The Assurance of Salvation

Editorial
March/April, 1988
Volume 23, Number 2

When you ask the average church member if he is saved, you get a shrug of the shoulder, a blank stare, or the words, “I hope I am.” There frequently is a lack of assurance. Yet, just as a president who pardons a convicted criminal, notifies the criminal of the act of pardon, so God who freely forgives our sins, assures us of this fact. We can have the assurance of salvation based on the authority of God’s promises that Christ made atonement for our sins, rose from the dead for our justification, lives to make intercession for us, and will come again to receive His children into glory.

Assurance also involves the deep personal conviction created by the Holy Spirit in the heart that sins have been forgiven, that adoption into the family of God has been transacted, and that the child of God belongs to the family of the redeemed ones. In the Epistle of 1 John, the writer enumerates evidences by which we can take inventory and arrive at the certain knowledge reflected in 1 John 5:13. Assurance denotes the confidence that the believer in Christ may have, knowing that in spite of his sinful tendencies, he is a child of God and an heir of heaven.

The reason why some believe the assurance of salvation is a false doctrine, is that they minimize the grace of God and magnify the works of man. Our assurance of salvation does not reside in human opinion but in the Word of God. It does not rest on human effort but on the work of Christ. It does not result from human emotion but from the witness of the Spirit. We must not expect the spectacular, nor doubt God’s love, nor be fooled by feeling.

It is true that the witness regarding one’s salvation can be threatened by living on in sin or becoming preoccupied with the world system. John Wesley said, “I know that I am accepted by God, and yet that knowledge is sometimes shaken (though not destroyed) by doubt or fear. If that knowledge were destroyed (or wholly withdrawn), I could not then say that I had a Christian faith” (Works of John Wesley, Volume 12, page 468). We must remember that the cost of serving Christ includes repentance, the forsaking of sin, and the daily turning away from evil.

The normal experience in the Christian life should be a certainty about one’s relationship with God, achieved by faith in Christ and obedience to the Word, which then results in selfless service to God and neighbor, and confidence in the face of death.

–H.S.M.

The Assurance of Salvation

 

by Harold S. Martin

Every person longs for some sense of security but only a few are the happy souls who seem to have found it. The obvious reason for the lack of security is that people seek for it in wrong places. There are those who look for security in financial prosperity, the strength of a nation, the progress of science, but money rusts and decays, friends prove unfaithful, nations go to war, science is always unsure of itself. Real security must come from a source outside of ourselves, and so we turn to the God of heaven.

The Bible teaches that the Christian may know with certainty his standing before God. The Scripture says in 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” There are two extreme positions that we must avoid: The first is the teaching that says that assurance is presumption and that we cannot know that we are saved until we have passed the Judgment Day. The second is the system of theology that says that one who is once saved can never be lost. The Bible presents a balanced view of assurance, and we must differentiate between the promise of assurance and the conditions on which the promise rests.

1. THE BASIS OF ASSURANCE

Sin has separated each of us from God. We are all sinners. Our hearts have rebelled against God. Therefore our salvation must be by divine operation and not by our own human attainment. The Bible says in Titus 3:5 that we are not saved by our own works of righteousness. God saves us “according to his mercy.” But if we have not been saved by our own deeds of righteousness, how can we know that we have been saved?

Our assurance of salvation rests on the clear promise of God’s Word. The Bible says, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; beloved now are we the sons of God” (1 John 3:1?2). The Bible says that Christians are saved. The emphasis in salvation is not on the future nor on the past, but on the present. There is in the whole New Testament a tenor of rejoicing in this present experience. We don’t wait until Jesus comes to find out whether or not we are the sons of God, for the Bible says, “now are we the sons of God.”

The Scriptures in a number of places confirm this thought. John 3:36 says, “He that believes has everlasting life, and shall not come unto condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our assurance rests upon the clear promise of God’s Word. The Bible says it; I believe it; that settles it.

Eternal life does not begin when we die. We have it now. We had our first taste when we were born again. Hebrews 6:5 says we “tasted of the powers of the world to come.” We don’t have to go through a graveyard to begin our enjoyment of salvation. God has not stored everything in the hereafter as though in packages not to be opened until after death! A Christian can know that he is saved because God says so, and God’s saying so makes it so.

