Rejoicing in Assurance: The Foundation of Gospel-Centered Living (06/21/'24) -Viewpoint

Rejoicing in Assurance: The Foundation of Gospel-Centered Living This perspective highlights the primacy of assurance of salvation over the pursuit of extraordinary spiritual experiences like performing miracles. It underscores the foundational importance of knowing and embracing one's status as a citizen of heaven, as Jesus emphasized in Luke 10:20. Assurance of Salvation Core of Christian Identity: Assurance of salvation is central to a believer's identity. It provides a firm foundation upon which one's faith and life are built. Without this assurance, there's a risk of basing one's spiritual confidence on personal achievements or extraordinary experiences, which can be fleeting and self-centered. Stability and Peace: Knowing that one's name is registered in heaven brings a profound sense of peace and stability. This assurance grounds believers in the eternal truth of God's grace and love, rather than the variable outcomes of their actions or spiritual experiences. Miracles and Self-Centeredness Potential for Pride: Performing miracles can sometimes lead to a sense of pride or self-sufficiency, shifting the focus from God’s power to one's own abilities. This self-centeredness can divert attention from the gospel's essence and the true source of spiritual power and grace. Temporary vs. Eternal: Miracles, while powerful, are temporary and serve specific purposes. The assurance of salvation, on the other hand, is eternal and unchanging. Prioritizing temporary experiences over eternal security can lead to a distorted view of Christian life and ministry. Motivation and Essence of the Gospel Gospel-Centered Living: The motivation for a believer’s life should be rooted in the gospel – the good news of Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life. When assurance of salvation is prioritized, it aligns one's motivation with the gospel, leading to a life that reflects its true essence. Authentic Christian Life: Living with the assurance of salvation naturally leads to a life that is in harmony with the gospel. It encourages humility, dependence on God, and a focus on eternal truths rather than temporary, self-centered goals. Rejoice as Citizens of Heaven Jesus' words in Luke 10:20 remind us that our greatest joy should come from our eternal citizenship in heaven. This assurance surpasses any earthly accomplishment, including spiritual feats like casting out demons. It directs our rejoicing to the unshakable truth of our salvation and our place in God’s kingdom. Conclusion In summary, the assurance of salvation is a cornerstone of the Christian faith that ensures a life aligned with the gospel’s true essence. It guards against self-centered motivations and provides a stable foundation for genuine, gospel-centered living. Rejoicing in our heavenly citizenship, as Jesus teaches, keeps our focus on the eternal and the essential, fostering a life that honors God and reflects His grace and truth. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 21, 2024)