Roman Road Step #5 - The Assurance of Salvation

A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick


"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."

(Romans 8:16)

Introduction:

    One of man's basic needs seems to be the need for security. Everyone would like to be sure of the future, sure that everything is going to be all right. We often find ourselves saying the words even when we're not sure, "Don't worry, everything's going to be fine." One man said, "They told me to 'Cheer up, things could be worse'. So I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse." However, we don't want mere words, we want reality.

    This need for security is true of everyone, although it varies from person to person. We understand that often this has to do with how well we have been cared for in our childhood - children whose needs are well met grow up with a better sense of security than those who are relatively neglected. Men particularly want security in their jobs. Women, on the other hand, tend to be more anxious about security in their relationships. When uncertainty reigns, there results a lot of unhappiness, agitation and stress. It's also true that people who are secure become much more creative and productive.

    But there is a security that is even more important than job and family relationships. Our greatest need is for the security of knowing that when this life comes to an end, a good life will continue on into eternity. Of course many people deal with this issue by denial or procrastination. They will talk themselves into believing that "what you see is what you get"; there is nothing after this. Or, being in good health and of a sound mind, they succeed in avoiding any thought about their death and what may come afterwards.

    But for all who are willing to think about the future beyond this present life, certainty is available. Unfortunately, too many people, when asked , "When you die, will you go to heaven?" answer tentatively, "I hope so, but no one can really know for sure."

    There are a number of Scriptures which can give us this assurance of salvation, security concerning the future:

      John 1:12 - Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--

      I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

      Romans 8:38, 39 - For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

      John 10:28, 29 - I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.

      John 15:4 - Remain in me, and I will remain in you.

      Ephesians 3:12 - In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

      Hebrews 10:35 - So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

I. The Scripture related to the "5th Step on the Roman Road to Salvation" indicates that "the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."

    But the question is, is this just a "feeling"? Is this some kind of "psych-up"? A "PMA", Positive Mental Attitude?

    Let me ask you this question: how do you know you're a member of your own family? Because you live in the same house as your parents? Because you have the same name? Or because you have a birth certificate? Is it due to the fact that others have told you? I don't think so. You just know! In fact, most people don't even think about it. Of all relationships, the parent-child is the strongest, and that is also why rejection is so very harmful.

    So then, how do you know you are a child of God, a Christian? Is it because you go to church, give in the offering and give time in service to the Lord's work? Is it because you live in a country where everyone goes by this name, "Christian"? Is it because it says so in the Bible? Is it because other people around you have told you so? No. You know that you are a child of God, you know that you are "Born Again", because of the witness of the Holy Spirit. This is a certain inner awareness that you are a child of God. Can you explain how you know this? Probably not. You just know.

II. But there's more than just knowing that you are a child of God. Children have familiarity and access to their parents.

    Notice that in this passage our Heavenly Father is called "Abba", the familiar title, much like our "Dad". Sometimes it seems almost irreverent to address God as "Daddy". But let me ask the men, which title would you prefer your children to use, "Father", or "Dad"? I like this saying I heard not too long ago, "It only takes a few seconds for a man to become a father, it takes a life time of self sacrifice to become a Dad." God our Heavenly Father is a kind, loving "Dad", always accessible to His children, always looking out for their best interests.

    The problem in too many homes in America is that fathers are not willing to sacrifice their own interests for the well being of their children. At best, many seem content to just "bring home the bacon". Today many don't even do that well, but seem more concerned about their own leisure time spent with their own toys, sports, hobbies, and hanging out with the boys. But children need much more, they need tenderness and affection, careful listening to what they're experiencing each day, and they need time spent in the company of their fathers.

III. There's something else suggested in this passage of Scripture. With the inner certainty that we are "children", "sons and daughters of God", we also find out that we are "heirs with Christ".

    Some seem to be of the opinion that being an "heir" means materialistic blessings. This idea was promoted a number of years ago as what we might call the "Kings Kids" theology.

    But think about this, if we are "joint-heirs", then we can expect to get what Jesus got. Let's be reminded, He had no house, no car, no computer games, no Prime Star satellite dish. He once told His disciples, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." (Matthew 8:20)

    And remember, what He got was a cross. On another occasion Jesus said, "Remember the words I spoke to you: `No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." (John 15:20)

Conclusion:

    When born into God's Family, we have the certain knowledge within ourselves that we belong. This sure knowledge provides the deep seated security that every human being craves. This enables us to continue in this world with confidence. But this is not just to serve as a blessing for this present life, we also have great hope for the future. So being an "heir" means that all the riches of heaven will be ours. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)

    I am sure that this wonderful, abundant inheritance is what Isaiah had in mind when he wrote, "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:4) This was also picked up and quoted in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'"

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