Foreword

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
Listen from:
Many true Christians have been frequently troubled because of erroneous teaching on the subject of which this book treats. They fear that they may backslide and thereby lose their salvation. This has plunged many souls into despair, when they should have remembered that the Lord Himself pledged their eternal safety. Their security is in His hands, and in His Father's hands, from which no one-man or demon-can ever pluck one of His ransomed ones. He and His Father are one (John 10:17-3017Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. 20And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? 21Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? 22And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30I and my Father are one. (John 10:17‑30)).
It is possible, however, for truly saved souls to grow cold in their affections toward Christ, to leave their first love (Rev. 2:44Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4)). This is the beginning of declension, and other steps soon follow until the believer loses the joy of his salvation and runs in a course that dishonors his Lord, and finally brings sorrow and trouble into his own life according to the government of God with His children.
But there is restoration for souls of this class; the Lord is ever ready to restore the failing saint. Poor failing Peter never lost his salvation, although he failed sadly; but when he was restored the LOrd committed His precious sheep and lambs to his care for feeding and shepherding.
This book which now goes forth in another issue is full of comforting, encouraging, and exhortative ministry which we recommend to Christians. The six chapters are the notes of six addresses from the well-known servant of Christ, W. T. P. Wolston, M.D. May the Lord be pleased to use these printed lectures for blessing to His own.
1964, Paul Wilson