Pastor column: Because He lives believers have blessed assurance

Sooner or later someone dear to us will die and we will want answers to our deepest questions: Where’s our loved now? What’s beyond the grave? Will we be reunited in heaven? How can I have the assurance of eternal life?

The answers to these questions, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). Jesus defeated sin and death by dying on the cross for us and rising from the grave (1 Corinthians 15:1-28, 57). Because He lives, everyone who puts their faith in Him will live forever with Him.

Because He lives, believers have the blessed assurance of a foundation that’s firm. The bedrock doctrine of our faith is true. Jesus lives and Christianity stands as the only valid means whereby a lost sinner can reach the God of Heaven (John 14:6).

Because He lives, believers have the blessed assurance our faith is genuine. Our faith is real and our witness is true. Jesus lives and we stand vindicated in our faith and in our claims concerning Him. He lives and because He lives our faith lives also. (John 14:1).

Because He lives, believers have the blessed assurance our forgiveness is accomplished we are no longer lost in sin. We’ve been delivered by the blood of Jesus. All our sins have been washed away as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). We’ve been forgiven and we’ve been redeemed.

Because He lives, believers have the blessed assurance our future is secure. There is a heavenly home awaiting all of God's children. In this life we can enjoy the victory, but in the life to come we can enjoy the presence of the One who died in our place on the cross. Yes, negatives have become positives but despair has also been changed into hope for all who receive Jesus as their Savior and trust Him by faith (John 3:16-17).

I am glad I know in my heart that lives today. Oh, I read the Bible and that wasn't what convinced me, even though I believe what it said. I heard the preachers tell me, but I didn't believe because of them. I believe He lives because I have met Him on a personal basis.

I’ll never forget that night (Jan. 29, 1972) when Jesus Himself came to where I was, lost and undone, full of sin and so wicked and corrupt before Him. Yet, in His love, He saved me when I cried out in faith. I know He lives because I have met Him. How about you? If so, isn't this the greatest reality? I mean just to know that He lives is more wonderful than anything else I have ever heard.

If you don't know Jesus, then I invite you to meet Him personally today. He will receive you, save you and prove to you that He really is alive.

Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Because He lives faith is genuine, future is secure