“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance…” 1 Thessalonians 1:5
There is power in assurance, that blessed certainty of God’s personal presence and perfect provision. We might add to this list of ways that God assures our hearts by mentioning, protection, for He is our Keeper. But why would we speak of power in the life as a result of assurance? We catch a glimpse of the response to this question by what the author of the letter to the Hebrews wrote: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (4:16) How can one have boldness to come before the Eternal God, our Creator, and Perfect Redeemer? The writer of the letter makes it very clear that the assurance, and certainty of access to God, is because of our great high priest, Christ, who not only has already made a WAY into the holiest of all, so that all believers can come into the presence of God without fear, but also, that this high priest, in spite of our weaknesses and frailty, intercedes constantly for us. HE is our great assurance by what he IS, what He has done, and what He presently is doing. Paul’s wonderful words ring out to us today, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Christ IS for us, our blessed, eternal intermediary between God and man, constantly interceding for us because of His shed blood having been applied to us. This assurance, which is first based upon the truth of Christ’s Person and ministry, gives us a measure of confidence, and power to come before the Father, in peace with acceptance. However, there is another aspect of this assurance, and it has to do with the very power of Christ, by the Spirit. We see this when Paul writes to the Thessalonians concerning the preaching of the Gospel. He writes to them that the Gospel was preached to them “in word.” But then he adds, “…but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit.” With the coming of the knowledge of the truth of God concerning man coming to God, comes also the provision of power by the Holy Spirit, strengthening every believer to come “…in full assurance of faith.”
It was later in the book of Hebrews that the author deals with the same subject of approaching God, and the assurance that should accompany the believer in mind and heart. He speaks of “boldness” that should be in the believer’s heart, because of the fact and reality of the blood of Jesus, who has entered into the holiest part of the temple. This “holiest of all” represents the closest proximity man can have with God on earth, because of the finished work of Christ. Christ died for our sins, but the goal was not just forgiveness but to provide all believers with a “new and living way” into the very presence of God. This provision of God is perpetual, unchanging, always available for the believer to use. The author goes on to write again concerning our high priest, the Lord Jesus, who is presently and perpetually ministering before the Father, by His unceasing intercession, ever living to make intercession for us. It is because of Christ, our assurance, that the believer is called upon to “draw nigh” to God, but with a certain attitude, that being, “…a true heart in full assurance of faith.” (Heb. 10:22) All assurance in approaching God is based on the faithfulness of God according to His promise, not only concerning a way to God, but also the provision of His power to come.
In Paul’s letter to the Colossian believers, he wrote specifically of God’s power which is available in Christ. He does this by writing down his prayer. Why? Because the power of Christ is to be sought and received, so that, “Strengthened with all might,” we can come to the Father in full assurance.
Dear Father, Empower us to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.