Are You Sure?
The words of the title of this week’s article are often uttered when one receives news or a message that seems unbelievable. If the message or news seems too good to be true, or when it is accusatory, the one being told the news is often dubious. They want to make sure that any information being passed on is true and reliable.
One thing is certain, and these are God’s Promises which are found in His Word. 2Timothy 2:19 affirms this. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. This inspired assurance was given by the Spirit, directly to Paul, who “penned” it for Timothy and now we have it recorded that we might also have hope.
In Hebrews 6:19, the Christian Israelites to whom this letter was written, were to be encouraged while the seeds of doubt were being sown by the Judaizing teachers of their day. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; This was speaking of Jesus, the Christ, the Savior of mankind.
However, some need to be reminded that each Christian has the great responsibility to remain obedient to the commitment they made to God. The Spirit had Peter, in 2Peter 1:10, state that each Christian must strive to set aside doubts, make sure they have been saved, and make sure they remain saved. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Ask pretty much any religious person if they are saved, and you’ll likely get one of two answers. Some will immediately affirm that they are saved and others will state “I hope so!” Ask both of these groups on what they base their response, and you’ll receive a plethora of answers, many of which are based on “feelings” and tradition, and not on the New Testament.
When one relies on feelings, emotions, or any such thing, there is a level of uncertainty. We all know that feelings change and emotions also can change and are therefore unreliable. Many state they are “certain” when choosing a mate, yet some the very ones who petition the court for divorce on the basis of “irreconcilable differences”. When one depends upon their feelings for religious matters, how can they be sure those “feelings” won’t change?
Again, the only reliable source for the Salvation of a soul is Christ. We are told this in Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Any who seek Salvation any other way are, per the Words of the Lord Himself in John 10:1 “thieves and robbers”. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Additionally, 1Peter 3:15 tells us a true Christian must be ready and able to show folks from God’s Word why they have hope in Christ. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Sometime in the late ‘60’s, my wife’s dad wrote a song entitled: We Are Christians. I have included part of the words of that song below.
We are Christians and there is just one reason.
It is because we have obeyed God’s Word.
No more or less, can guarantee finesse,
When the final verdict has been heard.
No need to wonder about that home up yonder,
Unless you’re sure you’re on the narrow way.
So open up God’s Book and do more than take a look.
Be sure that you are saved today.
Do not delay, this is the day to make things right with God.
Believe in Christ, repent of sins, forsake the way you’ve trod.
And with the mouth confess the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord.
And be baptized, remit your sins according to His Word.
He’ll make you whole, and save your soul, and you can sing this song.
We are Christians and there is just one reason.
It is because we have obeyed God’s Word.
No more or less, can guarantee finesse,
When the final verdict has been heard.
No need to wonder about that home up yonder,
Unless you’re sure you’re on the narrow way.
So open up God’s Book and do more than take a look.
Be sure that you are saved today.
O.D. Wilson - deceased
In the Words of Acts 22:16, And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Let us help you be sure you have obeyed God’s Word and that you have the hope of salvation.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
