“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

The main spiritual blessing found only in Christ is the forgiveness of sins. Some erroneously say one can never lose salvation, while others claim we are immediately lost every time we stumble.

John wrote to the disciples so we may know that we have eternal life. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1John 5:17). The written words of the New Testament give us this assurance. Let us consider a few simple questions that help us know where we stand.

Have we Heard and Obeyed the Gospel (2Thess 1:8)? (see the here for a simple outline of God’s plan of salvation). Assurance begins with a clear and obedient response to the gospel of Christ. The New Testament presents a consistent pattern for entering into Christ and remaining in Him. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). If we have obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins.

What happens we do when we stumble? John acknowledged that we all sin at times, yet he pointed us to the remedy. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1; see also 1:7–2:2). John’s first letter distinguishes between the person who lives in habitual sin and the one who stumbles but turns back to the Lord.

Are we Knowingly, Willingly, and Habitually Violating the Doctrine of Christ Without Repentance? Assurance is not for those who deliberately and persistently reject the teaching of Christ while claiming faith. The New Testament issues solemn warnings; “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:26-27). Even in such a condition, repentance remains possible, as the example of Simon in Acts 8:18-24 shows.

Finally, are we practicing self-examination daily? True assurance involves honest, ongoing self-examination in light of Scripture, preparing us for the final judgment. “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

John was telling the truth when he said that that through these things “ye may know that ye have eternal life.” There are many things we do not know, but through faith which comes from reading, studying, and obeying God’s word, we can know the truth and be set free.

Agape

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