Wednesday, Jan 1

Scriptures: Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Philippians 1:6b (NIV) – “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Message: The question of assurance in salvation is one that nearly every believer wrestles with. How can we know — truly and confidently — that we are saved? Thankfully, Scripture provides clarity, comfort, and confirmation – for those who trust in Jesus Christ.

Our assurance does not rest on our feelings – which fluctuate – yet on the unchanging promises of God.

Salvation is not earned — it is a gift – one we do not deserve – yet freely given to all who believe.

When we place our faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross, we are saved. We are secure – not because we hold tightly to Him – but because He holds tightly to us.

He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, and He never loses even one from His flock. We need to feast on these words as we look towards Jesus’ birth this Advent season.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is another assurance. The Holy Spirit assures us of our standing with God and begins to transform us. We begin to bear fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and more (see Galatians 5:22–23). This transformation is evidence of the new life we have in Christ. True, life-saving faith, always results in change. That spiritual growth — even when slow — is a sign of genuine faith.

Doubt often enters when we focus on ourselves: our failures, our weakness, or our past. Yet our confidence is not found in our faithfulness — it is found in God’s faithfulness. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) assures us that God finishes what He starts.

Assurance comes from believing the Gospel: Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again. If you believe in Him, confess Him as Lord, and trust in Him — you are saved.

Prayer: Jesus, Your coming birth reminds us of Your holiness, and our need to surrender to You. As we trust in You, we rest in Your promise: the Good Shepherd never loses one of His sheep. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.

Jim Esch