Assurance of Salvation.
Title: Assurance of Salvation
Text: 1 John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
Introduction:
- Explain the context of the passage and the purpose of John's letter.
- Highlight the importance of assurance of salvation and the peace it brings to believers.
I. The Basis of Assurance
- Discuss the foundation of our salvation, which is faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
- Explain that our assurance is not based on our own works or merit but on the finished work of Christ on the cross.
- Use relevant scripture passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 5:1-2 to support these points.
II. The Benefits of Assurance
- Highlight the benefits of having assurance of salvation, such as peace, joy, and boldness in prayer.
- Explain that assurance also enables us to persevere in our faith and resist the attacks of the enemy.
- Use relevant scripture passages such as Philippians 4:7 and Hebrews 4:16 to support these points.
III. The Test of Assurance
- Acknowledge that doubts and struggles with assurance are common among believers.
- Explain that the test of our assurance is not our feelings or circumstances, but the truth of God's Word.
- Encourage believers to examine their lives in light of scripture, to seek counsel from mature believers, and to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in growing in assurance.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points of the message and emphasize the importance of assurance of salvation.
- Encourage believers to continue to grow in their faith and to hold fast to the truth of God's Word.
- Close with a prayer of thanksgiving for the assurance of salvation that we have in Jesus Christ.
Certainly! Here is a sermon based on 1 John 5:13:
Title: Assurance of Salvation
Text: 1 John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
Introduction:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to reflect on the assurance of our salvation. As believers, we know that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But have you ever struggled with doubts about your salvation? Have you ever wondered if you are truly saved or if you have done enough to earn God's favor? The Apostle John writes in his letter that we may know that we have eternal life. Let us examine his words today and find comfort and assurance in the truth of God's Word.
I. The Basis of Assurance
Our assurance of salvation is based on our faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. We cannot earn our salvation through our own works or merit, but it is a gift of grace from God. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Our assurance is not based on what we do, but on what Christ has already done for us on the cross.
II. The Benefits of Assurance
When we have assurance of salvation, we experience peace, joy, and boldness in prayer. In Philippians 4:7, Paul writes, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." When we know that we are saved, we can rest in the knowledge that we are secure in Christ. We can also approach God with confidence and boldness, knowing that we are His children and that He hears our prayers. As Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
III. The Test of Assurance
Although we may experience doubts and struggles with assurance, we can test our assurance against the truth of God's Word. We must examine our lives in light of scripture, seek counsel from mature believers, and pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in growing in assurance. We must also remember that our assurance is not based on our feelings or circumstances, but on the truth of God's Word. As Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Conclusion:
Dear brothers and sisters, let us take comfort in the knowledge that we can know that we have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us hold fast to the truth of God's Word, and test our assurance against it. As we grow in our assurance, let us also continue to grow in our faith, and persevere in our walk with Christ. May we always remember that our salvation is not based on what we do, but on what Christ has already done for us on the cross. Let us close with a prayer of thanksgiving for the assurance of salvation that we have in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Certainly! Here's an extended version of the sermon with a deeper exploration of the topic, suitable for a 20-minute sermon in a Reformed, Evangelical Free Church:
Title: Assurance of Salvation
Text: 1 John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
Introduction:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather in the presence of our gracious God to delve into the depths of our assurance of salvation. As members of a Reformed, Evangelical Free Church, we hold dear the truths of God's Word and the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. Yet, even among the most steadfast believers, doubts and questions about our standing before God can arise. Today, let us turn to the inspired words of the Apostle John in his first epistle as we seek to strengthen our assurance and deepen our understanding of our eternal security in Christ.
I. The Basis of Assurance
Our assurance of salvation rests not on our own works or efforts but on the unchanging character and redemptive work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Salvation is not a transaction we complete or a reward we earn; it is a gift freely bestowed upon us through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Our assurance comes from placing our trust in Jesus, the Son of God, who bore our sins and secured our eternal redemption.
II. The Benefits of Assurance
When we have a firm foundation of assurance, we experience a multitude of transformative benefits in our lives. Assurance brings us peace, a deep sense of reconciliation with God, and freedom from the fear of eternal separation. Romans 5:1-2 affirms, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God." As believers, we can rest assured in the reconciliation that Christ has achieved for us, leading to a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Furthermore, assurance fills our hearts with an abiding joy. When we know that we have been adopted into God's family and that nothing can separate us from His love, our spirits are lifted, and our joy overflows. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Assurance also grants us boldness in our relationship with God through prayer. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." When we are assured of our standing in Christ, we approach the throne of grace without hesitation, knowing that our heavenly Father welcomes us as His beloved children and that He delights in answering our prayers according to His perfect will.
III. The Test of Assurance
While assurance of salvation is a precious gift from God, we may still grapple with doubts and uncertainties at times. The enemy seeks to undermine our assurance by planting seeds of doubt and guilt in our minds. However, we can test the authenticity of our assurance by examining our lives in light of God's Word. As James 2:17 reminds us, "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." True assurance is evidenced by a transformed life that seeks to honor and obey God's commands, growing in holiness and bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
Moreover, seeking counsel from mature believers can aid us in our journey of assurance. Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety." Fellow believers can provide wisdom, encouragement, and accountability as we navigate the challenges and doubts that may arise.
Finally, we must continually rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance as we grow in our assurance. It is the Spirit who assures our hearts of our identity as children of God. Romans 8:16 assures us, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." We should diligently pray for the Holy Spirit's illumination, seeking His conviction, comfort, and guidance as we pursue a deepening assurance of our salvation.
Conclusion:
Dear brothers and sisters, let us take to heart the words of the Apostle John as he wrote, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." Our assurance of salvation is not a mere wish or an empty hope but a confident certainty grounded in the unchanging character and finished work of Christ. May we rest securely in the truth that our salvation does not depend on our own merit but on the abundant grace and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As we grow in our assurance, let us also deepen our faith, continuing to seek God's face, obey His Word, and bear witness to the glorious truth of our salvation in Christ. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the assurance of salvation that we have in Jesus Christ, now and for all eternity. Amen.