Assurance, Real or False

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Scripture

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not.
That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”
~John 8:23-24, NIRV

Quote

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.
~Francis Bacon
my-thoughts-red
bro. jack marc crowThe Pharisees were sure of their salvation. They boasted “We are descendants of Abraham. We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’? “Our father is Abraham!”  Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but He sent meWhy can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
I have read John Chapter 8 many times but today I saw a clear litmus test that can help you have true assurance. The Pharisees knew that they knew that they knew they were saved but Jesus told them they were falsely assured. They were trusting the wrong object. If you have any doubts about your salvation, take the test.
[  ] Do you believe that God sent Jesus into this world to be our Savior? [8:14-29]
[  ] Do you share Jesus passion to please God? [8:29]
[  ] Do you acknowledge your sins and your sinful condition? [8:31-37]
[  ] Do you have room, are you open to the Word of Christ? [8:37]
[  ] Do you love Jesus? [8:37]
[  ] Do you love evil? [8:43-46]
[  ] Do you hear God speak when His word is taught or preached? [8:47]
[  ] Do you have a desire to obey Christ? [8:51]
[  ] Does your heart rejoice when you think about the glory of Jesus return to the earth? [8:56]
The Pharisees did not believe that Jesus was sent from God. Their passion was not to please God. They did not acknowledge their sin and they had no room for Jesus words. That hated Jesus and wanted to kill Him which was evil. They did not hear God speak through prophets and teachers because they did not know God personally. They had no desire to obey or honor Christ and they were angered when others gave him glory. If it disturbs you for Christ to get glory, you have a spiritual problem.
 
Remember, these guys were sure that they were saved but their assurance was based on a false premise. Be sure of the object of your faith. We are not saved by faith, we are saved by faith in Jesus. He is the object of our faith. My pastor and mentor Calvin C. Inman always said, “I don’t worry so much about those who have doubts as I do those who never have doubts. They are the one you never see at the altar.”
extra_extra
  • Thank You Jesus for the sweet and gentle rain. Lord Jesus, You are the water of life and we honor YOU!
  • Most of our blog readers are not local and from time to time and mostly by accident, I check the records. Yesterday, I accidently logged on to the response page and was absolutely shocked, the POST “Wild Goose Chase” had more hits than any in recent history. Seagrass Rope was second. I had forgotten about both.
  • Business Meeting this Sunday. Remember to pray for our spiritual leaders: Joe David, Jeff Garner, the deacons. Also pray for Junior Hill and Franklin Graham. Remember our orphans, widows and the brokenhearted.
 

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