The Assurance of Certainty

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you,.. that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught…

“The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,.. and of his kingdom there will be no end…

“’The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.'” Luke 1:1-4,30-33,35

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life.., so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ…

“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God…

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit…

“ I write these things to you who believe.., that you may know that you have eternal life…. We know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 1:1-3; 4:2-3,13; 5:13,19-20

The Holy Spirit inspired the minds and pens of every scripture writer. They knew they were recording God’s truth to be proclaimed, and that it was the living word that would convince of its own verity and power. The Lord revealed Himself so people could be sure He is who He says He is and that He loves and saves like none other. (John 14:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)

The Holy Spirit confirms with our spirit what is true. Am I sure that Christ died for me so I could live, that He paid the penalty for my sin so I never need carry its burden of guilt and shame again? Am I convinced of my eternal standing, owning not just a wish but certain hope of eternal salvation? If I’m not, what doubts hold me back? Any trust in self over the finished work of Christ, or in popular worldly mantras over the word of Christ, breeds uncertainty and insecurity. (Romans 8:16)

Who in my sphere of influence needs assurance in life and death? How is the Lord inspiring me to speak His truth to them, and when will I? How diligently am I praying for them, and taking opportunities He gives? The more we’re established in faith, the more motivated we are to make Christ known.

Father, keep me steadfast, sure, and eagerly assuring others.