Have you ever been absolutely convinced of something and yet it turn out not to be true? Unfortunately there is so much information we encounter each day that is not factual. The news networks can no longer be trusted to present the truth. And this comes from both sides of the political aisle.
It has been said we should only believe what we see with our own eyes. Unfortunately, this is true only if we see it in real time because photos and film can be manipulated to produce a false image.
The Apostle John did not live in the 21st Century when he said, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled…” It is interesting to note the senses involved in 1 John 1:1. The three senses of hearing, seeing, and touching are all noted.
So, are you sure? How certain can you be about anything?
What about this question: Are you going to heaven? Are you sure? How would you answer this question? Most people I know would say, “I hope so.”
Actually the Scriptures tell us we can be more certain than that.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of GOD, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of GOD. 1 John 5:13
That you may know! John says it is possible to know we have eternal life. How can we know? How can we be sure? John says our confidence and assurance of our eternal destination is rooted in what is written in the pages of the Bible.
It is here we read passages such as:
Eph 2:8 – For by grace you have been saved through faith…
Rom 5:8 – But GOD demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of GOD to salvation…
Is there anything I need to do? Sure there is. But I want to recognize first and foremost that it is by the grace of GOD that I have the opportunity to go to heaven. Only then do my actions come into the discussion.
My obedience to the gospel is a part of my salvation. Romans 6:17 reads, But GOD be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
So why is it so hard for us to answer the question of the certainty of our salvation in the affirmative? Is it because we don’t fully understand the role Jesus plays?
We are saved by the blood of Christ. And that process is continual if we remain faithful. In the following passage many of the verbs including walk and cleanses, are in the present tense, meaning they are continual.
But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9
Are you going to heaven? Are you sure? It is easier to answer this question when we remember verse 9 of this passage. Our salvation depends on His faithfulness. Please note, if we confess our sins, HE IS FAITHFUL. My salvation depends on my walking in the light; it depends on my confessing my sins. But ultimately, it depends on His faithfulness. And on that I can be sure.