So much of life has elements of uncertainty. Yet, you can anticipate what might go wrong and address what you can address. That’s what I seek to do. For example, who knows what health problems might occur? But nowadays, we have so much information on looking after your health – physical, mental and spiritual. And you can equip yourself to address issues with finances, careers and relationships. Despite all that, there are always elements of uncertainty.
My greatest joy is the assurance of being with Jesus for eternity. You do get warnings in the New Testament of falling away or you get examples of people who seemed to be believers, but weren’t genuine – such as Judas.
But if we are willing to trust in Jesus, we can be sure of heaven. There’s so much in the New Testament to assure us of that.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
John 5:24
24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
And the Holy Spirit directly assures us too:
Romans 8:15-16
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Ephesians 1:13-14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
And regularly engaging in prayer and Bible study, and being willing to learn, though we’re far from perfect, helps us to see that we are true disciples. If you said some kind of “sinner’s prayer” and took little interest in Christ after that, you’d probably have grounds for some uncertaintly – but maybe you wouldn’t even bother thinking about the issue.
So this is one huge uncertainty that I have been able to deal with – where I’ll spend eternity.
Here are some songs about assurance. One of my favourites is “Because He Lives”: Last month, I held my first grandchild – nice to see a baby in one of the videos – but it would have been more appropriate to have it in the “Because He Lives” video:
How sweet to hold
A newborn baby,
And feel the pride
And joy he brings;
But greater still
The calm assurance:
This child can face
Uncertain days because He Lives!
Because He lives,
I can face tomorrow!
Because He lives,
All fear is gone.
Because I know
He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
Hibernia Gospel 