While false assurance abounds, there is full assurance in Christ. The apostle John wrote, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 Jn. 5:13). What is the source of Christian assurance? In part, it is the result of knowing and following the instructions God has provided in His inspired word.
Such is a far cry from the pseudo-confidence espoused by so many in the religious world today. Confidence is not the result of some better-felt-than-told experience. Nor is it based on the approval of men. It is based on the timeless word of God. Peter writes, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Pet. 1:22-23). When God’s word is the source of spiritual rebirth, confidence is produced. Jesus promises, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Mt. 24:35).
Assurance based on subjective feelings is faulty to the core. Feelings come and go, changing like the weather. Instead, we must build our hope on the solid rock of God’s revealed truth. Ultimately, confidence comes from being in Christ. Paul says “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rm. 8:1). The Bible tells us that a penitent believer comes into Christ when he is united with Him in baptism (Rm. 6:3-4). Then, as we walk in the light of His word, we enjoy continual spiritual cleansing and full assurance of faith (1 Jn. 1:7; Heb. 10:22).
Glen Elliott