We Believe and Are Sure.

From: Gospel Light: Volume 5 (1915)

• 10 min. read • grade level: 7

YOU can be sure of nothing in this world but death," is a very common saying, but not at all a scriptural one. It is true that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment "; but then Christ has borne both death and judgment for all those who believe in Him, and such know and can say,

“Death and judgment are behind me,

Grace and glory are before;

All the billows rolled o'er Jesus,

There exhausted all their power.”

Indeed, instead of the believer in Jesus being sure that he will die, it is the very thing that he is not at all sure about; for the Word of God says, " Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep "(or die)," but we shall all be changed " (1 Cor. 15:51, 58⁵¹Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (1 Corinthians 15:51)
⁵⁸Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)). 1CO 15:51-58⁵¹Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵²In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ⁵⁶The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑58) The coming of the Lord, and not death, is the hope of the believer.

I only notice this common saying, which I have given above, in passing on to what we are, or ought to be, sure about.

There are many passages of Scripture where the little word "sure" occurs, but I would now ask you to look at seven of them; and may God's rich blessing rest upon our brief examination of each.

(1) "And we believe and are SURE that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:69⁶⁹And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:69)). JOH 6:69⁶⁹And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:69)

Now, God judges of everybody by what they think and believe of Christ; and it is of the very first moment that we should be clear about the Person and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, as neither salvation nor everlasting life are to be had apart from faith in His Person. “He that believeth on the Son hash everlasting life." “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (John 3:36³⁶He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36); Acts 16:31³¹And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)). JOH 16:31³¹Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? (John 16:31) ACT 16:31³¹And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31)

It is not faith in a text that saves. I believed all the Bible was true, from Genesis to Revelation, before I was saved, and it did not save me. You must believe in the living, loving Lord Jesus Christ, at God's right hand, Hark! A voice from heaven says, "Look unto ME, and be ye saved" (Isa. 45:22²²Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:22)). ISA 45:22²²Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:22)

Jesus, when He was here, asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" They answered," Some say that Thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”

So much for popular opinion; it never reaches up to the glory of the person of the Christ.

Jesus then asked, “But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." But how came Peter to know this?

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven " (Matt. 16:13-17¹³When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ¹⁴And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. ¹⁵He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? ¹⁶And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ¹⁷And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:13‑17)). MAT 16:13-17¹³When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ¹⁴And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. ¹⁵He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? ¹⁶And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ¹⁷And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:13‑17)

And when God by His Spirit reveals Christ to you, and in you by His word, you will be able adoringly to say, “We believe and are SURE that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." What an important thing to be sure about, seeing that there is no salvation without it! “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12¹²Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)). ACT 4:12¹²Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

(2) "The foundation of God standeth SURE” (2 Tim. 2:19¹⁹Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)). 2TI 2:19¹⁹Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19) In this day, when infidelity and superstition are joining to pull everything to pieces, it is blessed to know that they cannot touch or shake God's foundation. And whilst thousands of poor deceived souls are resting upon the shifting sand of ordinances and religious performances, it becomes us to see to it that we are on the foundation that nothing can prevail against. Jehovah Jesus says, " Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation " (Isa. 28:16¹⁶Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16)). ISA 28:16¹⁶Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16)

Are you on this only "sure foundation"?

Do you answer, "I wish that I knew I was"?

Then listen to the words of Jesus: " Whosoever cornea to Me, and heareth, My sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock " (Luke 6:47-49⁴⁷Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: ⁴⁸He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. ⁴⁹But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:47‑49)). LUK 6:47-49⁴⁷Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: ⁴⁸He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. ⁴⁹But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. (Luke 6:47‑49) Have you come to Jesus? Have you heard His words? and are you doing them? If you can answer these questions in the affirmative, then you can surely sing:

“On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.”

(3)"We are SURE that the judgment of God is according to truth” (Rom. 2:2²But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. (Romans 2:2)). ROM 2:2²But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. (Romans 2:2) Are you quite sure of this? Can you look back to the cross and see Jesus suffering untold agonies, and hear Him cry, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Psa. 22:1¹<<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.>> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? (Psalm 22:1)), PSA 22:1¹<<To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.>> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? (Psalm 22:1) as He groans and expires beneath the weight of a holy God's judgment against sin, and say, “I am sure that the judgment of God is according to truth "? If you do not bow to the judgment of God against sin at the cross, you will have to bear it in your own person throughout eternity in the everlasting flames of the lake of fire, when you will be obliged to own “that the judgment of God is according to truth." Do it now, before it is too late.

