One of my online followers tossed me this complicated question yesterday…
“Hey Mark, how am I sure about my salvation and place in heaven beyond this life and through eternity?”
Just asking the question was spiritually deflating for him. So I jumped in fast by stressing to him that his question is VERY POSITIVE. It shows that his heart is searching for the spiritual confidence God wants us all to have in this life.
Next, I turned to God’s bold declaration that we WILL be complete in Jesus.
“He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion at the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Though he loved that promise, he was still confused. Through a quivering voice he sent me another volley of questions:
“Do you mean I have to wait until the end of my life to know I received God’s promise of completion? That I won the race? Is finishing anything below 100% perseverance mean I didn’t make the TRULY level of truly saved?”
NO!
God’s promises of eternal life assume we know that includes US.
Here’s how I put it: “Do you think God gave us these promises but then allowed us to be uncertain to the point that we question the truth of what he said?”
I answered myself before he could speak: “Absolutely not.”
The intention behind God’s promises is for believers to be inspired and encouraged by BELIEVING THEM right now!
He is telling us to be bold and assertive–without equivocation–to our election in Christ.
God’s Word tells us to not just believe…but to ENJOY this assurance. That’s why he made the promise.
I thank God for this reminder that his Word assures us of our salvation which he wants us to ENJOY right now, today…and tomorrow…and forever.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you still looking for proof of your salvation?
“I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:38–39
