Many thoughtful, intelligent people claim that doubt is intrinsic to faith, that anyone who isn’t doubting is either asleep or kidding themselves. Yet perhaps you’ve met people who claim to know God for sure … and perhaps they are just shallow, religious quacks living in a make-believe world.
But the question of eternity remains: When we step beyond the edge of this earthly life … and we all will … is it possible to be absolutely sure that we know God, and that we are safe in Him? If so, how, and what practical help can we offer others who are seeking?
God says, “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2Pe 1:10-11) If God encourages us to ensure our election in Him, then this is both possible and extremely important. We’re all going to fall into the abyss of death some day … Isn’t God saying we should ensure we have a parachute … one that works?
How confident are you about eternity? Do you believe? Do you know that you have eternal life? (1Jn 5:13) Are you resting in the fact that God has already made you suitable to partake of the eternal inheritance of the saints in light? (Col 1:12) Has He delivered you from the power of darkness? Has He already translated you into His kingdom? (Col 1:13) Are you redeemed through His blood, having all of your sins forgiven? (Col 1:14) Are you ready to face the indignation of the Lord, knowing He will plead your cause and justify you for the sake of His beloved Son?
If there is any way you could be more sure, you are not yet sure enough: seek Him. You will face Him, alone. There’s time now to get your parachute in order so that when that last day comes … you’ll be ready.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Php 2:12)
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it … Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (He 4:1,2,11)
A subsequent blog post, Stony Ground, explores this topic a little more.
Thinking God approves of us because He hears our prayers and takes care of us is evidently a mistake. This mentality fancies God to be like our own depraved selves: God loves His enemies as well as His friends.
Here is a debate on asking Christ to come into your heart.