Assurance

View daily reading plan: 1 John 5.13-15

 John always gave his reasons for writing. The purpose for his Gospel was “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (20.31). The purpose for this Epistle was “that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (5.13). Those who “believe on the name of the Son of God” possess this confident knowledge. Feelings do not provide assurance, but rather what is “written”. The blood of Christ provides salvation, but the Word of God imparts assurance.

Confident that our relationship with Him is right, we have additional “boldness... toward him” (5.14, RV) in the matter of prayer; “boldness” again carries the concept of freedom of speech. The verse presupposes sensitivity in prayer, asking “according to his will”. It is possible to “ask amiss” (James 4.3).
 
Generally, the will of God is discerned from the Word of God, although there are matters of personal circumstance for which there is no Biblical directive. In seeking God’s will it is vital to keep the following principle in mind: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov 3.5-6).

Sunday, 19 May, 2024