Dear Ones:
In our relationship with Christ, where does assurance, confidence, come from? When the Bible speaks of “…full assurance of faith,” does this not seem to be an unattainable attitude? Assurance is one thing, “full assurance” is another. To answer this matter, as it is very important, especially when it comes to praying in faith, “without doubting,” let us begin by looking briefly at four “w”s.
The first one is WORSHIP. If we do not take the time to look at God through His word, and meditate upon the finished work of Christ, until He becomes “real” to us, then we shall not know full assurance of faith. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote in chapter 12, that we are to “run…looking unto Jesus (some translations…”fixing our eyes on Jesus.”) In Psalm 16, David writes that he has, “…set the Lord before him…” Where does this begin but in the quiet place with God, beholding Christ and the Father, trusting the Spirit for that ability to worship Him in Spirit and truth. He then begins to become an ever-increasing reality to us. The assurance begins to grow.
Secondly, we begin to WALK. Faith has feet. But faith is directional, and purposeful. It is not a “haphazard” walk, but one where one has committed his way unto the Lord, not leaning on his own understanding, but believing God to lead, to guide. David, in several of his psalms, would pray that the Lord would teach him His way, and “…lead me in a plain path.” (Ps. 27:11) He goes on the pray, “…Shew me Thy ways, O Lord, and teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth.” (Ps. 25:4-5) Paul, by the Spirit, instructs us to “…walk by the Spirit.” He is the Spirit of TRUTH. He will not lead us astray. Assurance grows when we see His hand leading, providing, blessing, sustaining…meeting our needs and the needs of those to whom we minister.
Thirdly, we are to WAR. To follow Christ requires that we be sober, and steadfast, taking up the armor of Christ, to do battle with our enemy. It is a very real war, but one that has been won. We, by faith, participate in that victory. But it is a war that is to be waged according to the principles of faith, by the Spirit, not by the flesh. It is, as we learn to take the sword of truth, and stand, equipped and prayerful, that we begin to see the enemy put to flight, and the kingdom of God come in hearts and minds. This is encouraging, and contributes to assurance.
Lastly, we are to WIN. Paul tells us that we are in a race, and that we are to run to win. Christ said on the cross, “It is finished.” He had won His race. We are called upon to believe God for the victory of Christ to be realized in us, and this increasingly. It is with every victory, however small, that we are encouraged, and the assurance grows.
Someone has said, “Upon a Life I did not live; upon a death I did not die, I stake my whole eternity.” It is as we grasp more firmly every day the reality of Christ, and the magnitude of His work, that we are able to: “…draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”(Heb. 10:22) Why? Simply because, “He is faithful that promised.” (Heb. 10:23)
Love, Dad