“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever” —Isa. 32:17.
ASSURANCE forever! Is it not a wonderfully-pleasing expression? Assurance not for a few days, or weeks, or months—nor yet for a few years, or even a lifetime—but forever! It is this blessed assurance that God delights to impart to all who come to Him as needy sinners seeking the way of life.
Two words are employed in this verse that are intimately related—peace and assurance. Yet how many deeply-religious people there are in the world who scarcely know the meaning of either term. When I know that my sins have been dealt with in such a way that God’s righteousness remains untarnished, even as He folds me to His bosom, a justified believer, I have perfect peace. I know Him now as “a just God and a Saviour” (Isa. 45:21). He says, “I will bring near My righteousness; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not tarry” (Isa. 46:13). What cheering words are these! He has provided a righteousness, His very own, for men who have none of their own! Gladly, therefore, do I spurn all attempts at self-righteousness, to be found in Him perfect and complete, clothed with His righteousness.
“Our Saviour’s word will give us peace,
Peace which will make our sorrows cease.
If we but trust His grace, we’ll find
His peace will keep our heart and mind.”
—M. Gibson.