Assurance leads to security. When you absolutely know something you act in confidence. When you know your car's going to start, you don't a have second thought, you just jump in and go. When you now that your job is there, you work with assurance and confidence. When you know that your spouse or significant other loves you, you enjoy life and your relationship. It's when those things aren't so sure in your mind that the worry, fear, tension, suspicion, doubt, trepidation, and anxiety creeps into your mind and life.
It's amazing to me the people that go through life without the assurance of eternal life in Christ. Many so called "believers" are unsure of their salvation. While many non-Christians hope that their good works are enough to earn God's pleasure, but they're never really sure. Both are locked into the idea of proving themselves to God one way or the other.
How do I know if I have eternal life in heaven with God? John tries to give us that assurance. It starts with a personal relationship with God through Christ. It's not about joining some church or church membership. It's about accepting God's free gift of salvation through His son Jesus. That comes from believing and trusting in God; your confession or admission that you're not perfect and you need His forgiveness.
John also emphasizes how important it is to allow God's Spirit to work in you and through you. The best demonstration of that is the practical application of God's love to others. If we don't love like God, then we're simply not allowing God's Spirit to work. And if we refuse to allow God's Spirit to work, then John says that we don't belong to God or His family.
How do I know if I have eternal life? If I believe in Christ, have chosen to surrender my life to Him and allow God's Spirit to flow freely in my life. In other words, what's really going on in my heart? If I've truly allowed God to have my heart, it will be apparent in my behavior and prayers. My prayers will be about things of the Kingdom of God, things that are on God's heart.
God, I believe in you and your promises. You've shaped my heart with a passion for things of the Kingdom. Help me to be constantly aware of your Spirit. Help me to reflect and demonstrate your love and grace to others around me. Thanks for the assurance of eternal life in you.
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