Assurance

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-- unless of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor 13:5)

Surpassing the quarter-billion mark in box office receipts after just its third week, The Passion of the Christ, is on track to set records for being one of the most successful movies ever. Advocates have suggested that God is working through this movie adaptation to further the emergence of His 21st century “Great Awakening” in America, with bold spiritual, political and economic repercussions. While millions will see this film, it will undoubtedly raise more questions than it answers related to salvation. As such, an old challenge is again presented to the Church—accommodating the influx of new seekers.

Expecting a corresponding spike in Church attendance, reminiscent of post-9/11, many Church leaders seek to energize their base for evangelism. Unfortunately, Barna Research indicates that Biblical literacy inside the Church is falling, with many congregants holding a false assurance of their own salvation. Given these findings, how are we to share a saving faith that we don’t already first possess? Tragically, the Lord Jesus confirms that many “religious” people will only come to terms with their presumption of meriting heaven after hearing the statement, “depart from me, I never knew you” (Matt. 7:21-23).

The 18th century preacher, Jonathan Edwards faced a similar quandary, when attempting to discern the extent of genuine “saving operations” during seeming widespread revival. Although heightened emotional experiences were common, many were void of evidences to validate conversion. Edwards drew a distinction between “saving” versus “common” operations of the Holy Spirit, with saving operations producing salvation, and the latter resulting in sobering influences that fell short of “inward saving renewal.” He acknowledged the supreme proof of a true conversion was the presence of “holy affections” in the life of the believer.

Fortunately, professing Christians (and those we seek to lead to a saving knowledge of Christ), can know with certainty whether the Holy Spirit has performed a saving operation in their life. Dr. John MacArthur suggests that many proofs are contained in Scripture (e.g. 1 John) for assurance. Just a few are as follows:

1. Has there been a time when you’ve trusted Christ for your salvation (Rom 10:9-10)? Either devoted as a child, or broken as an adult (Isa 57:15), did you receive the gift? (Jn 1:12)

2. Have you enjoyed fellowship with Christ and the Father (1Jn 1:2-3)? A relationship with God is basic to salvation (1Cor 1:9). The experience of Christ living through us (Gal 2:20) is fundamental.

3. Are you sensitive to sin (1Jn 1:5-10)? Light and darkness do not peacefully co-exist (Rom 7:14-25). Christians are faithful to confess known sin (1Jn 1:9).

4. Do you obey God’s Word (1Jn 2:3)? This is motivated by a desire based on gratitude (not obligation), with a pattern of obedience (not perfection). In short, we “walk the talk” (1Jn 2:6).

5. Do you reject the evil of this world (1 Jn 2:15)? The world’s system is under the domination of God’s enemies (1 Jn 5:19). We’re to be in the world, but not of the world (Jn 17:14-16).

6. Do you eagerly await Christ’s return (1 Jn 3:2-3)? Upon Christ’s return, we will be transformed (Phil 3:20-21). It’s the hope of Christ-likeness that compels us to purity (2Ti 2:11-13).

7. Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life (1Jn 3:4-10)? Unbroken patterns of sin are characteristic of the unregenerate. Servants of the Lord are no longer slaves to sin (Rom 6:14, 17-18).

8. Do you love other Christians (1Jn 3:10)? It’s a natural Christian distinctive (1Th 4:9; Jn 13:35). Love expresses itself by meeting needs (Gal 6:10).

9. Do you experience answered prayer (1Jn 3:22)? God answers believer’s prayers (1Jn 5:13-15). God doesn’t necessarily respond to those out of fellowship with Him (Ps 66:18).

10. Do you experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1Jn 4:13)? By the Holy Spirit we confess Jesus as Savior (1Jn 4:14). The Holy Spirit is our resident Truth Teacher (1Jn 2:27), eliciting our fellowship (Gal 4:6) and praise (Eph 5:19), while we yield to the fruit of His Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

11. Can you discern between spiritual truth and error (1Jn 4:1-3)? False religions deny who Jesus is and what he accomplished (Rom 4:25), failing to confess of the divine Lord (1Jn 4:2-3; 5:1), or commit to the divine Word (1Jn 4:5-6).

12. Have you suffered rejection because of your faith (1Jn 3:13)? While there is no virtue in being obnoxious, Christians may suffer for being righteous (1Pet 2:19-23), which acts as a rebuke (1Pet 4:4).

Men and women of God who have a settled assurance that they belong to Him, will most certainly energize America’s next “Great Awakening” through the bold proclamation of the Gospel. As such, the Spirit of God invites each of us to find our rest in His security (Rom 8:16)—the blessed assurance for our souls.

Roy Tanner