“Reason’s arm is too short to reach the jewel of assurance.”
–Thomas Brooks
When someone speaks of assurance, generally, what they mean is assurance of salvation. Most Christians have a settled conviction concerning things like: the existence of God, the truth of God’s Word, and the historicity of Christ’s resurrection. For the most part, believers are not in doubt concerning the fundamentals of the faith. So, when does doubt most assail us? What do many believers struggle with? Perhaps, it is in the having and enjoying assurance of salvation. Before we cite particular Scripture passages to support our positions, consider what God the Father’s desire might be for his child. Do fathers set a banquet table for their children and then set it behind glass only to be observed and not to be tasted and enjoyed? Do fathers present gifts to their children and then wrap those gifts so thoroughly as to prevent their being received and delighted in? No. As a matter of fact, most fathers when giving gifts to the youngest and weakest of their children may even sit on the floor and gently assist the child in unwrapping the gift. Let us assume today that every blessing that God has for us he is also willing to assist us, by the Holy Spirit, in unwrapping and enjoying.
The word picture above conjures up a nice image but what does the Bible say? The Scriptures reaffirm time and time again the steadfast love of the Lord for his people and his absolute determination to purify a people for himself. He does not start a work except that he completes it. (Phil. 1:6) Assurance of salvation must begin, not with our own fickleness and failures (for they will be many) but with God’s character, his attributes and the decisive, redemptive action he has taken in Jesus Christ. (Eph. 1:3-7) One of the most cited verses referencing the eternal security of the believer (or preservation of the believer) is found in the gospel of John, “I give them [his sheep] eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28, ESV) It is a powerful verse about the desire and ability of Jesus to save his people. But now let us cite the same verse in its immediate context: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30, ESV) These verses are filled with glorious, mind-bending truth. But one thing is clear, the Triune God is not interested in losing any of his sheep. The Father and Son are completely united in this common purpose—the redemption and preservation of their flock. May the theological truth of eternal security be a foundation upon which your assurance rests. Have a blessed week and we will see you soon.
Your friend and servant in the concerns of your soul,
Pastor Dale
