ssurance often poses a great problem to people who have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be
their Saviour. Usually they say they do not feel as if the great transaction
has taken place in their life. They then conclude that they must not
be really saved. Usually they are told to ignore their feelings, but this is almost impossible
to do. To try to live the Christian life without feeling the assurance
of salvation is not something of which the Bible approves. It is
obviously unsatisfactory to have a religion that produces no feelings to
correspond with the beliefs professed. So what is the answer?
Salvation comes by faith in Christ. So does assurance of salvation.
We must be careful not to judge God's truth by a passing feeling.
Rather we should fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God, especially
as it relates to what Christ has done for His people, and let that truth work in us to produce the assurance
and feeling of security we desire.
The assurance and enjoyment of our salvation depend heavily on the written Word of God.
"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"
(I John 5:13).
Since it is the written Word of God that assures us of salvation,
let us note carefully what it says.
"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).
Jesus said this. Does He tell the truth? Or could this be a lying, empty promise?
The very thought is impossible.
"Thy word is truth" (John 17:17).
Therefore, we can be sure of the promise that "him that cometh to me I will
in no wise cast out."
Have you come to Christ? What does He promise concerning those who come to Him?
He promises that He will not cast them out. Has He then cast you out?
Again, take the promise of John 1:12:
"As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name."
Have you prayed to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Do you believe in Him?
That is, do you receive as entirely true all that the Bible says about who He is
and what He has done, and do you trust no other merit but His for your acceptance
with God?
Does He not promise, then, that you are now numbered among the sons of God?
Take your stand upon His promise and you will conquer doubt and fear.
This kind of Biblical logic is very helpful in obtaining a well-grounded assurance of salvation.
But it is only the beginning. There is a much fuller and more blessed way.
It is to take your Bible and ponder what exactly happens when a person
receives Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Let us pursue this in some detail.
It will certainly firmly establish your faith.
