Blessed Assurance
Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of assurance in salvation and encourages listeners to trust in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of knowing where we stand in terms of salvation, highlighting the different categories people fall into regarding their belief in Jesus Christ. He stresses that salvation is God's deliverance through Jesus Christ from the effects of sin, accompanied by eternal benefits. Stanley urges listeners to have certainty about their eternal destination and encourages them to settle the decision of accepting Jesus as their Savior. He reminds the audience that God desires to save everyone and has provided the way to salvation through belief in Jesus Christ and confession before others, promising eternal life to all who trust in His Son.
Text
The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. (1 John 5:10-13 NASB)
In terms of salvation, all of us fall into one of four categories:
* We are saved and we know it.
* We think we are saved, but we're not.
* We don't claim to be saved.
* We're not saved but would like to be. In which category do you find yourself?
Salvation is God's deliverance of the believer--through Jesus Christ--from all the effects of sin. It is God's work in the human heart, and it is accompanied by all the benefits He bestows on us now and forever.
We need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt where we are going to spend eternity. That certainty is available to every one of us. Do you have that kind of assurance? If you are not confident that you have eternal salvation, I urge you to settle this most important decision of your life right now.
First, realize that God desires to save everyone. (1 Timothy 2:4) Not only does He want to save everyone, but He also provided the way to salvation through His Son (John 3:16)--He has told us we must believe in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) and we must confess Him before men (Romans 10:10).
Our heavenly Father is faithful to keep His promises. If you trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, He will save you from your sin and and welcome you into His family (John1:12)--without regard to merit or worth on your part. Eternal life will be yours. And He offers this gift freely to all who believe in His Son. Will you receive it?
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Assurance
- Understanding the categories of salvation
- The benefits of salvation
- The certainty of eternal life
Key Quotes
“He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” — Charles Stanley
“God desires to save everyone.” — Charles Stanley
“Eternal life will be yours.” — Charles Stanley
Application Points
- Trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior for eternal life.
- Have a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Confess Jesus Christ before men to demonstrate your faith.