Big Idea - There are real threats to the Christian life. Paul and Timothy penned this letter to the Colossians partly because they were concerned about the real threats they faced. These threats are extremely serious because what is at stake is our very salvation in Christ. But isn't our salvation guaranteed? Doesn't the Bible teach that if we cannot lose our salvation - if God has saved us, then nothing can separate us from His love? What, then, could possibly be a real threat?

The Bible contains many assurances that we cannot lose our salvation. But, it is also full of as many warnings that we do not assume we are saved! On the one hand, salvation is guaranteed and cannot fail because it is not a work we do but one that Jesus has accomplished for us. What Jesus has done on the cross is unfailing because of who He is and because of the effectiveness of His sacrifice for us. It cannot fail because all rests on Him. At the same time, we have a part, and it is in this part that we must be concerned. We must have faith in Jesus and what He has done. Our very salvation is at stake if we do not continue in faith. The problem is not that the salvation provided in Christ can ever fail but that our faith can fail. This doesn't mean those who are truly saved can lose their salvation. Rather, it means that not all faith is true faith. Genuine and saving faith is a faith that remains steadfast and unmoved. A faith that believes in Christ for a moment but then shifts to other saviors is not genuine, saving faith. But don't we all have doubts at times? Who can claim never to question their faith?

Questioning the Bible and having doubts is undoubtedly something we all encounter. The issue is not if we have doubts but what we do with them. Do we let the doubts lead us to other saviors, or do we turn to the message that has been proclaimed in all creation, the Gospel, and press into it until our doubts are removed? This is the only way to overcome doubt and is the sure mark and sign that we have reconciled to God. Faith is holding on to the hope of the Gospel and not wavering. Any faith that wavers, not only in moments of doubt but by failing to trust in Jesus alone as the way of salvation, is not saving faith. Therefore, we must be vigilant to establish our faith, that is to set it firmly on the solid foundation of the Gospel and anchor our constant hope on what Jesus has accomplished for us by His death.