I John I
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. (1 John 5:13 ESV)
Confidence
Not many things give us real confidence. When our Senator promises something, we might hope it is true, but we do not KNOW. When the meteorologist predicts something, we might have some reason to dress accordingly, but we do not KNOW. When the internet declares something we might… well…. ok… bad example. Most of us doubt the internet.
But when God says He has done something… we can KNOW it is true.
How can Christians know we are saved? Where can we have confidence in our eternal life? Can we have ANY confidence in our salvation?
If our salvation depends on what WE do… the answer is no. We always have reason to fear.
If our salvation depends on OUR character or decisions… the answer is no. We always have reason to be unsure.
If our salvation depends on OUR qualifications.. the answer is no. We would not know our future at all.
But salvation comes from the Grace, Mercy, and Love of the One True Living God.
The One who has declared the entrance requirement for heaven. That entrance requirement is not a favorable good deed balance. That entrance requirement is not a scorecard kept at the gate of heaven. The entrance requirement is not our feelings, our expectations, or our tradition.
The entrance requirement is belief in God’s Son. He who obeyed on our behalf, and took the punishment for our sins. It is not up to US.
So we can KNOW we have eternal life.