Blessed Assurance

Uncertainty has robbed thousands of the joy of the Christian life. It is appalling to realize how many people are made miserable by the disease called doubt. People who read their Bibles, earnestly pray, faithfully attend church, and are upright in all their dealings may yet have no assurance of forgiveness and salvation.

But you need not continue this way. A true Christian has no need to waiver. Doubt robs of peace and rest. Disbelief interferes with service to God.

Is Christian assurance knowable? What does the Bible say? In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul exhorts each one to “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” In 2 Peter 1:10, we are told to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” The assurance of salvation is one of the great pearls of God’s grace. We ought to know that we possess salvation. Lack of assurance is not the normal condition of the Christian, but sub-normal.

Assurance is not only possible but desirable, for it gives purpose and power to life. Christian certitude is a fortress of strength against the wiles of evil. An uncertain salvation is a sad one which repels rather than attracts. Assurance adds zeal to service with the knowledge that we shall receive an everlasting reward. Do not waste years in doubt, but move forward to enjoy the deeper things of God. Assurance is not necessary for salvation but it is necessary for a victorious life.

What do the words “Christian assurance” mean? Assurance means the unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith in a present salvation. Having this knowledge is not only the privilege but the duty of every Christian.

Knowing By The Word Of God

Assurance is based upon acceptance of the Bible as the infallible Word of God. As we apply the promises of the bible to our lives, doubt is put to flight. A classic illustration is that of Abraham, who received a promise that was humanly impossible. Yet “he staggered not at the promise” (Romans 4:20). He did not doubt, but “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Galatians 3:6). The promises of God are as sure as God is, for He is the Author.

John the apostle knew the difficulties of doubt. He saw many groping yet never finding; wishing but still waiting; looking yet still longing because of doubt. To free all in bondage is the purpose of his words.

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13). The object is that “ye may know that ye have eternal life.” The word “know” according to Webster, is “to perceive directly, to recognize.” The apostle John wrote these verses so that we might recognize our position in Christ. This is not an opinion or a matter of inference, but a revelation from God. Assurance is based upon the truthfulness of God. Failure to believe is to make God a liar. If trust is wholehearted, fear will flee, conscience will be calmed, the heart will be hushed.

When Christ was on the cross He said, “It is finished,” meaning just that atonement was complete. May I ask, does God lie? “Oh, no,” you say, “God could not lie.”

Does God exaggerate? Again you answer, “No, a God of truth could not exaggerate.” Then accept what Jesus said, “Believe,” and you have “everlasting life.” Since He cannot lie and does not exaggerate, upon repentance and faith in Him you have everlasting life.

Imagine a prisoner being offered a pardon. He reads the document but is so overwhelmed that he is dazed by the news. Suppose you ask, “Have you been pardoned?”

He would say, “Yes.”

You might ask, “Do you feel pardoned?”

He replies, “No, I do not; it is so sudden.”

“But,” you ask, “if you do not feel pardoned, how can you know you are?”

“Oh,” he says as he points to the document, “this tells me so.”

Just so, the Bible is God’s document of pardon to every believer.

Misconceptions

Often there are misconceptions which make some Christians believe assurance is impossible. A salesman recently said, “But I cannot know I am the Lord’s till the day I die. It’s presuming to be so certain.”

I assured him that assurance is not arrogant presumption but a humble knowledge of present acceptance by God. This confidence is based on the finished work of Christ. It is not a self-confidence, for the Scripture says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5). Is it presumptuous to accept what God has said? The Philippian jailer cried out, “What must I do to be saved?”

Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). The Philippian jailer believed and was converted.

Others think they must know the day and hour of their decision. This is wonderful to know but not necessary. A dear friend of mine was much perplexed because the exact time of conversion could not even vaguely be remembered. However, she was sure that she had received Christ as Saviour and Lord. This is what counts. You say, “If no date is remembered, how do you know?”

May I ask, “How do you know you are alive physically?”

“Oh,” you say, “I breathe, eat, think, resolve.”

So it is spiritually. If you have been converted, you will be interested in spiritual matters, you will breathe the atmosphere of heaven by praying, you will read the Bible, and be faithful in the local church where God has placed you. Should it be that your life is no different from the unconverted, then beware; perhaps you have never been converted.

Still others believe they must go through the valley of terror and tears before they can know. Tears which result in genuine repentance are beautiful to behold but mere tears of remorse or regret cannot avail.