(4) " Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both SURE and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19¹⁹Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; (Hebrews 6:19)). HEB 6:19¹⁹Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; (Hebrews 6:19)

How many thousands there are who say, in this day of earnest personal dealing with precious souls, when asked the important question, "Are you saved?" "I hope so." Have you got Christ? for Paul says, " Lord Jesus Christ, our hope "(1 Tim. 1:1¹Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; (1 Timothy 1:1)); 1TI 1:1¹Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; (1 Timothy 1:1) and He being “our hope," if you lack Him you most certainly have no hope.

When a captain of a ship gives orders to his men to drop anchor, what would he think of them if they dropped it in the hull of the vessel? And yet this is just what many simple souls are doing, dropping their anchor into their own hearts: no wonder they are all adrift.

Where is Christ? He is at the right hand of God. Accept Christ for your hope, and then you will be in Christ, anchored to the very throne of God, and you will know that your anchor, being outside of yourself, is " both sure and steadfast," and you will be able to say, "I have Christ; what want I more?”

(5) "Thy testimonies are very SURE” (Psa. 93:5⁵Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. (Psalm 93:5)). PSA 93:5⁵Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. (Psalm 93:5) Yes, they are not only sure, but “very sure," whether He speaks about man's condition by nature as being lost and guilty, as” all we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way...” (Isa. 53:6⁶All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)), ISA 53:6⁶All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)therefore the whole world is “become guilty before God" (Rom. 3:19¹⁹Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19)) ROM 3:19¹⁹Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Romans 3:19) ;or whether He speaks about His own rich provision for the blessing of such, as " God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

(John 3:16¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)); JOH 3:16¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) or whether He speaks of the present portion of the believer and the unbeliever, as " He that believeth on the Son hath, everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him " (John 3:36³⁶He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)); JOH 3:16¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) or whether He speaks of the destiny of the believer, or the doom of the unbeliever, as, "And these" (the unbelievers) "shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal " (Matt. 25:46⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46)). MAT 25:46⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:46)

Yes, depend upon it, God's “testimonies are very sure, “and" he that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true "(John 3:33³³He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. (John 3:33)); JOH 3:33³³He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. (John 3:33) and" he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar” (1 John 5:10¹⁰He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (1 John 5:10)). 1JO 5:10¹⁰He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (1 John 5:10)

Have you set to your seal that God is true, by receiving His "very sure" testimonies? or are you making Him a liar by calling them in question and doubting them?

(6) " Give diligence to make your calling and election SURE" (2 Peter 1:10¹⁰Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2 Peter 1:10)) 2PE 1:10¹⁰Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2 Peter 1:10)am amazed at the audacity of people in saying, “You cannot be sure you are saved in this world," when God says I am to be sure.

“Yes, "you say;" but I do not know if I am one of God's called ones." Well, turn to Cor. 1:26-29, COR 1:26-29and look at the persons whom He calls: " God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

Now, do you answer to this fivefold description of God's called and chosen ones? Have you ever confessed to God that you are “foolish, weak, base, despised, and nothing"?

If so, you are most certainly one of God's called ones. Has God's gospel come to you, not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance? if it has, and you have answered to the fivefold description of God's called ones, then you have made "your calling and election sure” (1 Thess. 1:4, 5⁴Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. ⁵For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4‑5)). 1TH 1:4, 5⁴Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. ⁵For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4‑5)

(7) "Be SURE your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23²³But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23)). NUM 32:23²³But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23) We have now come to the last scripture I wish to call your attention to where the word "sure" occurs, and a most solemn one it is for a certain class of sinners.

Oh, ye hypocrites, ye deceitful and secret sinners, ye may go on undiscovered for weeks, months, and even long years, but your sin will hound you and find you out in the long run! Oh that it might find you out now, and cause you to come to Jesus, the sin cleanser and the sinner's Saviour! "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)). 1JO 1:7⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

I have done, and must now leave God's word to do its own work, earnestly praying that all who may read this paper may be led of God truthfully to say, "We believe and are SURE.”

H. M. H.

Why be so thoughtless, careless, and negligent about salvation which is in Christ Jesus?

No amount of present gain, gratification, or pleasure, can make up for eternal misery.

“ONLY BELIEVE.”

“He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life” (John 3:36³⁶He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)). JOH 3:16¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Can you delay? Surely not. To-morrow may be too late. “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:15¹⁵And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)). REV 20:15¹⁵And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ your name is written there, but if not, your name is not there, and because of unbelief you are " condemned already "(John 3:18¹⁸He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)). JOH 3:18¹⁸He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?”

W. E. S.

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