It was the darkest time of my life spiritually. Like many believers, I struggled through a period of tremendous doubt about my salvation. There were many factors that contributed to my lack of assurance. Because I had trusted Christ as my Savior as a young child my memories were not extremely clear. And a “changed life?” I was no drug addict or criminal at five years of age!

Had I believed enough? Did I truly understand? Could I have failed to pray the right prayer? Everything reproduces after its own kind: questions only lead to more questions.

Well do I remember the day Dr. Frank Sells said in my hearing, “Drive a stake a mile deep in the ground about your salvation.” I had prayed hundreds of times. I wanted to be sure. But, how?

Permit me to share with you the two truths that brought me out of the shadows and into the light, out of defeat and into victory…

  •  Christ is enough.

All of my doubts and questions seemed to revolve around me. The Scriptures plainly teach that “salvation is of the LORD.” There is no assurance in your prayer, your emotion, your logic, or your experience. The only confidence we have is that the work Jesus did at Calvary was all-sufficient. And my part? Only to look to Him!

Hebrews 12:2 gives the secret: “Looking unto Jesus!” The word used is a directional word – literally, look away from everything else and unto Him alone. When I caught a glimpse of the cross and the love of God peace came into my soul. Christ is enough.

When the devil brings accusations – take him to the cross and point him to Jesus. When the flesh brings questions – take it to the cross and show it Jesus. Victory is found through “the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). All of my doubts were wrapped up in me; all of my peace was found in Him.

  • My greatest assurance is not past tense but present tense.

So many of my questions revolved around the event, the experience, the emotion on the day I invited Christ into my life. Yet salvation is a present possession and it produces present realities. Memories are fine but can be wrong. What do you know for sure today?

The greatest evidence of birth is not stories from the day you were born, it is that you are alive today! And so it is with the new birth. Birth brings life.

The Apostle John recorded for us the words of Jesus in his gospel record, “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). In his later letter he provides spiritual proofs of that new life. Spend some time in the little book of 1 John and examine your own heart. Identify the spiritual “vital signs” – the breath, the heart, the love, the hunger and thirst! These are signs of life.

On top of all that, you have a birth certificate! 1 John 5:13 declares, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” The Great Physician put it in writing so that you would have a sure record.

Concentrate on your present walk with Christ. Growth in grace and the knowledge of the Lord is the surest evidence that you are one of God’s children (Read 2 Peter 1:3-11). Follow Jesus today.

You can have assurance. The Lord desires it and provides it. Look to Him and not yourself today. Remember that the devil brings question marks – God brings periods and exclamation points.

Enjoying the Journey

Enjoying the Journey exists to evangelize the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ, encourage pastors and local churches, and equip believers to walk with God and serve Him each day. Through audio, video, and print resources we are seeking to preach the gospel, teach the Word of God, and reach this generation for Christ.

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