Many texts in the Word of God assure believers that eternal life is their permanent possession. For example, in Ecclesiastes 3:14 and Philippians 1:6 we read that God never starts anything He does not intend to finish. John said in his first epistle (1:7) that once we are Christians, the blood of Christ keeps on cleansing us from all sin. Paul taught in Ephesians 1:13-14 that the child of God is sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. In addition, the Bible gives us a practical test to prove that we belong to God. The apostle John said that we know we have passed from death to life if we “love the brethren.”
An aged woman who had accepted Christ was plagued with doubts about her eternal destiny. So my father and another elder went to counsel with her. After quoting several texts on assurance, my dad said, “Grandma, if you saw one group of people drinking, cursing, and singing worldly songs, and right next door a gathering of joyful believers were singing gospel hymns and testifying of God’s saving grace, which company would attract you?” Without hesitation she replied, “Oh, I’d only feel at home with the saints of God.” Then he showed her our text for today. As she read it, a smile lit her face. By passing this “assurance test” she finally found peace.
Do you have a deep longing to be with those who know the Lord? That’s a strong and comforting indication that you belong to the family of God! – Henry G. Bosch
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. – Crosby
If you LONG to be with Christians, you BELONG to Christ.
- June 21, 1986, Our Daily Bread
For You 