Be Very Sure
I love that we sing hymns at my church. Their deep spiritual insights and theological truths inspire adoration and praise. And, at times, self-reflection.
One Sunday, after a particularly moving rendition of the old African-American spiritual, In the Morning When I Rise (Give me Jesus), I bought a wall hanging depicting those words. It hangs in my kitchen and reminds me of the best way to start the day.
There is always at least one song playing on repeat in my mind throughout the week. Tenderly redirecting my thoughts back to Jesus as I rise and go about my day.
This week, the refrain written by a Pastor's wife during the height of World War II has been keeping time as the minutes become hours and slip away before I'm ready to let them go.
You may recognize these words penned by Ruth Caye Jones:
In times like these we need a Savior;
In times like these we need an anchor.
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Distressed by news on the front page of the morning's newspaper, Mrs. Jones was inspired by the beginning verses of 2 Timothy 3:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:"
Her words remind us where we are to place our faith and hope when chaos reigns around us.
The anchor she speaks of is our faith and hope in the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ.
But how can we be sure our anchor will hold? If you were to die today, do you know for sure you'll go to heaven?
The good news is, you can "be very sure" of your eternity in heaven with God. The Bible says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1Jn 5:13)
Here are eight simple truths, from the Bible, that will help you know for sure:
You are a sinner and don't deserve to go to Heaven. “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Rom 3:23)
The penalty for your sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death,” (Rom 6:23) If you die in your sin, you will spend eternity separated from God in Hell. “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev 20:14)
We can't do anything good enough on our own to pay for our sin and get to Heaven. “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5)
On the cross, Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)
Jesus not only died, but He also rose from the dead! “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1Co 15:3-4)
Jesus freely offers salvation to you with no strings attached. “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 6:23)
You accept the gift by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and confessing Him with your mouth. “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom 10:10)
You are 100% certain simply by believing the PROMISE of God. “For ‘WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.’”
(Rom 10:13)
As the ship comes safely into the harbor and anchors there in the calm waters, so is Jesus Christ, a sure and steadfast harbor for us to anchor our souls . The scriptures above show how you can be sure of your salvation in Him.
In times like these we need a Savior;
In times like these we need an anchor.
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Why not be 100% sure today?
A suggested prayer:
Dear God, I know I am a sinner, living in violation of You, and need forgiveness. I believe the Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died on the cross to pay the price for my sins. I believe Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death according to the scriptures. I receive Christ as my personal sin-bearer and Saviour. God save me. Amen.
Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour is the most important decision a person can make. If you have made this choice, it is your first priority to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. The first step is finding a church that obeys the Word of God and teaches the Word of God. If you need help taking this next step, you may contact me through this platform. I would be honored to be a part of your spiritual journey.
Whether you're a new believer or have been sitting long at His feet, you can know your life is secure in Him.
Shalom.
Photo Credit: @andreabogdan on unsplash