I think Jared Wilson is my kindred spirit as I open the gift on day 22 of Gifts of Grace. For most of my life, I believed I had to strive to be good enough, while, in reality, constantly falling short. The fear was instilled in me that I could not go to the movies, watch certain television shows or even belong to certain Christian clubs at school. I believed I had to constantly strive for perfection to earn the love of God and those around me. Of course, I was not perfect, which meant I felt like a perpetual failure, and ultimately, unlovable.
That was until I finally understood the gospel.
It wasn’t until I understood that I was a wretched sinner who can never be perfect but that Jesus Christ had paid the perfect price for my sins, reconciling me with God for all time. The work was finished. But wait, there’s more! Because I am his I will be with Jesus forever. No more striving, no more wishing and hoping. No more falling short of perfection and praying that he will make up the shortfall of my imperfections. I have assurance that I will be with Christ for all eternity.
This gift changed my whole life.
Chronic anxiety was my friend throughout my life until God showed me, through his word, that my security was not connected to my actions and decisions, but rather based solely on the perfect work of my perfect Saviour.
In today’s devotion, Jared Wilson helps each of us answer the important question of our hearts: Am I his?
Here are the three questions he uses to help you and me determine if we belong to Jesus.
1. Do you find your satisfaction in the eternal more than the earthly?
Where do you place your hope? Is it in the earthly pleasures like the most wonderful Christmas ever or is it in the fact that you have been saved from sin and death? How often do you ponder the state of your soul? We’re not called to be holier-than-thou with Bibles under our arms but we should examine our hearts to see where we find our salvation. In earthly things or eternal things.
2. Do you hate sin more than its consequences?
Everybody hates to be caught in sin. No one wants to pay a fine or be arrested and thrown in jail. But a child of God who has received a new heart hates sin itself. Ask yourself – does your sin grieve you even if you are never caught? If no one ever found out what thoughts you were thinking or the stationary you took from the office, would it still hurt? We will all still sin this side of heaven. Even though we have been saved we have to die to ourselves daily. Unbelievers don’t care about their sin but Christians are bothered by their sins daily.
3. Do you want Jesus more than heaven?
Do you just want an easy life free from pain and taxes? Everyone longs for their version of heaven but Jared Wilson asks “If Jesus isn’t there, is it still heaven?” Sometimes when I am reminded of seeing the face of Jesus and feeling his embrace the emotions overwhelm me. Put yourself in that moment: You finally meet your Saviour face-to-face- the one who knew your name when he breathed his last breath on the cross. The Priest who is interceding on your behalf at the throne of God. The One who knows all your heartaches, pain and sin struggles will embrace you and welcome you into His Kingdom.
Do you want Christ more than Christmas? Is their space for Christ in your festive holiday plans or is he the centre of your Advent season?
“Look with love at the one who has looked with love at you. Do you want him? Then you can know that he wants you. We can know that we have eternal life when we keep looking at Jesus” – Jared Wilson.
One of my favourite verses that prove Jesus said his disciples will be with him forever is John 10:28.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:28
Here is another great podcast episode from Simply Truth explaining the doctrine of Assurance:
In this episode, Barry Cooper reminds us that if we are saved we will show evidence of this salvation. We become partakers of the divine nature as illustrated in 2 Peter 1.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-11
These qualities do not earn us a place in heaven but show that we do have a place in heaven. A sinner redeemed by the blood of Christ will show the fruit of their redemption. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
Have you ever struggled with the assurance of your salvation?
Let me know in the comments or click the button below to start a conversation with Nettie’s Book Club.