John 17:15
"I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
Christ is not praying here that we should be taken out of this world. Can you imagine what that would be like? As soon as you're converted, you're immediately out of trouble. At times, we might think that such an escape would be profitable —just a way to avoid the difficulties of life. Yet, we are called to be satisfied as long as the LORD has us here. We can find satisfaction in knowing that it is the LORD who intercedes for us and has completed His work to preserve us.
If you want an excellent example of preservation by Grace, consider how He has kept you in this world—with all of its sin, the corrupting influences of society, the attacks of the evil one, and so much more. As Christ Himself said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Not only was He kept from evil when He was in this world—remaining sinless—but now His intercession ensures that those given to Him by the Father, for whom He paid the ultimate debt, are also preserved.
Notice the prayer: "Keep them from the evil." Reflect on all that is evil, which, like a flood, would overwhelm us were it not for Christ’s preserving power through His Word. Consider the apostasy of Judas Iscariot as an example. Christ has kept each one except for the son of perdition, as Scripture foretold. It’s not as though Christ wanted to keep Judas but was unable. No! Judas was not a failure of Christ’s preservation but rather a fulfillment of prophecy. “None of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12). Look around you and see how many have made professions of faith, but because of trouble, trial, temptation, or sin, have completely fallen away.
If we continue in the Faith that is in Christ, it is the LORD Who is keeping us from going astray, as we otherwise surely would. Remember, every time you go to bed at night, you are still battling the enemy within. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other..." (Galatians 5:17). This is why you might even wake up sometimes, bewildered by dreams or thoughts that seem entirely contrary to your conscious mind. Yet, through all of this, the LORD continues to keep His own. "My Grace is sufficient for thee: for My Strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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