“THAT is the very thing I would so much like to have,” may be the exclamation of the reader.
You may have heard others, perhaps some of your friends, saying that they have it, and this new joy has stirred your own heart with an irresistible longing to enjoy a similar blessing. They, young or old, as the case may be, have undergone a remarkable change. They came under conviction of sin when, to all outward appearance, they had not been particularly guilty of any, ―at least nothing that might perhaps be called flagrant, ―yet they were crushed and broken down by a sense of guilt, as they would never have been by the loss of a fortune, it was so heavy. This part of their history struck you.
Then, as passing from under some heavy load, or from darkness to light, suddenly they declared that they had found relief from their load, and light for their darkness, pardon for their guilt, and the divinely given assurance of their salvation.
If their first stage perplexed you, still more so does the second. For, after all, when we remember that sin attaches to all, to the most moral as to the most immoral, that each is guilty before God in one way or another, it is conceivable that this sense of sin should be felt and owned by all. It is a common matter to say, “Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable sinners!” a common custom to admit that we sin daily, in thought, word, and deed. That is conceivable and proper; nay, it is incumbent. It is the bounden duty of each one to acknowledge his guilt at the awful peril of perdition, for “Except ye repent,” says the Lord, “ye shall all likewise perish.” Take note and warning, reader! But the other stage―that of “full assurance”―how can that be reached?
Well, thank God, it is not an attainment; that is, it is not the result of effort. It does not come as the mysterious consequence of fastings, prayers, vigils, confessions, absolutions, or the like. It is not purchasable at the mart of works, charities, sacraments, or religious observances. It cannot be found in kirk or cloister, meeting or monastery, nor acquired by bestowal from the consecrated hands of bishop, priest, or presbyter. It is God’s free gift!
“Full assurance,” in all the deep and blessed wealth of that charming grace, comes from God Himself, apart from any desert on the side of the recipient whatsoever.
But let us clear the ground as we go on.
The two words “full assurance” are found together thrice in the New Testament. We have first, the “full assurance of understanding” (Col. 2:2); then the “full assurance of hope” (Heb. 6:11); and lastly, the “full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22).
Doubtless the “full assurance” you seek is the last―that of faith.
Well, notice it is faith, not feeling. How many say, “Could I only feel saved, then I should be fully assured.” But such a thought is utterly wrong, and is really, though unintentionally, infidel.
For instance, if I said that I could not believe your words until I felt what you said to be true, I might as well call you a liar at once. Nay, it behooves me to accredit you with the truth, whatever my feelings may be. And how much more is God to be accredited!
Well, God speaks, the believer takes Him at His word, and has the “full assurance of faith.” Thus― “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24).
Read that most precious verse again and again, dear reader, not only because it has been blessed to immense numbers of doubting souls, but because it contains the words of the Son of God. You may reckon on its every syllable, and rejoice in the “full assurance” it conveys.
Take it into your chamber, and, in the holy seclusion of God’s presence, ponder each part and weigh each statement, until, in simple but adoring faith, you apprehend that, having heard Christ’s word, and believed on God who sent Him, everlasting life is yours now, condemnation is escaped, and that you have passed from death unto life―all, observe, on His authority.
He speaks, you believe, and the Word informs you what is yours. It is the gracious work of the Spirit of God, who loves to bear witness to the truth of Scripture.
But this is “full assurance of faith,” and is the very thing that caused such joy to your friends. Now, also, shall it not be to yourself?
Now what about the two other assurances?
I remember being furnished with a good illustration of all three by a dear old Christian out in Nova Scotia.
“Suppose,” said he, “a man living in the backwoods was hastily called to New York He is wholly ignorant of railways, engines, and cars, but a neighbor tells him to go to the station, purchase a ticket, enter a car, and in due time he will reach his destination. He takes his friend at his word. This is the ‘full assurance of faith.’ Having taken his seat in the car, he is told by some intelligent fellow-passenger all about the mechanism of the engine and road, &c.; then he begins to appreciate the skill and comfort of the wonderful means of transit. This is the ‘full assurance of understanding.’ And then, as he gradually nears the end, he anticipates his soon arrival, and enjoys the ‘full assurance of hope.’ Still it is the same assurance, viewed from different points―that of faith, understanding, and hope.”
So, too, possessing faith’s assurance, the soul sets to work diligently to learn the way, and appreciate the treasures of the word and grace of God, whilst hope cheers and sustains amid all the needed trials, until the happy home is gained―the Father’s house on high.
The moment you believe, you are entitled to “full assurance.” You start with that, and learn its grand foundation as you advance on faith’s journey.
J. W. S.