BACKGROUND FOR THE BIBLE PASSAGES SESSION 2: ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

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1 BACKGROUND FOR THE BIBLE PASSAGES Life Question: How do I help someone be assured of salvation? Biblical Truth: Christians can be sure of their salvation because of the work of Christ, the affirmation of Scripture, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Focal Passages: Romans 8:15-17; Titus 3:5-7; 1 John 5:11-13 Salvation is referred to in Scripture as the new birth, indicating that it begins at a specific point in time (1 Pet. 1:3). While it has a clear beginning, it is also a process of growth and development that occurs over an entire lifetime. Throughout this process, there are often growth spurts and delays, much like the physical growth experience. Bad habits are often slow to retreat and sinful attitudes do not always change immediately. As a result of these spiritual struggles, many believers go through seasons of doubt regarding the validity of their salvation experiences. There are, however, several reasons why every believer can be absolutely certain of his or her relationship with God. 1. The work of Christ assures us of salvation. (Titus 3:5-7) First of all, salvation is achieved because of what Christ did for us, not what we can do for Him. This was a radical message for Jewish Christians since their religious heritage was all about keeping the law. They had the Ten Commandments, along with hundreds of other man-made laws they were required to keep. They failed to realize, however, that the law was never intended to bridge the gap between God and man. Therefore, they spent excessive amounts of time and energy trying to earn favor with God by following His rules. This philosophy put them on a kind of spiritual treadmill where they walked persistently, but without making any progress. Keeping the law somehow kept them on the treadmill, but it never moved them any closer to God since the law was never intended to bridge the gap, but to expose it. Even though New Testament believers are no longer bound by the law, many of us still try to earn favor with God by doing good deeds. In our pride, we believe that we can and should contribute to our own salvation. But failure is an inevitable result of the human condition, rendering us unable to reach God s standard of perfection. That is precisely why He initiated a plan of redemption that is totally dependent upon His faithfulness, not ours. Even if it was possible for me to suppress my sinful activity, my nature would remain flawed by sin and in need of replacement, not just restoration. Imagine that the salvation process is a little bit like a bone marrow transplant. With certain types of blood diseases, radiation and medication alone are simply not enough. Quite often, additional cancer cells are hiding in the body, just waiting to show up in a brand new location. In other words, the disease is still there, even when you cannot see it. That is when it becomes necessary to replace the source of the blood altogether instead of just attacking the diseased cells. When we try to do better, we re attempting to conquer a few diseased cells, but the marrow is still infected. Those who embrace the work of Christ on the cross receive a brand new nature. The old one is not remodeled; it is replaced. This passage attributes the entire work of salvation to the Trinity. At conversion, God the Father pours His Holy Spirit into the new believer through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was not a consistent presence in the lives of God s people, but would often empower an individual for a particular and temporary purpose. Through the work of Christ, however, the Spirit can now be generously poured out on all believers. The resulting condition is what the Bible refers to as justification, which simply means that we are declared righteous by God, even when our behavior says something very different about us. A huge benefit of justification is that we become heirs of Almighty God. As His children, we will one day inherit all that belongs to the Heavenly Father. This inheritance, guaranteed by the blood of Christ, gives us hope that we possess eternal life. The word hope in this passage does not capture the full meaning of the original text since we usually consider the objects of hope to be uncertain. For example, when I get my car washed, I often think to myself, I hope it doesn t rain today. Or when I have studied for an exam, I leave class saying, I sure hope I made a good grade on the test. But the truth is, there is no way for me to know for sure that the things I hope for will really happen. In the English language, we use the word hope to indicate a desire for something that cannot really be guaranteed. In this passage, however, the word translated hope literally means expectation or confidence and is synonymous with the word anticipate. Therefore, our hope of eternal life is based on a confidence in the work of Christ for our salvation. 2. The Word of God assures us of salvation. (1 John 5:11-13) As the writer drew this book to a close, he restated the message and purpose of his writing. The information recorded in the previous chapters can be summed up in one simple statement eternal life comes from God through His Son. John referred to this statement as a testimony, which is a legal term referring to the evidence presented in a judicial setting. This evidence is often submitted to the court using the testimony of an eyewitness. The Scripture is God s witness, or evidence, that eternal life comes through a relationship with His Son. Jesus referred to this eternal life as much more than endless existence. In fact, He said that eternal life is really about quality

