God wants us to live above doubt and know for sure that we have eternal life. We do not have to stumble through a fog wondering if we are saved, basing salvation upon feelings or behavior. Listen as Dr. Rick Flanders leads us to agree with the Bible and find assurance rooted in the unchanging, everlasting Word of God.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13
Assurance is based upon the Written Word of God
A. Not upon feelings, in the final analysis
B. Not upon fruit, as the deciding factor
C. Upon verses that say, if we do this, we will be saved (Acts 16:31; Rom 10:9-13; John 5:24)
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3:36
Fruit can be Evidence of the New Life, But its Absence is not proof of the Absence of Life
A. “Fruit” means “product.”
- The product of a prophet: his doctrine (Matthew 7:15-20)
- The product of the heart: the words of the mouth (Matthew 12:33-37)
- The product of the womb: a baby (Luke 1:42)
- The product of repentance: change in behavior (Luke 3:8-14)
- The product of a believer: other believers (John 15:1-8)
- The product of the Holy Spirit: Christian virtue (Galatians 5:22-25)
- The product of chastisement: righteousness (Hebrews 12:11)
B. Good fruit can be “proof” (evidence) of Christ is us, but lack of evidence does not prove that Christ is not in us (2 Corinthians 13:1-6).
C. Salvation is the main issue, but it is not the only issue!
Dr. Rick Flanders (@drrickflanders) is a staff evangelist out of First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Michigan and author of Back to Normal (2008). He has been in full time ministry since 1971 and preaches revival meetings around the country.