by Jerry Senn
If I asked you “are you saved?” you might say, “I sure do hope so.” This uncertainty is the case with many baptized believers who attempt to walk by faith in Christ every day. They may be faithful attenders and eager workers in the kingdom, yet still have frequent misgivings and uncertainty about their salvation. After all, God’s grace to sinners seems questionable by human standards. How can we “rejoice” in something we question?
I suggest there are many believers who allow this concern to affect their daily behavior and even hinder their fruitbearing for Christ. And, the joy of our salvation can become a lethargic thing we just hang onto.
I can relate to this dangerous condition. When I consider my own mistakes, lack of enthusiasm and allow negative thinking to dampen the fire of commitment, I’m left a bit numb to the realities of genuine faith.
The apostle Paul’s past may have caused some misgivings at times (see: Romans 7:13), but he also wrote: “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord … For we … worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh … If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more” (Phil 3:1, 3-4). Then he proceeds with reasons for his past confidence in the flesh when seeking to please God (Phil 3:5-6).
If we can’t confidently rejoice in the fact that we are forgiven in our relationship with Christ, it is either because (1) we lack real faith in his word (ex: Rom 8:1), or (2) we’re just too filled with pride to acknowledge we’re totally dependent on Christ and not our own efforts to be saved. Humility is demanded. We must put away our pride and simply trust God’s gift of love.
“No one can make you again but He who made you the first time!”
(W Y Fullerton).