ASSURANCE OF SALVATION
II Corinthians 5:17
By: Pastor Cecil Lovelace
Introduction: Are you saved and sure? There are many things we need to know about the Christian life:
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." I know I am a child of God this morning, not by my feelings, but because the Word of God tells me so.
(1) We need to know about God and our relationship with Him. These things are of vital importance.
(2) We need to know about Christ and His Church.
(3) We need to know about the Holy Spirit.
(4) We need to know about our responsibilities to our church.
But I believe one of the most important things we can every learn in the Christ life is to have a genuine assurance of your salvation. TO BE SAVED AND SURE OF IT!
If you’re not sure, it matters not if you know all the doctrine and the theories of scripture. It matters not if you are able to speak intelligently about all the religious issues and use all the theological jargon! You will never be effective in your service to God until you are sure you’re saved!
I believe there are many people who have doubts about their salvation. There may be some here today. Jesus said, "...not everyone that calls me Lord Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven." He said, "Search the scriptures, for in them ye think you have eternal life."
IS YOUR HEART FILLED WITH ASSURANCE ..... or IS IT FILLED WITH DOUBT?
First, lets look at:
I. THE BURDEN OF DOUBT.
There is no burden greater for a Christian to bear than that of a heart full of doubt... concerning your salvation. It’s confusing, it’s nerve racking, to go about your work for Christ day by day and yet not be sure of your salvation. Think for a moment about:
A. The cause of doubt. What could cause a child of God who has truly been born again to have doubts? It does happen! I believe there are two main reasons for a doubting child of God.
(1) Neglecting the scripture. Probably the most common cause. Paul said in Romans 10:17 "...faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God."
All we know about God, the Christian life, heaven, hell, Jesus, and the devil comes from the Word! That’s why it is so vitally important to stay in it all we can.
(2) Trusting feelings: I mentioned this last Wednesday in our study of the Holy Spirit. Trusting our feelings is another common cause of doubt. Feelings are great, but not necessary! That’s a by-product of your salvation experience.
B. The curse of doubt.
To be filled with doubt concerning your salvation is to have a curse upon your life!
(1) You have a fear of death! Here in these verses Paul had no fear of anything! Many are afraid of death.
(2) You have no joy. You can’t have joy and doubt!
(3) You have no real hope. V-6 Paul said, "we are always confident that when we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord!" No fear! Because when we are one day going to be "..absent from the body and present with the Lord."
(4) You have no motivation to serve God! Your doubt will rob you of that motivation.
(5) You are ineffective when you DO try to go on and serve the Lord. No assurance, no joy, no peace, no motivation, no effectiveness.
C. Notice the cure of doubt.
I believe you can rid yourself of doubt by two things:
(1) Know the source of salvation: Christ! V-21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." You can’t acquire it... you can’t hold on to it; it all depends on him and him alone!
(2) Know the source of your strength. V-7;17"For we walk by faith and not by sight.."
So we see the burden of doubt and how to get rid of it. Now let’s look at:
II. THE BLESSING OF ASSURANCE.
One of the greatest joys you’ll ever know is to have a genuine assurance of your salvation. That’s evident here in this chapter in Paul’s life.
A. He did not fear death. V-8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
Paul lost sleep over souls, but not his!
B. He had a longing for heaven. V-2 "For in this (earthly house) we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven." Paul always felt like a stranger and a pilgrim just passing through.
C. He had assurance of a home. V-8 (to be absent from the body and present with the Lord)
D. He could see the evidence of a new birth. V-17
E. He was busy serving God. V-20 "an ambassador"
F. He was happy serving God. Gave his life. II Tim. Ready to be offered.
( In prison he could write to Philippi and say, "rejoice, and again I say rejoice."
CONCLUSION
I’ve tried to share two things with you:
(1) The burden of doubt:
(2) The blessings of assurance. Don’t leave here without it.
