For those of you who have recently trusted Christ as your personal Savior, there can be a burst of euphoria that feels like eternal life. And then some of the old ways of thinking and familiar patterns of sin start to revisit your mind and heart and way of life and you wonder if anything really happened.
What I want you to know is that we are invited to have an assurance that God has done a work and is doing a work in our lives based on Jesus, not on our feelings, and based on his victory, not our victories or defeats. So here are some verses that may be helpful:
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
This first verse tells us that because of Jesus’ work we are able to count on being called the Father’s children.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
1 John is written to Christians, so it’s obvious that Christians were continuing to sin and were invited to continue confessing their sins and continue in the fellowship of those who had their sins forgiven.
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1
One final thought is that in 1 John, John wants people to know that even when we do sin, Jesus is our advocate or champion, not because of our sin, but in spite of our sin. He champions us because he has already paid the price that we may be reconciled before the Father.
So, I hope that looking at these verses helps you to not doubt your salvation and to boldly seek out living your life with, or in, the presence of God.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15–16
Bill Clem is the lead pastor at Mars Hill Ballard.
