1 John 4:13-16
This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
I was calling on a member of a church I once pastored. He was in guarded health and the doctor had told him that he could go at any time. I read a few verses of Scripture with him and tried to encourage him in the Lord. To be honest I am not sure I was ever able to assure him that he was truly born again and ready to be with the Lord.
My dear friend Michael Keller has a prison ministry in Florida. One of the first questions he asks the inmates who he meets with is; “Do you think you are saved by being good?” Most answer “Yes!” That is not what the Bible says.
Let me share with you once again the words of Ephesians 2:8-9; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” So it it is not what we do for God, but what He has done for us that assures us of eternal life.
When we pray an honest prayer to the Lord and invite Him to be the Lord of our life we can know beyond all shadow of doubt that at the moment we breathe our last breath here on this planet, we will be with the Lord forever and forever. Praise God!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil