Set for the Defense of the Gospel

When we say that the Security of the Believer is explicitly taught in the Scriptures, we are saying that it is definitely, definitively, expressly, specifically, unambiguously and unequivocally taught in the Bible. Why is the explicit Security of the Believer a part of the “defense of the Gospel?” If the Gospel places the responsibility of saving man on the finished work of Jesus Christ – that is, if salvation is a work of God, then like all the works of God, He alone must finish His work.

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him (Ecclesiastes 3:14).

Indeed, in the very context of Philippians 1:7 and 17, where Paul stated that he was “set for the defense of the Gospel,” he also emphasized his confidence in the Security of the Believer.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. ... But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel (Philippians 1:6–7, 17).

We must defend the Security of the Believer lest we give a silent, tacit recognition to a false gospel. Today we face the rapid, numerical increase of those who are trying to redefine the gospel for a new millennium, which has transformed itself into a powerful weapon of warfare for the enemy of our souls.     

 __ Pastor Michael D. McCubbins, Th.D., President

Bible Baptist College and Seminary, Arleta, California