2 of living and not just quantity of years (John 10:10). In His final prayer before being betrayed, Jesus radically redefined the concept of eternal life in spiritual terms (John 17:3). If it was only about living forever, then God would not have banished Adam and Eve from the garden of Eden and the tree of life. They could have eaten its fruit and lived forever, but that would have been even worse than the death sentence they ultimately received. Therefore, it was in His grace that God placed an angel with a flaming sword to guard the tree of life (Gen. 3:24). In doing so, He protected them from eating its fruit and living forever in their sinful condition. But God also shed the blood of an animal to provide clothing for Adam and Eve as a picture of His future redemption plan. Through the shedding of Christ s blood, the relationship between God and man could be restored. Those who were once estranged from God by sin could know Him intimately the way Adam and Eve knew Him in the beginning. Jesus said that eternal life was summed up in knowing God intimately and personally, just as if sin had never messed things up. In his description of eternal life, the writer makes two very important points in this passage. First and foremost, eternal life is a gift from God. It cannot be obtained anywhere else and is unrelated to the worth or works of the recipient. A true gift is given without any requirements except that it is received. If there is any expectation of payback, then it ceases to be a gift and becomes a wage. Scripture is very clear that eternal life is a free gift, offered to mankind without preconditions. While there are no prerequisites for receiving the gift, there is one very important stipulation concerning the gift itself. This eternal life is found exclusively in a relationship with God made possible through His Son. Although it is an unpopular and unwelcome message in a pluralistic culture, the Bible teaches only one way to be saved. Those who know God because they have trusted in Jesus are the ones who have eternal life. Therefore, it is impossible to know God as Father without accepting Jesus as His Son. Faith alone is simply not enough when the object of that faith is something or someone other than Jesus Christ. Once the message was clarified, the writer identified his audience and declared his purpose. This was not a universal message, but he was writing specifically to those who believed in the name of the Son of God. This belief is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of God s existence, but a decision to trust in the death of Christ as the only sufficient payment for sin. These particular words were reserved for those who had placed their faith in Jesus as the only means of salvation. The purpose of this letter was very simple to give assurance of salvation to those who follow Christ. The Word of God speaks clearly about the Person and the process of our salvation so that there is no room left for doubt. 3. The witness of the Spirit assures us of salvation. (Rom. 8:15-17) Paul used the metaphor of adoption to describe the relationship believers share with the Heavenly Father. In contrast to the master-slave relationship, God does not treat His children as servants, but as sons. In addition, His children serve out of gratitude and not fear of punishment, as the slaves do. In order to grasp the full weight of this analogy, we need a thorough understanding of Roman adoption. It was a very serious and complex process, especially because of the patria potestas, which was the father s absolute power over his family. So binding was this law that a father held the power of life and death over his children, and they never outgrew the exercise of his authority. That is why adoption into a new family was very difficult and, therefore, uncommon in Roman culture. The most significant aspect of this analogy, however, was not the process but the result of the adoption. All previous relationships and the rights that accompanied them were severed in order for new ones to be established. In a very literal and binding manner, the adoptee became the possession of the new father. The son also became an heir to his new father s estate, even if there were other biological children in the family. His portion of the inheritance was not diminished at all because of his status as an adopted child. In fact, he shared equal rights and inheritance with each of the other members of the family. The adoption essentially erased the previous life, legally cancelling all former debts. The results of a physical adoption closely parallel those of a spiritual one. Through salvation, we gain a new Father and possess a new inheritance. Our past is erased and our sin debt is cancelled forever. Perhaps the most powerful blessing that accompanies spiritual adoption is the deposit of God s Spirit into the adopted child. Not only is the Spirit a guarantee of our future inheritance, but He also enables us to experience intimacy with the Heavenly Father (2 Cor. 1:21). According to this passage, it is by His Spirit that we are able to call out, Abba Father, a Jewish term of endearment similar to Daddy or Papa. This is the very same word Jesus used when He cried out to God in the garden of Gethsemane. As adopted children who possess the Holy Spirit, we are able to experience the same intimacy with God that Jesus does. In addition, the Spirit confirms our identity as children of God. To bear witness literally means to provide a supporting testimony for another. When we are born again, we believe that God has forgiven our sins and secured a way for us to live forever in His presence. However, our feelings can be so influenced by disappointment and failure that we begin to doubt the validity of our conversion. That is when the Holy Spirit steps in and provides supporting testimony to confirm salvation. Spiritual adoption means that God s children are heirs of His entire estate. Everything that belongs to the Father will one day be inherited by His children. As a point of clarification, Paul stated that every believer is a co-heir with Christ, indicating that our share of the inheritance will be equal to His. This reality does not diminish the deity of Christ or erroneously elevate believers, but it does mean that we, like Jesus, will eternally share in the person and possessions of God. Believers should also expect to share in the sufferings of Christ. Although suffering can be a result of God s judgment, it is more often the result of living in a fallen world. During difficult times, we are often tempted to believe that God is not really with us. However, suffering for the believer is not an indication of God s absence or displeasure, but an opportunity to share in the experiences of Christ. If we intend to share in His glory, then we must also share in His suffering, knowing that it is but a temporary part of God s eternal plan.

3 How do I help someone be assured of salvation? 2010 LifeWay Press. Fuel Ignited: Living Your Faith, Volume 4. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America

4 SCRIPTURE PASSAGES DISCIPLING OTHERS Titus 3:5-7 5 He saved us not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. Romans 8: For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, Abba, Father! 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God s children, 17 and if children, also heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 1 John 5: And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn t have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

5 MY TIME WITH GOD DISCIPLING OTHERS SESSION 2: HOW DO I HELP SOMEONE BE ASSURED OF SALVATION? The work of Christ assures us of salvation. Day 1: Read Titus 3:5-7. What is there in your life that truly brings you a sense of hope for the future? In what ways does it bring you hope? There aren t a whole lot of things that truly bring us hope in the world today. When it comes to the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, we can rest assured that because of what Jesus did on the cross for us, we can have hope in the future knowing that if we belong to Him, it s going to be just fine. It is only by the grace of God, not anything that we can do, that we are able to have this hope. As you walk through the day, stop and thank God that He has given us real hope for the future. Day 2: Read Ephesians 2:1-9. How have we been made alive in Christ? Why is it so important to understand that salvation is not something we can attain on our own, but only through Jesus? Think about your life prior to knowing Christ. Did you wonder if there was something more to life than just simply existing from day to day? Can you remember how you felt when you were told just how much God loves you and how much He wants to give to you? You are alive in Christ only because of what He did for you. It s easy to boast about the great things that we do to make us feel alive. What if you were to boast about being made alive in Christ to others around you today? You never know; they just might be looking for a sense of real hope this very day. Day 3: Read 1 John 5:6-10. Why are people s testimonies weak in comparison to God s? Whom would you rather have giving their testimony on your behalf, God or a person? Why? Did you ever tell somebody that your dad was bigger and stronger than his or her dad? We love to brag about our dad and the fact that we think he can do anything bigger and better than anyone else. When it comes to God, however, His testimony of Christ is greater than any word we could ever give about our dads. Look today for ways that God is giving testimony to you about His Son. The Word of God assures us of salvation. Day 4: Read 1 John 5: Have you ever been a witness to something? What was it? As a witness, how important is that others believe what you have to say is the truth? Being a witness and telling the truth is vitally important. We can know for sure that what God says is absolute truth because He is truth. If we have invited Jesus into our lives, God says that we have eternal life. He doesn t want us to go around wishing or guessing that we might have eternal life. God says that we can know we have eternal life if we have His Son in our lives. Period! Write a letter to God today thanking Him for being a God who tells us the truth. Day 5: Read James 1: Have you ever had a friend tell you one thing only to deceive you with his or her words? What happened? What did God give us by His choice? Why is that so important? How many times have we been drawn into someone else s deception or have deceived someone else with our own words? When it comes to God and His Word, there is no chance that God is trying to deceive you. Everything He gives us is good and perfect, including our salvation. We can know that we have been given salvation because God made that choice. Believe God today as you listen to Him. Thank the Lord for people who tell you the truth, but most of all thank the Lord for being Truth. The witness of the Spirit assures us of salvation. Day 6: Read Romans 8: What does it mean to you that you are adopted by God? What does being an heir mean to you and the inheritance you will receive as a result of being an heir of God? To know that you are a part of a family that loves you unconditionally and gives you the same rights and privileges as other family members is an incredible feeling. When we come to know God personally, He adopts us into His family. You are a child of God go ahead and celebrate that fact today as you walk among other brothers and sisters. Be thankful for them and the inheritance that you are going to receive as His child. Day 7: Read Ephesians 1:7-14. What does it mean for something to be sealed? What does it mean for somebody to give you a down payment? In the days of old, kings would seal important documents by pressing their ring onto a small ball of wax that would seal the envelope. The recipient would know that the king had sent it and would stand behind it because of the seal placed upon it. God tells us that when it comes to the assurance of our salvation, it has been sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit. Today, praise God for that future inheritance that awaits you as a child of God and for being sealed by the Holy Spirit.

6 IGNITION Discipling Others During the coming week, read the assigned passage each day. As you read the passage, write down in the space provided specifically what it says about the assurance of salvation. Monday: 1 John 3:18-24 Tuesday: John 14:16-18 Wednesday: 2 Peter 1:3-11 Thursday: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Friday: Ephesians 4:30-32 Looking back at the week, how would you sum up what you learned about the assurance of salvation? Go here for more information about how to be assured of your salvation: LifeWay Press. Fuel Ignited: Living Your Faith, Volume 4. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America.

7 MY STORY Discipling Others In the space provided below, write your own story of the time when you personally invited Jesus into your life to become your Savior and Lord. Share how this decision has impacted your life and the confidence that it brings to you knowing that you have eternal life. ISTOCKPHOTO Have you ever shared this story with anyone? Why or why not? 2010 LifeWay Press. Fuel Ignited: Living Your Faith, Volume 4. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America.