Assurance
Scripture Reading — Romans 8:12-17
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:16
We may find we have a lot of big questions about the truths and mysteries of the Christian faith that we need to live with. But there's nothing quite so precious as the assurance deep down inside that we belong to God--no matter what! While some people claim such certainty is not possible, Paul says it is. We can be sure! We come to this assurance through an accumulation of evidence. We confess our sins and ask God for mercy in Jesus' name, and we're told no one will be turned away (Romans 10:10-13). We claim Jesus Christ as Lord, and we know we can do this only by the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). We see the growth of fruit in our life, and we know that's the work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). As Paul points out, in the final analysis God's work of giving us assurance of salvation happens deep within us. Think of it--the third person of the Trinity speaks with our internal spirit, testifying, reassuring, promising that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Assurance like that remains deeply rooted no matter what troubles come, no matter how often our doubts try to talk us out of faith, no matter how much we are bothered by our unworthiness. Say it to yourself over and over today: I belong to God!
O Spirit of God, keep on speaking to my spirit, keep on reminding me that I'm a child of God, keep on reassuring me that I belong, no matter what happens. Through Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Howard Vanderwell
Rev. Howard Vanderwell was involved in pastoral ministry in the Christian Reformed Church for 40 years, serving as a pastor in Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. Upon retirement in 2002, he began his work at Calvin Seminary, where he helped train the ministers of the next generation. Howard and his wife, Eleanor, were married for 57 years and had three married sons and ten grandchildren.
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