AP

By James Jeffery

One True Assurance / Fundamentals of the Faith (Part V)

Life in this world is fundamentally unstable. We know this is true of the world on a global scale, but also from our individual experiences. In our fallen world, it seems like everything is against us.

On a global scale, the world is in a mess. All one needs to do is turn on the TV or read a newspaper to realise this. There are multiple wars raging, economies are in recession, and starvation is a daily reality for many people in the world.

It feels like the world is becoming a more violent place. There seems to be no end to the quantity and degree of suffering and evil in our world. This world is, in many respects, a dangerous place.

On an individual level, we have our own struggles. For some, it’s a chronic health issue you’ve had for years. Or it may be caring for a family member who is suffering from a disability that affects his or her daily life.

For others, it’s the regrets you have regarding things you’ve done, maybe even decades ago. The memory of certain sin still haunts you, and you wonder whether you will ever be free from their grip.

Still, some of you have witnessed horrendous tragedies that still haunt you to this day. The memories flood back, and you don’t know what to do with the grief. It’s sometimes easier to pretend everything is ok when it’s not.

Trying to Cope

In such an unstable world, it’s easy to see why so many people fall into despair. Many people give up trying and lose hope that things will ever get any better.

Others give up on relationships altogether and isolate themselves to avoid getting hurt. Others try to wash the tears away with sex, alcohol and drugs, which only makes the pain worse.

Others turn to false religions. These religions promise deliverance, and yet only serve to increase the burdens upon our shoulders. They give a list of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts,’ which are powerless to change us. This is because all other religions are man-made attempts to get right with God. What we need is a Saviour, and there is no saviour to be found in false religions.

The God Who Understands

One of the greatest assurances is that the One True and Living God understands. Our God does not sugarcoat what life is like in this world. In fact, God describes it like this:

“…the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22)

The world ‘groans’ because things are not as they were meant to be. God created the world good. However, because of sin, the world was cast into chaos and darkness. Suffering, pain, and sorrows are all realities of life in a fallen world.

In a world of groaning, we must ask:

“Is there anything stable and secure?”

The answer: YES, and we find it in Romans 8.

One True Assurance

There is only one true assurance you can have in this life, and it is found in Jesus Christ. He offers hope, life, joy, and assurance to those who trust in Him.

Jesus came into this world and participated in our suffering. He is no stranger to your struggles and fears. While others may not understand, Jesus does.

Ultimately, Jesus crucified every one of our fears at the cross when He triumphed over the Devil and defeated our sin. Three days later, He rose from the grave, guaranteeing new life to those who trust in Him.

In the words of Romans 8:31,

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (ESV)

Upon our death (or Jesus’ return), God’s children will go to be with Him forever. We will live for eternity in the New Creation, a material universe in which there is no more suffering, crying, or pain. This means the suffering we experience now is only temporary.

In addition to this, no one can separate God’s children from His love, even in this life. The promise is put like this in Romans 8:38-39,

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Nothing Can Separate You from God’s Love

If you trust in Jesus, nothing can separate you from the love of God. No person, life circumstance, or grief can ever remove God’s love for You. Our relationship with God is not dependent upon the quality of our faith, but upon His faithful character.

If you are not a Christian, stop trying to face life’s troubles on your own. You do not have the strength to bear the burdens this world will throw at you. More importantly, you too are unstable and insecure.

Come to the stable and secure Saviour who promises to cleanse you from your sin and grant you a new life starting today. While people may fail you, He will never leave you nor forsake you.

If you are a Christian, be reminded that God is committed to you despite your failings. Just like a small child, we all stumble and fall. We fail to obey, and we struggle to follow God’s commands. Yet, all the while, our loving Father is committed to His children.

The words of Romans 8:38-39 are God’s promise to you – nothing will be able to separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus your Lord. What a beautiful promise we can praise God for today.

Closing Prayer

Dear Father,

We worship You as the only source of stability in this fallen world. Forgive us for seeking comfort and refuge in worldly things. Holy Spirit, give us faith to find shelter in the arms of Jesus Christ, the only Saviour. Give us faith to believe His promises.

In His Name we pray,

Amen.