Our assurance of salvation rests on the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures say, “Hereby we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit” (1 John 4:13). When a person finds in his life the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, etc.), he has a token evidence that the Holy Spirit is operating in his heart. The presence of these virtues in your life is in themselves a witness that the Spirit of God is living within. The Bible says further (in Romans 8:16) that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.

The Holy Spirit brings to our inner consciousness the vivid assurance that we are reconciled with God, and so the Holy Spirit becomes to us a voice of divine assurance. The tender voice of the Spirit whispers to my wavering heart and assures me that the promises of God are true.

Assurance is an inward impression on the soul, by which the Spirit of God directly witnesses to my spirit that I am a child of God, that Jesus loves me and gave Himself for me, that all my sins are blotted out, and that I (even poor, wretched 1) am reconciled with God. I don’t deserve it. I can’t pay for it. But since God says He will forgive my sins, and since the Holy Spirit witnesses with my spirit that I am a child of God, I stand on it. I know that I am saved because of the promise of God’s Word, and because of the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

2. THE TESTS OF ASSURANCE

We do not say that every person who professes to be a Christian is saved. There are some tests by which one can tell.

(a) The test of obedience.

1 John 2:3 says, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” We can know that we have eternal life because
we are keeping His commandments. The Greek word translated “keep” was used to describe the “watch” of a soldier who was keeping guard at his post. Just so one who is saved is to keep his eyes fixed on the commandments of God. It is not natural for human beings to want to obey God and please Him in all things. The unsaved person is annoyed by the necessity for keeping God’s commandments. God’s commands often run contrary to the things we would naturally like to do if we had our own way. But as Christ takes up residence in our hearts, He gives us new desires to please Him and new power to carry out His commandments to the glory of God. John says then that the very fact that we want to keep God’s commandments is one sure sign that we abide in Him and He abides in us.

(b) The test of loyalty.

1 John 2:15 says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” The passions and pursuits of the worldly mind are altogether contrary to the delights and the activities of the spiritual mind. The things that the believer once loved he now hates. The things that he once hated he now loves. One who is born again doesn’t mind going against the world’s ways and notions and customs. He finds no pleasure in the things most people around him like to do. He cannot enjoy their entertainments. Those things weary him. They appear vain and unprofitable. To please the world is out of the question for the Christian. His first aim is to please God.

(c) The test of conduct.

1 John 3:9 says, “Whosoever is born of God cloth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin because he is born of God.” The real child of God will as a general rule of life do what is right and will keep himself from evil. I John 3:9 literally reads, “Whosoever is born of God does not keep on practicing sin, for God’s seed (Christ) keeps on abiding in him, and he cannot keep on practicing sin because he is born of God.” A person who is born again does not commit sin as a habit. The Christian does not keep on sinning. He may fall into sin, but sinning is not his habitual way of life. No one can say he has not sinned. The Scriptures even provide for our restoration in the event we do sin (1 John 2:1). When God saves a person, He does not fix him so that he can’t sin any more, but He fixes him so that he can’t sin and “get a kick out of it.” The child of God hates sin and flees it and longs to be delivered from its grip altogether. Any deviation from God’s standard of conduct will result in a spiritual pain that makes the genuine Christian uncomfortable.

(d) The test of love.

1 John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” The Christian loves even the worst of sinners, and often weeps over them. But he has a special love for those who are believers in Christ. This love holds the saints of God in high esteem and delights in kindly relationships with them. Any person who habitually dislikes and misunderstands his fellow Christian is evidently not walking in the light, and cannot have the assurance of salvation. But the Christian who has a genuine love for his brothers and sisters in Christ has evidence within that he has passed from death unto life. If you are conscious of a strange pull that
unites you to others who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is a clear indication that you have indeed passed out of death into life.

The tests of obedience and loyalty and conduct and love for fellow Christians–are guidelines by which we can evaluate our relationship with Christ.

