Apparently, mankind has always fretted about security issues. As a child, I was mesmerized by medieval castles, with their battlement crowned stone walls encircled on the outside by a moat. Entrance was limited to a heavily fortified gate, only accessible across a drawbridge when it lowered to span the moat. Anciently, walled cities in Europe, the Bible lands and other places afforded a degree of protection from enemy armies, robbers and wild beasts. Characteristically, forts anywhere in the world have been fortified with walls and soldiers or police, providing security to a city or even to a geographical region.
In modern times, security issues are addressed in many ways. Nations have their armies and police. Guards restrict or control access to public transportation, shopping districts, rest areas, financial institutions and residential complexes. Homeowners and businesses often protect their premises with automated alarm systems. Especially in these troubled times, security issues have come to the forefront of people all over the world due to the lethal militancy of many Muslims, some Hindus and other terrorists.
Mankind also has sought religious security for himself. For instance, one tenet of the denominational doctrine of Calvinism called “Perseverance of the Saints” or nicknamed “Once Saved, Always Saved” endeavors to assure its adherents of spiritual security. Nevertheless, this manmade doctrine and every humanly devised plan of salvation, because they are not divine in origin, will prove useless as one stands before “the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Though earthly, physical, absolute security for the body and one’s property remains ever elusive, anyone can have the peace of mind that comes with otherworldly, spiritual, absolute security for the soul.
Nowhere in the world can anyone be absolutely sure that every security issue has been adequately addressed so that no harm or material loss might occur. However, everyone can bask in the Sonshine of eternal security for the soul. Summarized, the divine plan of salvation (the source of our spiritual security), gleaned from the New Testament pages of inspiration is as follows. Resort to the Bible alone (and the New Testament in particular since everyone living today is amenable to it rather than to the Old Testament) as the source of Christian faith (Romans 10:17). Believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ or the Messiah, the Son of the living God (John 8:24). Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3). Be willing to acknowledge publicly that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10). Obediently submit to immersion in water for the remission of sins (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Live faithfully until death or until Jesus Christ returns (1 John 1:7; Revelation 2:10). On occasions of sin in the lives of Christians, forgiveness of those sins can be received through penitence and prayer (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9).
Physical security in this life is not guaranteed! However, Almighty God guarantees spiritual security in the life to come, exclusively to those who obey the Gospel of Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Security issues, tend especially to the security issue that matters for eternity!
