> In the Christian walk, assurance is the bedrock that stabilizes our faith, enabling us to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence in God’s promises. Assurance is not merely a hopeful desire but a confident expectation in the faithfulness of God, grounded in His Word and character. This devotional delves into the role of assurance in fortifying our faith, exploring how it empowers us to live boldly for Christ and endure life’s trials with unwavering trust in God.
The Biblical Basis for Assurance
Scripture provides a solid foundation for our assurance, offering countless promises and truths that affirm God’s faithfulness and our secure position in Christ.
- 1 John 5:13: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” John emphasizes that assurance of eternal life is not a mystery but a certainty that believers can know and rest in.
- Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Paul’s declaration underscores the unbreakable bond between the believer and the love of God, offering profound assurance of God’s unwavering commitment to us.
- Hebrews 10:22: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, washing our hearts clean from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” This verse highlights that assurance comes with a sincere faith, enabling us to confidently approach God, cleansed and free from guilt.
Insights from Christian Leaders
Charles Spurgeon, reflecting on the believer’s assurance, stated, “The way to full assurance is not to reach it by a single bound, but to take the steps of repentance, faith, obedience, conflict, and prayer, and thus gradually to mount to the top of the ladder.” Spurgeon points out that assurance often grows over time, deepened through our experiences and relationship with God.
A.W. Tozer, in “The Knowledge of the Holy,” remarked, “To the child of God, there is no such thing as an accident. He travels an appointed way… Accidents may indeed appear to befall him and misfortune stalk his way; but these evils will be so in appearance only and will seem evils only because we cannot read the secret script of God’s hidden providence.” Tozer’s insight into God’s sovereignty offers believers assurance that our lives are under God’s control, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
“To the child of God, there is no such thing as an accident. He travels an appointed way… Accidents may indeed appear to befall him and misfortune stalk his way; but these evils will be so in appearance only and will seem evils only because we cannot read the secret script of God’s hidden providence.”
A.W. Tozer
Reflective Questioning:
- How does the assurance of your faith in Christ impact your daily life and decisions? Are there areas where you struggle to trust in God’s promises?
- Reflect on a time when you experienced the deepening of your assurance in God. What circumstances or truths led to this strengthened assurance?
- How can you cultivate a more robust assurance in God’s promises and character? Consider practices such as Scripture memorization, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
Closing
As we journey forward in our faith, may we be grounded in the assurance that comes from knowing Christ and His promises. Let this assurance be the lens through which we view our trials, the courage that empowers us to live boldly for the Kingdom, and the anchor that holds us firm in life’s storms.
“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NASB). May our hearts be steadfast, anchored in the assurance of His love and faithfulness. In moments of doubt or fear, may we cling to the truths of Scripture, finding in them the assurance that empowers us to say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6, NIV). Amen.
Share your insights about the role of assurance in strengthening your faith.
What have you learned about the importance of having assurance of your salvation? How will you use what you have learned to further grow in your faith? Leave a reply below.
