Protection of the Shepherd
Suppose you were asked what color a checkerboard is. If you said it was black, you are obviously not observing the entire board. Unfortunately, many read the Holy Scriptures much the same way. Such is the case when some have read the Tenth of John’s Gospel and claimed it taught a doctrine of unconditional eternal security. While it is true that one can in fact be assured of the eternal security of his soul, the Savior taught that such security is conditional indeed. As long as the Lord’s sheep hear His voice and follow Him, they are promised eternal life and that they will not perish, and that no one can pluck them from their Savior’s hand. Should the sheep fail to hear His voice and follow after Him, they are not under the protection of the Shepherd.
Written by David Hayes Prophater