Assured of Salvation
I. Introduction
A. Supreme Confidence
1. Former NFL Coach John McKay and former Alabama coach Bear Bryant were duck hunting.
a) Bryant was well-know for being a dead shot.
b) The men hunted for about three hours with little results.
c) Bryant had killed a duck with his only shot.
2. A Lone Duck on the Horizon
a) A duck flew into Bryant’s range and he fired off a shot.
b) To the surprise of both men, the bird continued flying.
c) Bryant looked at McKay and confidently stated, “John, you have witnessed a modern day miracle, for there flies a dead bird.”
B. Confidence in Salvation
1. Three Levels of Assurance
a) Those who are secure, but not sure of their salvation.
b) Those who are sure, but not secure – Matthew 7:21
c) Those who are both secure and sure.
2. Many will say that we cannot be sure of our salvation.
a) However the Bible would say otherwise.
b) We know we are saved and why we are saved.
3. In John 3:16-24, John gives us four reasons that we can be assured of salvation.
II. Assured of Salvation
A. The Sacrifice of Jesus (16)
1. God’s Plan
a) God planned for man’s greatest need before the foundation of the world – Ephesians 1:4
b) God promised a solution to the problem of sin in the beginning – Genesis 3:15
c) God portrayed His solution through His prophets – Isaiah 9:6, 53:1ff
d) God produced His plan with the coming of Jesus – John 3:16
2. Jesus’ Participation
a) He submitted to God’s plan – Philippians 2:6-8
b) He served mankind – Matthew 20:28
c) He sacrificed freely – John 10:18
d) He separated from God for us – Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34
3. Precious Promises
a) No other sacrifice is needed – Hebrews 10:10
b) All that believed will be saved – Mark 16:16
c) God’s proof is in the empty tomb – Acts 2:30-36
d) Our inheritance is made sure – 1 Peter 1:3-5
B. Serving in Love (17-18)
1. Meeting Needs
a) Titus 2:14, 3:8, 3:14 – Zealous for good works, maintain good works, meet urgent needs.
b) 1 Timothy 6:18 – “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share…”
c) Luke 10:36-37 – Being a neighbor
d) To serve brethren is to serve the Lord – Matthew 25:40
2. Mastering Love
a) Faith must work through love – Galatians 5:6
b) Faith is demonstrated through loving actions – James 2:14-18
c) Love is demonstrated in serving others – John 15:13, Romans 5:8
d) Actions are guided by genuine compassion - Romans 12:9
C. Seeking the Truth (19-21)
1. The Reality of Truth
a) John 8:32 – “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.
b) John 14:6 – Jesus is the truth.
c) John 18:37 – Jesus came to bear witness of the truth.
d) John 17:17 – God’s word is truth
2. The Reasoning of Truth
a) Being made in the image of God, man is a moral being, possessing a conscience.
b) The conscience is not to be violated – Romans 14:23
c) The conscience is not to be seared – 1 Timothy 4:2
d) The conscience is to be tested – 1 Corinthians 10:12
e) The conscience is to be guided by truth – Acts 23:1
3. The Reassurance of Truth
a) Hearts that discern good and evil – Hebrews 5:13-14
b) Hearts guided truth are able to wage the good warfare – 1 Timothy 1:18-19
c) Hearts guided by truth avoid sinning against God – Psalm 37:31
d) Hearts guided by truth believe in the grace and mercy of God through Jesus Christ – 1 Timothy 1:12-15
D. Submitting to God (22-24)
1. Petitions Answered
a) Asking correctly – James 4:3
b) Asking confidently – 1 John 5:14-15
c) Ask contritely – James 4:15, Matthew 26:39-41
2. Pleasing Actions
a) Diligent seeking – Hebrews 11:6
b) Worthy walking – Colossians 1:10
c) Respectful attitude – Colossians 3:20
d) Truthful speaking – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
e) Purposeful Aim – 2 Corinthians 5:9
3. Partnership with God
a) The Godhead abides in those that submit.
b) This abiding presences completes us – Colossians 2:9
c) This abiding presence comforts us – Hebrews 13:3-5
d) This abiding presence chastises us – Hebrews 12:10-11
e) This abiding presence compels us to love – 1 John 4:7
III. Conclusion
A. Are assured of salvation?
1. We should be able to confidently say, “YES!”
a) Not because of our merit.
b) Not because of a clean conscience alone.
c) Not because of a feeling or a wish.
2. We are assured because of…
a) God’s great love – 1 John 3:1
b) Christ’s great sacrifice – 1 John 3:16
c) Our humble and submissive heart – James 4:10
3. If you are not sure, then why not make you call and election sure – 2 Peter 1:10?
B. Invitation
