Pastor’s Thoughts – 12-07-2025

Assurance of salvation is an important subject that often comes up among brethren in the form of a question. How can I be sure of my salvation? It is not an issue questioning salvation itself, for they know that salvation is real and that Jesus Christ is the only Savior. The issue with those inquiring is not whether God saves, but whether the person is individually among the saved or not and they know it is critical not to have false assurance. Our Lord has given severe warnings to many who assume they have a salvation that they do not possess, and sadly these will not realize their presumption until they stand in judgment (Matt. 7:21).

Our assurance is shown by three key aspects revealed in God’s Word of those truly saved. The first is our coming to grips with our sinful condition through exposure and reception to God’s Word. And by conviction we have come to God repenting of our sins and have made a sincere plea for His mercy through Jesus Christ. We have also arrived at a point of profession to be a believer and a follower of Christ as our governing Lord. This should also be expressed in formal baptism witnessed by others. Underlying our essential profession is a recognition that we are unworthy, and that God accepts sinners not on the basis of anything we do or have done, but only by His grace.

Our initial profession is essential but is inadequate by itself. Our second aspect is found in living as a Christian. We have been studying in 1 John, where John tells us his purpose in writing his epistle, “That you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). John is describing the characteristics of those saved. His premise is that if we are recipients of Christ’s justification, it will be reflected in our sanctification, or the manner of our new life. This second aspect provides evidential reality leading to assurance. The Scripture tells us that; “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things are new” (2 Cor. 5:17). The transforming work of God will be present, not in perfection, but in a new life direction reflecting our new birth (Ezekiel 36:26), and by the presence of God’s Spirit living within us. Our priorities and affections will be different than those who are unsaved. John elaborates this second aspect by contrasts of the saved with the unsaved in three areas: first, by a love for God, His Word and His people. Second, by a tested faith that perseveres and continues through trials. And third, by attention to and obedience to the Lord’s commands. These same characteristics are consistently shown as hallmarks in the lives of all people with a relationship to God. This is true in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

There is a third identifiable aspect that comes into existence as we mature in Christ. This is brought about from God by His living Word. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians that when we turn to the Lord a veil is removed from our understanding. He goes on to say, “For we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). The mirror is God’s Word. Our Christian life is not stagnant, but as we read and study His Word we are becoming more like our Savior.

The power of the Word is highlighted by Peter who relates how he personally witnessed the glorified Lord Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, but he emphasizes that we have a far greater means for our confidence. He says, “For we have the prophetic Word more sure, to which we do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star arises in our hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19). What is Peter saying? He is describing the reality that our senses are not as true or reliable as the Word of God. The Bible is filled with promises for those who love God. And the nature of the Word of God is a power beyond anything in this world (Heb. 4:12). He describes the Word as a lamp shining in a dark place that is essential in overcoming our fallen environment. The “Morning Star” is a reference to Jesus Christ (Rev. 22:16).

As we continually give rightful attention to the Word of God in our life, he says that Jesus Christ arises in our hearts. This signifies that we belong to Christ and are recipients of His promises. Since Peter is referring to confidence in the Word of God as being far greater than his own experience, this brings us God’s assurance. It comes from our continuance and growth in God’s Word. The words used here to describe God’s activity, “day dawns” and, “the morning star arises” clearly define God’s supernatural work, “in our hearts” or the central being of who we are. This includes a growing sense of unity with the Lord and assurance of His promises and our relationship with Him.

As with our physical life and wellbeing, so our spiritual life and wellbeing reside in our God. For this reason, He has given us these aspects as a means for our assurance. As He works in us and we grow in Him, we gain assurance. This assurance is also called by Paul, “The peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7), and this gloriously becomes part of us. Brethren, we have a “Blessed Assurance” as we get up each day and begin our walk with our God. Oh, how blessed and privileged we are to be the children of God!