Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 7, 8, 9; 2 Corinthians 13.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your ownselves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? ” – 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV).
No meaningful progress of faith can be made in an atmosphere of doubt and uncertainty. Appreciable growth in Christianity only begins with assurance of salvation. Anyone still in doubt of salvation is tossed to and fro by every wind and unstable in all his ways. One can truly know his state in the Christian faith through self examination. The Christian faith is too important to be based on assumption. You cannot assume that you are alive, you should know. Some people assume that they are saved simply because they go to church or because they are born by Christian parents in a Christian home. Others assume they are Christians simply because they bear Christian names. As good as these points are, they are not basis for assurance of faith.
The Christian faith can be assured by the evidence of the Holy Scriptures. The word of God gives us the basis of assurance that when one sincerely receives Jesus as Lord and saviour, confesses with the mouth the Lord Jesus, the person can be sure that he is saved. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are saved. Changed life is a testimony to the fact that one is saved. It is too costly to assume that you are saved, prove your salvation by the provisions of the word of God and the assurance of the Holy Spirit that bears witness.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for the assurance of faith by the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Vincent Diolu