3. THE EFFECTS OF ASSURANCE

The Bible teaches that the Christian may have the assurance of salvation. But the promise of assurance is conditional. It is possible for the Christian to fall, for the Bible says, “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” That is why the Scriptures admonish us to “continue in the faith” (Colossians 1:23), to “abide in Christ” (John 15:6), to “mortify the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:13), and to “hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:14). These are Christian duties. But in spite of these warnings, we find that God’s people in Bible times did not live in fear of their eternal destiny. They possessed a calm assurance and often gave testimony of their peace and joy. Read 2 Corinthians 5:1 and 2 Timothy 4:6-8 for examples of such quiet assurance.

Years ago, a party of emigrants were trekking the vast prairies that are now the mid-western states of the USA. The prairies were covered with tall dry grass. The party of people had crossed a river the day before and they were going on with their cattle and covered wagons, when suddenly they were horrified to see a thin red line across the western horizon. The cry went out, “The prairie is on fire; what are we going to do?” The dry grass was up to the horses’ heads. The tall grass was burning. The westerly winds were driving the flames toward the wagons.

The river was a whole day’s journey behind them. There was nothing in front of them to hold the flames back. One of their number (who was accustomed to pioneer life in the West) told them what to do. He said, “Clear a space and set fire to the grass behind you.” They did as he said, and the wind carried the flames back to the river. “Now,” he said, “bring your wagons and your horses and your belongings, and stand on this burned, charred ground and you’ll be safe.” They could already feel the heat of the oncoming flames on their cheeks, and one frightened person said, “Are you sure we won’t all be burned up?” The old pioneer said, “Those flames can never reach us here because we are standing where the fire has already been.” And just so, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ allowed the fire of sin’s judgment to fall upon Him (by taking upon Himself all our sins). The area around the Cross has become a refuge for all who would escape the judgment of sin.

Jesus says, “I am the door; by me if any man enter in he shall be saved” (John 10:9). If you do not know Christ, why don’t you accept Him as your Saviour, and rest in the security that God affords those who take up refuge in Him?

 

In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

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BBI Registration Now Open!

Come explore God’s Word with us!. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17”
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INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY

Every Christian thinks about God, so every Christian is a theologian. Theology is the study of God. This course will encourage us to think about God in a biblical manner, from the information provided in the Scriptures. We will seek to further understand some major theological ideas from the Anabaptist-Pietist viewpoint and explain those ideas.

A STUDY OF ABRAHAM

Father of the faithful and a friend of God. His life serves as a profound study in covenant theology, testing the boundaries of faith, sacrifice, trust, and ultimate devotion to the One Creator. In this session we will study the character of Abraham, identify pictures of Jesus Christ, and apply truths and insights into our lives.

THE BOOK OF PSALMS

Within this collection of songs and prayers lie expressions of the deep passions of humanity. The psalmists cry out in despair, pour out his soul in confession, and express exuberant praise for his God. Through the peaks and valleys of human experience, the Psalms guide us to praise our loving Creator.

THE CULTS AND FALSE RELIGIONS

This study will look at the beliefs of a variety of cults and false religions that are prevalent in America today. These false beliefs will be contrasted with Biblical truth along with ways to respond when confronted by followers of these cults.

WOMEN IN THE EARLY CHURCH

You’ve heard about Paul and Silas, Peter and John. But, what about Priscillas? Chloe? Phoebe? and Lydia (a strong woman who “prevailed” on Paul, Silas and Luke in Philippi)? Because of its focus on the ones that others rejected, tax collectors, Samaritans and women, Jesus and later the early church attracted the outcasts into their followers. This class will focus on the women who influenced the early church and the role of women in the church today.

NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY

A general survey of the entire New Testament, which includes a panoramic view of all 27 books. Note will be made of leading characteristics, main ideas of thought, and summary outlines of each book. Each book will be related to the total message of the New Testament.

STUDIES IN JOHN’S LETTERS

A detailed look at epistles that emphasize the relationship of the Christian to the father through the Lord Jesus Christ. The themes of assurance, obedience, love and truth in the Christian life will be drawn from our study.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.

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