Thursday, 4/9/20 – Discipleship: Assurance (& COVID-19)

Assurance (& COVID-19)

What one must first identify is just what it is of which one seeks assurance?

Do you desire assurance that your body will not die? Christ cannot help you there. Was it not God Himself who long ago commanded “…you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Gen. 2:17). But we did, and it broke our Creator’s heart. After that, “…sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people…” (Rom. 5:12). Indeed you WILL die! But Christ offers life beyond death — eternal life!

Do you desire assurance that your environment will be one of ease and comfort? You will get no assurances of that either! Our sin has touched it all. Paul writes, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning ...” (Rom. 8:22) “…the whole world is under the control of the evil one” states John (1 John 5:19). and Jesus promised “in this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33). But Christ offers strength and grace to carry us through it.

Do you desire assurance that your body will not be touched by COVID 19? There is no guarantee of that either! Many good believers of ages past and around our world today have suffered or are suffering much from pestilence and persecution. But Christ offers a soul at peace with Him that cannot be severed by any threat (Rom. 8:38-39).

Just as Christ has promised to allow no temptation to come our way without providing us a way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13) so He promises to grant sufficient grace to endure whatever miseries and sufferings this world may throw at us. Christ speaks to us as well as Paul when He says “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9). When you need it, it will be there. Christ gives the Christian an abiding assurance… a peace that goes beyond human understanding.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isa. 26:3).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

What is needed on our part is s steadfast mind frequently refreshed by the Promises of God’s Word and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. The seas ahead may be tumultuous or they may be calm, but the Lord is a strong ship. Safe shores are secured ahead.

Press on…

There is really only one thing of which each individual must be assured… that one has made peace with God by repentance from sin and faith toward God through the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Need help making that commitment or growing in God? Use the Contact page.