Paul, in his address to the Areopagus, spoke of the need for all men to repent and that a day has been appointed for judgment; those statements came with the assurance or proof in the resurrection of the Christ (Acts 17:30- 31). We overlook the gift of having an assurance from God. We want assurances when it comes to things we buy or promises made. With God, these assurances are a blessing.
We can come to realize this assurance as Christians. It is produced by faith as we “draw near with a true heart in full assurance” (Heb. 10:22). It is made complete in hope. “Show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end” (Heb. 6:11). It is confirmed by love. “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him” (1 John 3:18-19). It is the effect of righteousness. “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever” (Isa. 32:17). It is made abundant in an understanding of the Gospel, “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ” (Col. 2:2).
We are not just given assurances about judgment. God has made assurances about many things. We have the promise of our election (1 Thess. 1:4), our redemption (Job 19:25), our adoption (1 John 3:2), our salvation (Isa. 12:2), of eternal life (1 John 5:13), the great love of God (Rom. 8:38-39), union with God and Christ (Eph. 5:30), peace with God (Rom. 5:1), the preservation of God (2 Tim. 1:12), answered prayer (1 John 3:22), comfort in affliction (Psa. 73:26), support in death (Psa. 23:4), resurrection (Psa. 17:15), and a crown of life (Jas. 1:12). We can rely on these promises “without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23).
There have been others who relied on the divine assurances of God. David spoke of his assurance that God was guiding him to glory (Psa. 73:24-26). Paul was confident in God’s deliverance and preservation during his trials. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Tim. 4:18).
Every saint should strive to arrive at this assurance to make your calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10-11). We should do all we can to “hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end” (Heb. 3:14). “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (Heb. 10:35). Rest and take comfort in the assurances the God has granted to us.
0 Comments