Bible Basics

Blessed Assurance

It should be obvious from our study of 1 John 1:5-10 that the child of God that “walks in the light” is one that is cleansed by God “from all unrighteousness.” With this cleansing of sin comes the blessed assurance of heaven. Paul understood this blessed assurance for there was no doubt in his mind concerning his salvation. He writes to Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day; and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). While Paul’s eternal reward was not earned through meritorious works, it was clearly conditional as evidenced by his having fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. The wonderful thing about it is that we too can have this same blessed assurance, for this “crown of righteousness” is given to all who “have loved His appearing.” It is not a righteousness that is earned through perfect law keeping, for “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). Neither is this crown of righteousness given arbitrarily to just anyone. It is, rather, given only to those who “have loved His appearing.” Paul sees himself amid the throng of all the righteous at the last day.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics