Blessed Assurance

The one assurance all Christians have that no other can claim is that heaven is awaiting them as their eternal reward. Fanny J. Crosby penned the words to the comforting hymn, “Blessed Assurance.” Contained are the words: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine”. However, the questions we all need to answer are: How do we know Jesus will reward us come the day of judgment, and based on what criteria will this salvation come?

God’s Oath and Promise

Paul said, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day”. 2 Tim 1:12  To the Thessalonians he wrote, “Faithful is he that calls you who will also do it. 2 Thess 5:24 Abraham was fully persuaded that what God had promised, he was able also to perform. Rom 4:21 The Hebrew writer said, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised:” Heb 10:23

Paul wrote Titus with these comforting words, “In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Tit 1:2 Imagine, someone who can’t lie. This means we can trust them for truth. This is our God, and eternal life is his promise. Peter said, God is not slack concerning his promise as some count slackness. 2 Pet 3:9 The Hebrew writer revealed to us to what level God went to let us be assured of his reward for all those who obey him. Not only did God promise eternal life, but he also confirmed it by his oath. That by these two unchangeable things, God’s promise and His oath, we are perfectly assured God will honor all who obey his Word. This hope we have as an anchor of our soul, both sure and steadfast. Heb 6:16-19

What Must We Do To Gain Eternal Life?

Peter said,  Lord, you have the words of eternal life. John 6:68 Jesus said,  Whoever eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, has eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:54 Luke writes that the disciples, who later were called Christians, met upon the first day of the week to take the Lord’s supper. Acts 11:26; Acts 20:7

How does one become a Christian?  Jesus said, “If you continue in my word then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Jn 8:31,32 Jesus sent out his apostles, and commissioned them with these words: “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes, and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not shall be condemned.” Mk 16:15-16

On the day of Pentecost the multitude asked of Peter and the other apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter said, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins.” Acts 2:37-38 These were later added to the Lord’s church by Jesus Christ. Acts 2:47 The same church which Christ built, and paid for with his own blood. Mt 16:18; Acts 20:28 The same church which he is the head of, and on whose foundation it was laid. Eph 1:22,23; Col 1:18; Eph 2:20 The same church which bears his name: The body (the church) of Christ, which we are all baptized into, and are members thereof. Col 1:18,24; 1 Cor 12:13,27

What gospel did all the world hear from the apostles? Col 1:23 Paul said to the Corinthians: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor 15:3-4

This is that same gospel which Paul stated if anyone preaches another, let them be accursed. Gal 1:8,9 This is that same gospel what if we obey not, Jesus Christ shall take vengeance upon us with his mighty angels in flaming fire. 2 Thess 1:7-9 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom 6:23

Conclusion: This we know of an assurance that God promised eternal life to all who obey him, and God keeps his promises. 2 Pet 3:9 Knowing this, we are fully assured that our obedience to God will not be in vain. 1 Cor 9:26 Paul said, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called.” 1 Tim 6:12  John said, “And this is the promise that He has promised us, even eternal life.” 1 John 2:25   “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 Jn 5:11 Jude said, “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

If we are faithful to God, and continue in his Word, then God is faithful to give us eternal life. Paul said, “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:” Rom 2:7 Be faithful until death, and God will give unto us a crown of life. Rev 2:10 This is our Blessed Assurance.