or on earth can undo what He has declared.

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Core Doctrine Explanation:

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The doctrine of Eternal Security, also known as Perseverance of the Saints, teaches that those whom God has truly called and justified will never be lost. Their salvation is secure—not because they are strong, but because God is faithful.

Jesus doesn’t say His sheep will probably make it. He says they will never perish. Why? Because they are held in His hand—and in the hand of the Father. Two hands. One promise. Absolute security.

This does not mean believers won’t struggle. We may stumble, drift, or fall into sin. But true believers will never fall away completely. God preserves what He has purchased. The Spirit convicts, corrects, and carries us all the way home.

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Danger of Not Holding to the Core Doctrine – Week 17: Eternal Security – Perseverance of the Saints

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If we don’t believe God holds us to the end, we will try to hold ourselves—and we will fail. We will live in fear, doubt, and exhaustion, constantly wondering if we’ve done enough to stay in His favor. That is not the gospel. That is slavery.

The danger here is quiet, but cruel. We start by trusting Christ, but we begin to act like our security is based on our consistency. And when we inevitably fall short, we spiral into shame, confusion, and insecurity. Assurance becomes a moving target, and the Christian life becomes a tightrope instead of a path of grace.

Even worse, we begin to present a version of Christianity that trains people to fear losing God’s love rather than resting in it. We preach salvation by grace but live as if it’s kept by works.

But Jesus didn’t just start our salvation—He finishes it. He doesn’t give temporary life—He gives eternal life. To deny this truth is to insult His power and question His promise. To embrace it is to exhale with joy and say, “He will never let me go.”

This doctrine doesn’t lead to laziness—it leads to love. When you know you’re safe in Christ, you fight sin not to earn His love, but because you already have it. You run the race knowing the finish line is certain.

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Conversational Evangelism:

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If someone says, “I’m afraid I might lose my salvation,” you can ask:
“Who’s holding onto who—are you holding onto God, or is He holding onto you?”

Then share John 10:28–29 and say,
“Jesus didn’t say you’ll maybe make it. He said no one—not even you—can snatch you from His hand.”

That shifts the focus from human effort to divine security.

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Call to Action:

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This week, reflect on where you’ve been carrying fear instead of trusting God’s grip. Where are you acting like your salvation depends on you?

Rest in the truth that you are held. Secure. Sealed. Ask the Lord to deepen your trust in His faithfulness, not your performance.

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Fire Starter Question:

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When was the moment you realized you didn’t have to hold your salvation together—and how did that change your relationship with Jesus?