I have been taking a couple of classes this spring and the term is coming to an end and so far I have a 95 average in one class and a 96 average in another class.  To get an A I need to have an average of 94 or higher – so I am cutting it close.  I turned in two long papers last week and took two tests yesterday and now I just have to wait for them to be graded to see how I stand.  Even though I will be all right if I make a B, I really want to make an A.  I just hate having to wait to see if I make the grade.  There are many times in life when we have anxiety and doubt and just do not know exactly where we stand.

As I ponder that thought I am reminded that we can always know where we stand in Christ.  In his first epistle to the church, the Apostle John writes

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”   1 John 5:13  

John was writing in response to false teachers who were making others anxious by teaching false doctrine.  They were stating that Jesus was not the Messiah and that salvation was based on things other than faith in Christ.  This was really troubling people who were depending on Christ to reconcile them unto God.  “If Christ is not the Messiah, then He cannot forgive me.  If I am not forgiven, then I cannot have eternal life!”  Those were the thoughts tormenting the believers in the early church.

John wanted his brothers and sisters to know that they could be certain of where they stood.  If they were in a relationship with Christ they had assurance of salvation, they could know without a doubt that they had eternal life.  We can have that same confidence!

How awesome it is to be able to know where we stand!  How awesome it is to know that because of Christ we are forgiven, we are reconciled unto God.  We are able to make the grade!

I hope that you walk in the assurance of your faith today.  I hope that you know that the Lord loves you and that in Christ you have eternal life!  Until next time, stay strong and keep the faith.

If you would like to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ feel free to email me directly at pastorpstephens@aol.com