The Good Shepherd

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. I and my Father are one. Jn. 10:27-30

The sheep are God's elect, chosen before the foundation of the world, and given as a love gift from the Father to the Son. The Son came into the world to offer himself as a ransom for their sins; he is the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep (ver. 11, 14). They, in turn, know the voice of the Shepherd, and they will follow him. Hence we have in the short scope of these verses the wonderful and precious doctrines of election, particular redemption, and effectual calling.

But that is not all: preeminent among the great truths taught here is the preservation of the saints. In fact, in these verses, this is the main point. God's people are held by a double and impenetrable grip: they are in their Savior's hand and "neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." They are in the Father's hand: "and no one is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."

This is a precious doctrine. There are so many things around us (and in us!) that cannot be depended upon. So many people have failed us - and we ourselves have failed others. But God will never fail his people. He will never forsake his sheep. They will never be lost. Their final salvation is secure. The life abundant that our Savior came to bring will surely and inevitably be enjoyed by those for whom he died, all of them (ver. 10).

Believer, on the firm rock of God's salvation take your stand. Seek not security in the things of this world which are passing away. Find it in Christ and in him alone. In him we are eternally secure. Rest in him and let the peace of God fill your hearts this day.