Today you should read: 1 John 3:1-10
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13
We recite this verse around CPC a lot because we believe it is so important that everyone understands how confident we can be that we are going to spend eternity in heaven with God. Those who believe in the name of the Son of God can KNOW that they have eternal life. Like 1000% know.
Those who know they have eternal life also know that they are apart of God’s family, adopted in as children because of God’s love for them!
“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1
My wife and I recently had a baby girl. In fact, she’ll be a month old tomorrow! I understand this verse on a completely new level now. I love my daughter! I have noticed that when she begins to cry, she already recognizes my voice and stops crying (sometimes). Even as a baby, she recognizes me as her father. I hope that when she gets older, she will recognize my love for her and obey me when I ask her to do something.
John is clear here that God’s children have a lifestyle of obeying him. While followers of Jesus are not perfect, they are continually growing in obedience to him. Christians are not sinless, but they do sin less.
“Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” 1 John 3:9
Do you struggle with assurance of your salvation? Be encouraged that those who believe in the name of the Son of God will have eternal life. God’s children are growing in obedience to him.
Are you struggling with sin? Be encouraged that God will sanctify his children and that through the power of the Gospel and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome your repeating pattern of sin.
Rejoice today that those who believe in Jesus are a part of God’s family, free to love and obey him, and are growing to look more and more like Jesus.
By: Lucas Taylor — West Campus Pastoral Ministry Apprentice
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