"He became the author of eternal salvation to all of those who obey Him."–Hebrews 5:9

We read here that Christ is the author, or cause of eternal salvation. The salvation that all of the elect possess is an eternal salvation. It never had a beginning and will never have an end. Mind boggling, but true! Notice the verse says that He is the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him. There is no such thing as an eternal salvation that is not experienced in time. All who obey Him in time do so because they were saved in eternity. All who refuse to obey Him in time were not saved in eternity. The Lord said to Pharisees in John 10:25, in answer to their unbelief, "You believe not, because you are not of My sheep."

Who are these sheep? Christ distinguishes them in verses 27-29 by these four marks.

1. They hear His voice.

2. They follow Him.

3. They have eternal life, therefore they persevere.

4. They were given to Christ by the Father (election).