Focal Passages: Romans 8:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Ephesians 1:13-14
Confidence sometimes comes from pretty strange sources. Over the years I’ve heard it comes from deodorant, cologne, hair dye, dental work and many other superficial sources.
Some people find confidence in personality, self-esteem, and other internal sources. Our greatest confidence as Christians comes from our eternal security.
God has not dangled salvation like a carrot on a string that’s just out of reach. By grace through faith in Christ Jesus we have become possessors of eternal life, which is guaranteed by the down payment of the Holy Spirit who lives within us!
Earthly guarantees are given in case a product or service fails. God gives us His guarantee because the greatest things are yet to come, and God will be faithful to save us, keep us, and deliver us into the presence of our Savior.
The Holy Spirit’s leadership in our lives demonstrates that we are no longer children of wrath, but now by faith are the children of God (John 1:12). This truth gives us confidence even when our feelings betray us.
Have you ever had a day when you didn’t feel as saved as you did on other days?
Remember, feelings must be subjected to the truth. If we know by the testimony of the Holy Spirit within us that we have been born again, nothing can change that wonderful state of grace. However, we do need to repent of the sins that produce doubts, and strive to produce the fruits appropriate for the children of God.
Because we are in Christ, we take great confidence in knowing that there’s more to life than meets the eye. While all the sources of human pride (good looks, intelligence, hard work, etc.) deteriorate with age, the source of our true confidence should become clearer as we get closer to home. Some day we will strike the camp of life and lay these broken bodies in the grave. While this truth may depress the unbeliever, Christians should long to lay aside that which we cannot keep to take up that which we cannot lose.