Emotions do play a part in conversion, but do not depend upon this as evidence of conversion. When one comes to see sin in the light of God, there is bound to be a stirring. Tears probably will flow and you will be strangely warmed. But remember it is not feeling that determines salvation.

The word “feel” appears once in the New Testament, referring to the heathen reaching out, “If haply they might feel after [God]” (Acts 17:27). The word “feeling” appears twice having no connection whatsoever with conversion. Turn your back on feelings and believe God.

But feelings come and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving,
My warrant is the Word of God, naught else is worth believing.

The Witness Of The Spirit

Since conversion, you have become the dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit. This heavenly Guest requests complete lordship of your life. Yieldedness to the Holy Spirit brings definite assurance. Many, through carelessness and lack of knowledge, grieve the Holy Spirit and know little or nothing of the witness within. Paul the apostle said, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:15–17). What wonderful assurance this provides! Since God is our Father and we are His children, we cry, “Abba, Father,” or literally, “My own dear Father.” This cry is born of the Holy Spirit.

The witness of the Spirit is the testimony of the indwelling Holly Spirit with our spirit, that we are the children of God. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to eternal values, lightens our minds to perceive the truth, fills our heart with divine love, gives compassion for others, makes intercession for us when we know not how to pray, comforts in the hours of tears, strengthens in the midst of battle, lifts us in the vale of defeat. These are some of the works of the Spirit in the believer.

At the conclusion of a mass meeting, I was greeting people when a distinguished-looking man approached me and asked, “May I talk with you about my salvation? I’m desperately confused.” He went on to state that he had acknowledged the Lord as Saviour but had little peace and Christian confidence. “As I listened to your message, I decided I must settle it.”

“There are three steps,” I replied. “First, look into your life to discover if all is right between yourself and the Lord. Carnal believers are usually full of doubts. If the Holy Spirit is grieved, through self-will or sin, He cannot witness effectively to your salvation because there is contradiction. For this reason the witness of the Holy Spirit is often dimmed. After discovering the wrong, openly confess it to the Lord. Last, deal with it and do works to prove your repentance.”

“That’s it,” he interrupted, “I’ve grown careless; there’s sin in my life and I must make it right.”

We bowed our heads in a holy hush as he sought God’s gracious forgiveness. It was evident that the Lord was in the room for when we arose from our knees the doctor was changed. His expression, his voice, his whole attitude radiated blessed assurance. Careless living will always create doubt—but the opposite is also true. Doubt leads to careless living.

The Words Of Your Life

Salvation is by faith apart from legal works as Paul plainly states in Romans 4 and Galatians 3. Good works are not for salvation but are evidences of salvation.

Are you a Christian? Let’s notice some Bible tests. The first test is obedience. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3–4).

Do you obey the Word of God? What is the answer? Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

Is it your ambition to do the works of Christ? Do you delight in the law of the Lord? Are you a “doer of the Word”? Constant assurance depends upon practical obedience to the Word of God. Obedience is a good test, for Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Again, “He that. . .worketh righteousness, is accepted” (Acts 10:35).

Second, do you possess Christian love? A love for God’s people is evidence of personal salvation. “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now” (1 John 2:9).

Do you love God’s Word? David said, “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORDare true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:8–10).

Do you love God’s house? “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1).

Do you have the fruit of the Spirit? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23).

After the apostle Paul met Christ, his life was proof of conversion. Most of these tests were spontaneous with the apostle. Love is difficult to hide. When a young man is in love, it is obvious. The same applies in the spiritual realm. Ask yourself again, “Do I love the Lord? Do I love His people? Do I love the Bible? Do I love to pray? Do I love God’s house?” Your answer will help you to know where you stand.

All of us at times have passed through the sea of doubt. Bunyan speaks of being “much tumbled up and down in his thoughts.” However, without question we may know now that we have eternal life. Jesus said, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47). Anything that contradicts the words of Jesus is a lie. “Let God be true, but every man a liar.”

Abraham, in the face of the unknown, had complete assurance (Hebrews 11:8–10).

David had full assurance. “I will behold thy face in righteousness” (Psalm 17:15).

Daniel had glad assurance. “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

Job had blessed assurance. “I know that my redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25).

Paul had abundant assurance. “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

The apostle John believed in a “know-so” salvation (see 1 John 5:13).

Millions have known this blessed assurance.