Assurance of Salvation - David Scott

Listooder welcomed David Scott to begin the new season of meetings. On the topic of assurance, David began by reminding us that our salvation is of the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is in Christ that we can have assurance. Turning to 1 John 5, David pointed out the words of the Apostle John in verse 13 where he indicates that we can know that we have eternal life and that we can believe, with assurance, in the name of the Son of God.

Throughout the larger book of John, the fourth book of the New Testament, we find many great and wonderful promises regarding salvation found in Christ. However, in the epistle of 1 John, the Apostle draws attention to certain behaviours of a Christian that should give any believer the assurance they need of Salvation.

In 1 John 2:1, John draws attention to our sin. Every believer sins. We fail, and in failing we grieve the Spirit. However in the next verse John points us to Christ, for it is in Christ that we have forgiveness for these sins. In turning to Christ for Salvation, we have forgiveness for every sin that we have every committed, or will ever commit. And while a perfect life is not possible, while living on this sin-cursed earth, the sins of a believer are already washed away in the blood of Jesus Christ. Verse 3 goes on to say 'hereby, we doknow that we know Him, if we keep His commandments'. Because of what He has done for us, in forgiving sins that are in the past present or future, we will have a desire not to sin. A desire to serve Him, and to fulfil His will in our lives. If we have that desire, we can have the assurance that we have been given a new life in Christ.

When John speaks about sin in 1 John 3 of this epistle, he appears to be speaking of habitual, unrepentent sin. In verse 8, he says that those who sin in this way are of the devil, whereas those born of God (verse 9) will not commit sin in this way, and in fact cannot commit sin in this way. However, we know that believers do sin. Therefore it is important to know the difference between this habitual, unrepented sin and the daily sins which sadden us, and which we constantly strive not to do. If our sins are habitual, continual and unrepentent then it is an indication that we are not saved. But a hatred of sin, a frustration of sin and a desire to eradicate sin in your life, whether successful or unsuccessful, is a sure sign of the assurance of Salvation in Christ.

In 1 John 3:14, believers can 'know that we have passed from death until life', that we have been saved, 'because we love the brethren'. In other words, we can have assurance of Salvation if we have a love for other Christians. Do we find comfort and joy in the company and fellowship of other saved people, or does the prospect of Christian conversation fill us with fear, dread and discomfort?

Moving in to chapter 4 of 1 John, we learn that a true believer will enjoy hearing the Word of God. As God's Word is taught, preached and discussed, the heart of any true believer will be drawn in. There will be a genuine interest in the things of God. A cold heart, one that has not been warmed by the Salvation of God, will want to turn away from such things. Therefore, as we read in verse 6 of chapter 4, 'he that knoweth God heareth us', he that knows God will hear the word of God, and enjoy it.

Finally, in 1 John 5:4, John clearly states that 'whosoever is born of God overcometh the world'. This is the experience of many believers. The impact of their faith has had a positive influence on the people around them. In your workplace, family or among your unsaved friends, has your life made a benificial impact on the lives of others? If so, you have 'overcome the world', your life has reflected the glory of Christ in your sphere of influence, a further sign of a true and eternal relationship with your Saviour, and assurance of a home in heaven.

But remember, although these are all signs of a true faith in Jesus Christ, the reality, in many ways, is so much simpler than that. The simplicity of the situation is that if have truly trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your only hope and assurance, then you are saved, and praise God you are saved forevermore.

'He that believeth on the son HATH everlasting life...' John 3:36