The Gospel (Lesson 13)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
–1 John 5:13
The gospel is a promise of assurance.
Assurance refers to the confidence we have in our salvation. It's the knowledge that we have been saved–that we have eternal life with God, and he will never let us go.
It's like a father carrying a dearly loved child across a bridge. The child is secure, not because of how tightly they are able to hold onto their father but because of how tightly the father holds them.
That is what assurance is like for followers of Jesus.
1 John 5:13 says,
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
The same apostle John who wrote that knew it was true because of what he heard Jesus say in John 10:27-28,
"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand."
This verse teaches us that assurance is for those who have trusted that Jesus has indeed laid his life down for his sheep, securing their forgiveness and reconciliation with God as Father forever.
Assurance is not something we earn. It's a gift from God based on the finished work of Jesus on a cross, which was confirmed by his resurrection from the dead.
Assurance brings peace and comfort to our hearts. It helps us to trust in God's promises and rely on His faithfulness.
It's important to note that assurance is not the same as perfection. We will still struggle with sin and temptations in this life, but the assurance of salvation reminds us that our salvation is not based on our own efforts, but on the finished work of Jesus.
In addition, assurance doesn't mean that we will never have doubts or questions. In fact, when we have doubts or questions, we can turn to God, remember his grace, and deepen our assurance of salvation.
Because the gospel is a promise of assurance.
Discussion Questions
What does the word assurance mean?
How does Jesus' death on the cross give us assurance of salvation?
Why is assurance important for followers of Jesus?
What is the difference between assurance and perfection?
Can we ever have doubts about our faith and still have assurance?
How does the cross bring the kind of assurance that leads to peace and comfort in our hearts?
A Suggested Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the assurance of our salvation. Help us to continually look to Jesus and not to ourselves for assurance. To this end, may we always live in view of the cross.
We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.