BEST GIFT: ASSURANCE
Colossians 3:16-17
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
“Let’s talk some more” Greg said at recess from 4th grade. He threw the baseball to Miguel, asking, “How do we KNOW FOR SURE that we’re going to heaven?”
Miguel caught the ball, and stopped. “That’s heavy, Greg….For one thing, the Holy Spirit is the deposit that seals us for eternal life” (Ephesians 4:30). Throwing back the ball, he said, “Don’t let anyone steal your joy by criticizing your belief, or how you live. We’re different from the other guys.”
“How so?” Greg caught the ball, throwing it back.
“You and I are brothers in Christ” (2Corinthians 5:17). Miguel grounded the ball to Greg. “Our adoption into God’s family is a sure thing. Nothing we do risks losing that.”
Greg fielded the grounder. “Wow, that’s so cool!” He threw the ball back to Miguel. “I don’t make as many mistakes as I used to, but I’m sure to mess up again. What happens then?”
Giggling, Miguel caught the ball. “Just tell God that you’re sorry. He’ll forgive you, and you’ll be tight with Him again” (1John 1:9).
Most saved people question their salvation at some point. Frustration brings doubt about important issues. Here’re three tools that measure salvation, below. Answer “Yes” to them, and your salvation is certain, no question….Ready?
1. Do you trust Scripture? Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Either people believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid for sins, or they don’t. (John 3:16).
2. Do you believe in the presence of the Holy Spirit? Whoever believes in Jesus receives the indwelling power of One Who is greater than the world (1John 4:4). He identifies us as God’s kids (Romans 8:16).
3. Do you live like Jesus’ disciple? Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2Coringhitans 5:17). Transformation means changes to life’s old ways. Our new nature serves the Lord.
Your innermost desires reflect whom you serve. I agree with Greg when he said in God is Good, God is Great devotion, “The worst thing is to not believe in Jesus.”
Take Home Nugget
Of course believers still sin. No matter how crooked our walk, the Holy Spirit isn’t shy to convict us of sin. His tug of guilt over sin is the final test of assurance that we’re secure in God’s grip.
I don’t care what others say,
My walk is Jesus’ way.
Although I occasionally still sin,
I know in the end who’ll win.
J.D. Griffith
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Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
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