1 Jn. 5:10-21, WDY’K: God Keeps His Children Forever (6)

d)    The persevering saint is assured of His salvation.  The Bible proclaims assurance for the total person.

i)      There is “intellectual” assurance.  We have already seen this in 1 John.  It is the point of 1 Jn. 5:10-13, a passage often recommended to new believers.  In my view John is giving the overall purpose of his first letter, being written so they could know that they know Christ.  He who believes in the Son has everlasting life (Jn. 3:36).  In our studies we have noted that Jesus had concerns in John 8 with those who believed in Him.  Were they disciples in truth?  In John 2:23-25 Jesus had hesitations concerning the “many” who believed on Him in the early days of His ministry.  But He does not say this because He wants to keep us in uncertainty.  So John’s epistles aim to bring a believer to know that he knows Christ.

ii)   There is “emotional” assurance.  I believe Rom. 8:15-16 has this in mind.  Again, God doesn’t want us to live in fear.  But how is this overcome?  It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit who bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.  If I grieve the Spirit who sealed us (Eph. 4:30) or quench the Spirit (1 Th. 5:19) I will not benefit from this ministry of the Spirit.  I may not feel I am saved.  That is not the final word; we are just saying that the work of the Spirit is to assure us that we are children of God.

iii)            There is “volitional” assurance.  In this aspect, by God’s grace, I open Christ; I act like and make choices like I am saved (1 John 2:3-5; 2:29; 3:14-19).  We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.  He who does not love his brother abides in death (3:15).

At this moment you may not be sure of your relationship with God.  You may be saved but not experiencing assurance.  You may need to ask God for faith for believe his promise (1 Jn. 5:10-13).  Sometimes new believers are so amazed at God’s grace in forgiving what they consider to be great sin.  They need the assurance of God’s love and their “sonship.”  But you also may not experience assurance because sin in your life keeps you from it.  Remember: the presence of sin in our lives does not mean we are not true believers.  Rather, if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 Jn. 2:1).  If that is your status you need to confess that sin and renew fellowship with God.  OR you may not experience assurance simply because you are not a Christian.  Have you put your faith in Christ alone for salvation?  Don’t be offended.  This is a legitimate, loving question to ask!

Lastly, be sure you understand that no one but you and the Lord can see your heart.  People who are concerned about your relationship with God are basing that concern on what they see.  As Jesus said of the prophets: by their fruit you will know them!