The Blessings of Assurance by John MacArthur

STRENGTH FOR TODAY

The Blessings of Assurance  “For as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). Assurance of salvation lets us enjoy earthly blessings. It is encouraging that scriptural assurance results in specific, practical blessings in the Christian life. Here are six I’d like to share with you today. Assurance makes you praise God. There is no way you can be filled with praise and gratitude to God if you’re not sure you’re saved. Assurance adds joy to your earthly duties and trials. No matter what happens to you, you can be certain that all will work out well in the end. Difficulties are easier to handle when you know they’re temporary. Assurance makes you zealous in obedience and service. If you’re doubtful about your salvation, you will be apathetic and discouraged. But if you’re sure, you will be hard-working and encouraged in serving the Lord. Assurance gives you victory in temptation. When you are confident about your salvation, you can overcome the strongest temptation (see 1 Cor. 10:13). Even if you stumble occasionally, you will know that those events have not changed your standing before God. But you will be depressed and discouraged by temptation if you have no assurance. You’ll doubt your ability to cope with temptations and will wonder if falling victim to one or two will send you to Hell. Assurance gives contentment in this life. You’ll rest secure in the promise that you have a glorious heavenly inheritance to look forward to. At the same time, you will be happy and satisfied that God “shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). But if you lack assurance of salvation, you’ll scramble and reach for all the world’s material goods and feel cheated when you don’t obtain them. Assurance removes the fear of death. If you know you’re a child of God, you can be sure that the moment you die you will enter Heaven. If you don’t have that assurance, however, you’ll be even more afraid to die than one who has never heard of Christ. If you are growing spiritually, you will have assurance, and that will let you enjoy these and other blessings as you look forward to being with the Lord for all eternity. Suggestions for Prayer Pray that God would help you share the blessings of assurance with someone else. For Further Study Read Psalm 138. What was David thankful for? What reassurances are there for every believer?