Divine Assurance

HOW TO KNOW YOU ARE GOD’S CHILD (PART 1)
The apostle John wrote a letter to believers to give them the assurance of their salvation. If you will take a study of this book you will find what it means to be a true believer.  John the apostle was called to the Jewish people throughout Asia minor (today is Turkey) and he writes in his letter for the purpose of giving new believers in Jesus Christ a divine assurance of their relationship with God. So let’s take a look at the truths in this letter that will inspire confidence in our relationship with Christ. 

[1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life- [2] the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us- [3] that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. [4] And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.—1 John 1:1-4 NKJV

John was a witness of the gospel first hand. He was part of Jesus inner circle and witnessed the love, forgiveness and healing power that emanated from His life. He also witnessed the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. He opens this letter by extending an invitation to all his Jewish brothers to come into fellowship with Christ and experience true joy. That is the first indicator that you are child of God and have come in to fellowship with Christ. Peter referred to it as joy unspeakable and full of glory. What is it that produces such joy? It is knowing that you have been completely and totally forgiven.

First of all, how does one come into a relationship with Jesus Christ? One must first come to the light. Every person must come to Christ and acknowledge that they are a sinner and have fallen short of God’s goodness and are in need of a Savior. This is the first step to receiving forgiveness and entering into fellowship with Christ. God requires an acknowledgment of our sinful state and our need for him.

[7] But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.—1 John 1:7-9 NKJV

Here is what brings joy into the life of a new believer. It is a sense of being cleansed and totally forgiven, the slate completely wiped clean, a life made completely new. A deep sense of being loved and accepted by God the Father produces a joy that is hard to explain.  The word confess means to acknowledge, to agree with, or to consent as being true. When we make our confession, we are agreeing with God that only through Jesus and his shed blood can we be forgiven of all sin—past, present, and future!  The blood of Jesus cleanses us from the consciousness of sin and we become aware of his divine presence that has taken up residence inside of us. That is accompanied with His joy! The Lord wants your joy to be full and overflowing. Do not doubt for one second of his unconditional love and acceptance toward you! You are his child and you are deeply loved!