"That we may have boldness in the day of judgment..."
1 John 4:17
If I had to describe this first epistle of John in one word it would be this: confidence. It is amazing how many times he makes statements that declare his confidence in his salvation through Jesus Christ. In a world that believes there are no absolutes, it is awesome to read such a positive and affirming declaration from one of Christ's most ardent followers. Let me allow the Scripture to speak for itself today.
"We KNOW that we KNOW Him, if we keep His commandments." (2:3)
"You HAVE an anointing from the Holy One, and you KNOW all things." (2:20)
"Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have CONFIDENCE and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." (2:28)
"Beloved, now WE ARE children of God...we KNOW that when He is revealed, we SHALL BE like Him, for we SHALL seem Him as He is." (3:2)
"By this we KNOW love, because He laid down His life for us." (3:16)
"Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have CONFIDENCE toward God." (3:21)
"By this we KNOW that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us." (3:24)
"You ARE of God." (4:4)
"We ARE of God." (4:6)
"We have KNOWN and BELIEVED the love that God has for us." (4:16)
"He who has the Son HAS life." (5:12)
What an encouragement this letter from John is! There is no doubt in his heart that his faith in Christ has brought him hope and life for eternity. It must be noted that John's confidence had nothing to do with himself. It is all because of what Jesus Christ did for us. You can live in the knowledge of the fact that Christ is your boldness and confidence in this world today. Let me share one final passage with you.
"These things I have written to you who BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to BELIEVE in the name of the Son of God." (5:13)
May you be confident in Christ today!
No comments:
Post a Comment