New Year Words of Assurances
Guidance, Answered Prayer, Forgiveness, Salvation, Victory
Dec 27, 2008
As everyone welcomes the New Year, months of new beginnings beckon. Cherished memories of the past linger on, but January draws a sign of moving on to another journey of challenges ahead. For Christians, nothing can be sweeter than be drawn to God in Christ, begin and grow in his abiding love and grace.
1. Assurance of Forgiveness
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." – 1 John 1:9
Victory of sin has been provided by God, but over and over, human weaknesses will always get in the way. God makes provisions in his Word for these failures committed. Sin is forgiven as it is confessed to him.
2. Assurance of Answered Prayer
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." - John 16: 24
With Christ as Lord, there is a unique privilege of speaking directly with the Heavenly Father. God wants people to come confidently into his presence and to talk to him about anything and everything. Who hasn't prayed endless times, especially in times of trouble? God is much interested in us and our needs.
3. Assurance of Salvation
"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." – 1 John 5: 11-12
When doubt arises if one is saved or sin is forgiven, a Christian need only to resort to God's words. Taken to heart, these verses can be used every time doubt about salvation seeps in.
4. Assurance of Victory
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." – 1 Corinthians 10: 13
Doubtless, God will remind his people of their sins that bother them. He will point out or nudge what can be done. The best way to do - in fact, the only way, really - is to trust him and rely on his words.
5. Assurance of Guidance
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6
These two verses put together remain a favourite among Christians. It explicitly leads a believer to rely on him completely, for he has the power, wisdom, riches and glory. All that God asks is to completely trust him.
Source:
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV) © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
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