Salvation Assurances 5

Chuckle: "There is nothing so annoying as having two people talking when you are busy interrupting." --Mark Twain

Quote: "The courage to be is rooted in the God who appears when God has disappeared in the anxiety of doubt." --Paul Tillich

ARE YOU DEALING WITH DOUBT?

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13 NIV).

The last four lessons from 1 John have provided some indicators which, if applicable in our lives, will give us great assurance of our eternal salvation in Christ. In summary, John tells us to look for these conditions in our lives: (1) Obedience to God's commands (1 John 2:3); (2) A genuine desire not to sin (1 John 3:6); (3) A sincere love for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:14); and (4) the Holy Spirit living within us (1 John 4:13). If these conditions are met, John says we will know for certain that we have eternal life. But, if you continue to have doubts, how should you deal with them when they arise? I hope these suggestions will be helpful:

1. Realize that doubt is likely the result of persistent sin in your life -- Satan is the author of doubt. When a sin persists, you will find yourself doubting your worthiness of God's love. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 NIV).

2. Claim the promises of God concerning your eternal security as a believer. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38 NIV).

3. Focus on the faithfulness of God. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9 NIV).

To restore the joy of your salvation and remove any doubts, say to God in repentance: (1) I am wrong (confess specific sins in your life); (2) I am sorry for my sin (remorse - first step in repentance); (3) Forgive me (depending upon His faithfulness); (4) Cleanse me (guilt is taken away and sin atoned for); (5) Empower me (ask the Holy Spirit to take control of your life); (6) Use me for your glory.

Remember, God will not use you as a vessel in his kingdom until you have been emptied of self and cleansed of all sin. But after he has purified your life, he will empower you to be an instrument of his love and forgiveness to those around you. When you are being used of God, you will find that all doubt will disappear.

Love, Jerry & Dotse