The Assurance of Faith

The Assurance of Faith

“We know” is a phrase the apostles used with the full assurance of faith. They spoke from an inner conviction that was untainted by uncertainty or doubt.

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” 1 John 3:14. Of what help is it to know all kinds of things if we do not know whether we have passed from death to life? Then everything is in vain, and when we die, everything we know comes to an end. However, the wisdom we receive on the way of life follows us into eternity. It is useful in the millennium, on the new earth, and then for all eternity. “What do you choose?” we sing in a song.

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin . . . .” 1 John 5:18. John knew that because it was his daily experience, for whatever is born of God overcomes the world!

“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” V. 19. To be under the sway of the wicked one together with the world is terrible; but to be raised up and separated from the evil and to live in God is glorious. We must live in this daily assurance that we are separate from the world and the things in the world; otherwise, the love of the Father is not in us. Chapter 2:15.

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” Chapter 5:20. The entire world lives in a great deception and is caught up in the spirit of lying. How great it is, then, to know that we are in Him who is true, and that we have the understanding that He is true and we have fellowship with Him who is true and with those who are true, for all eternity. This is a glorious company with which to be together on a high and holy plane.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28. If we know this, we are spared much unrest and anxiety. By faith in this word we are led into a blessed rest and peace.

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Rom. 6:6. Having a living faith in this word liberates us from all conscious sin. When Jesus died, we died with Him. He took our old man with Him on the cross. We have been redeemed and are no longer debtors to the flesh, so that we should live according to its lusts. How important it is to know this so that we can avoid being slaves of our sinful lusts. Liberty in Christ is the most exalted and glorious liberty that exists! Only within this liberty can you find genuine peace and joy.

In this liberty—in an overcoming and happy life—we can say like John: “We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:2. What a glorious assurance of faith!