TITLE: Blessed Assurance

TEXT: 1 John 5:11-17

PROPOSITION: We have the promise of security IF we remain faithful.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Assurances

Introduction:

1. We sing “Blessed Assurance” but don't believe it.

2. Is there any assurance in Christ? Security?

Bible teaches the Possibility – not the Inevitability – of apostasy

1. 1 John 5:11-17 ¹¹And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. ¹²He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. ¹³These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. ¹⁴Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. ¹⁶If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. ¹⁷All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

2. 2 Peter 1:10-11 ¹⁰Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; ¹¹for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

3. 1 Peter 1:3-5 ³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

4. What is “security” of believers?

   1. Free from danger or all adverse consequences

   2. Are you safe?

5. How is apostasy possible?

   1. We are not infallible

   2. Believers do not desire (seek, want) to sin

   3. However, sometimes we do.

   4. When we sin – there is a remedy – repent and pray. See Acts 8.

   5. Apostasy is possible because we fail to repent and seek forgiveness.

What assurance does the believer have about his salvation?

1. God's love

   1. God loves us enough to send his Son to die for us

   2. God loved us when while we were still sinners

2. God understands

   1. He knows our weakness and temptations to sin

   2. He is patient for us to repent

3. God helps

   1. He is a present help in time of trouble

   2. He does not cause us to sin

   3. He does provide a way of escape

4. God does not give up on us when we sin

   1. God is long suffering – patient – waiting for us to return

   2. He does not “give up” (throw in the towel)

5. The commands of God are not burdensome

6. The brotherhood (church) will help us

   1. Edify – encourage – motivate

   2. Invitation song is a time of encouragement

   3. We are always ready to help