Secure in Our Eternal Security

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[Janet Easson Martin]

Secure in Our Eternal Security

In honor of Charles Stanley who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90, I want to give a “shout out” to his extremely helpful book, ”Eternal Security - Can You Be Sure?”. (This book has been published more than once and I am referring to my copy I read in the late 80’s.)

Though initially quite secure and happy that acceptance of the Gospel and Christ into my life meant I would spend eternity in heaven with Jesus; some comments and implications by GCx leaders of not “whole-heartedly” following what they deemed “God’s will” confused me painfully in regard to my security in Christ. I have heard others tell of similar confusion. It seems it often comes with the territory of the “performance-based” (rather than faith-based) spirituality in GCx.

Someone kindly gave me this life-changing book and it turned out to be just what the Great Physician and Wonderful Counselor ordered. Dr. Stanley so very well addressed each objection to the crucial doctrine of external security; and plainly resolved them expounding on the scriptural context of each apparent opposition. I’m not exaggerating that after reading this repetitive truth in insightful biblical research and illustration, I never was confused about or doubted my salvation again!

Thank you so much, Dr. Stanley!



“Eternal Security - Can You Be Sure?” by Charles Stanley

https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Security-Charles-Stanley/dp/0785264175/ref=asc_df_0785264175/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312154644197&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18306041074834922778&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007969&hvtargid=pla-567970943920&psc=1

[Janet Easson Martin]

Secure in Our Security in Christ




“I realized how little I had really trusted God. You see, it is difficult to trust someone when you are never really sure where you stand with that person. Security came to mean a great deal more than a guarantee of where I would spend eternity. It was the perfect word to describe the sense of intimacy I felt with Christ. I was secure. Secure in his love and acceptance of me. ...

I have lived with the fear and the guilt fostered by that view. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Freedom comes from knowing the truth. Bondage comes from missing it. ... “

- Charles Stanley, “Eternal Security - Can You Be Sure?”



(Bold Emphasis Mine)

[Janet Easson Martin]

Secure in My Father’s Hands

It’s hard to put into simple words, the glorious effect “His Way Mine,” the Tribute to Dr. Stanley had on me. His life became a trust and obedience in his heavenly Father’s care that he lived out. His steady and honorable walk with God will stay with me for some time. The joy, peace and fulfillment Dr. Charles Stanley experienced in good times and bad because of his continual hope and trust in God is, to say the least, inspiring. I realized this week from hearing interviews and seeing this video how adversity was no rare visitor in his life on earth.


When I saw the picture toward the end of the video of him in the safari jacket sitting on the rocks overlooking the mountains, looking out, my eyes teared up thinking of Dr. Stanley seeking his Father in Heaven experiencing that He was where his continual help and guidance came from. He truly stayed in touch with his Father, God. As one of the women who knew him revealed his secret to his very effective life and ministry explained, ‘It wasn’t the Bible verse he quoted or the wonderful message —it was Christ in him, the hope of glory.’

His Way Mine - A Tribute to the Life and Ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley
 - First Baptist Church of Atlanta

https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/his-way-mine