by
Tom Wacaster
When
I was doing local work I was frequently asked the question, “How can I be sure
that I am saved?” I have no doubt that those asking the question were sincere,
and in many instances those asking the question were among those whom I
considered to be some of the most faithful workers in the church. Why is it,
then, that such otherwise strong Christians had this nagging doubt about their
salvation? Why is it that we are prone to doubt when the Bible clearly tells us
that we can know we have salvation?
In
one sense questioning one’s status in life as well as his spiritual status with
his God is healthy. The following is attributed to an Egyptian king by the name
of Akhenaton: “True wisdom is less presuming than folly. The wise man doubteth
often, and changeth his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubteth not; he
knoweth all things but his own ignorance.” Another expressed the wisdom in
doubting like this: “How prone to doubt, how cautious are the wise!” (Alexander
Pope). Even some of the strongest of Bible characters had their questions and
doubts. Abraham doubted God’s promise that he would have a child in his old age
through whom the Lord would bless the world and sought instead to have Ishmael
fill that role. Thomas would not believe the Lord had been raised from the dead
until he could see it with his own eyes and touch the Lord’s side with his own
hands. Even John the baptist had some very serious questions about the Lord
when he (John) was facing the closing days of his life in prison. You see,
doubt should drive us to deeper investigation and self examination. What, then,
is the answer to our doubts and fears regarding death, salvation, and that
spiritual realm wherein our hope resides as an anchor of the soul? There are at
least three factors that affect the depth of our confidence: faith, facts, and
feelings. These sustain an important relationship to one another and play a
vital role in developing assurance in the heart of the child of God.
The
Hebrews writer defines faith as “assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of
things not seen” (Heb 11:1). The KJV reads, “Now faith is the substance of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I am interested here in the
Greek word translated “assurance” (ASV) and “substance” (KJV). The word denotes
support for something; something upon which a hope is based. Barclay points out
three distinct areas in which faith and hope find application: (1) It is belief
against the world; (2) It is belief in the spirit against the senses; (3) It is
belief in the future against the present. Or as one author put it, “Faith sees
the invisible, believes the incredible, and achieves the impossible.” But we
must not lose sight of the undeniable truth that our “faith” rests upon
“facts.” I believe in God because of the “facts.” The KJV sums it up with the
word “evidence.” When a jury sits in judgment upon an accused, they do so based
upon “facts.”
Now
we come to “feelings.” Feelings, or emotions, in and of themselves, are good.
God created us to feel, to be moved with compassion, to shed a tear over
someone else’s loss (or even our own losses). If man had been created
completely void of emotions and/or feelings he would experience no sorrow; but
then, neither would he experience joy and happiness. It is important to note
that God warns us against the deceptive nature of feelings. “There is a way
that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of
death.” (Prov. 16:25).
Now
with all that said, it seems to this humble scribe that the absence of
assurance among those who have obeyed the gospel, and who are doing their best
to live a faithful Christian life is due to the failure to keep faith, fact,
and feelings in proper relationship. Fact: God has promised forgiveness, along
with a home in heaven, to those who obey the gospel and live a faithful
Christian life. Faith: I believe what God has said because of the evidence that
supports that promise. Feelings: I rejoice in that assurance, knowing that,
though I fall far short of what I should be, God has promised to save me to the
“uttermost” through the cleansing power of the blood of His Son. It is when men
take their eyes OFF of the facts, and allow their faith to falter, that their
feelings kick in and they no longer “feel” as if they are saved. Remember,
“faith comes by hearing…the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Or as one put it, “Doubt
comes in at the window when inquiry is denied at the door.”
A
pilot is instructed to always trust the instruments rather than the way he
feels. Feelings can be deceptive. The same rule applies spiritually. Trust the
instruments that God has given to us in the word. His promises are sure; the
evidence incontrovertible. If the instruments contradict what you feel, then it
is your feelings that are wrong and not the instruments! If you walk by your
feelings rather than trust in the word of God you will rob yourself of the joy
and happiness that comes with God’s promises. But worse yet, you will never rid
yourself of doubt, and you will continue to be plagued by the unanswered
question, “How can I be sure?”