While in college I participated in a few oratorical contests and thus have an appreciation for the anxiety of standing on stage, knowing that you did your best, and fearing you will hear your name as the person who didn’t make it.
Through the years I have known many Christians filled with anxiety and fear about their eternal destiny. It is like standing before God’s throne waiting for the horrible news that you did not make it. When you ask them if they are saved they respond with “I hope so.” Somewhere along the way they have confused assurance of salvation with spiritual pride and they want to be humble. Assurance of salvation has nothing to do with self but has everything to do with Jesus. To live and rejoice in the promises of Jesus is all about praise to Him and not ourselves.
Paul wrote, “I know in whom I have believed and He is able.” II Timothy 1:12. We might be tempted to think, “Well, that was Paul and he was special.” We need to remind ourselves that God doesn’t play favorites. Acts 10:34. What was good for Paul, Peter and even Jesus is good for us. Both in Galatians and Romans Paul assures us that we are co-heirs with Jesus Himself. That is so beyond belief; if it were not in Scripture I would say it was totally crazy. Chase away the anxiety and fear and live in the luxury of God’s Fatherhood. Accept the promises of Jesus and know that should you so choose you are a winner and will never hear that you have to cease singing. Live we shall. Inherit we shall. Sing we shall.
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 14, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org