Assurance in Christ

Welcome, dear friends, to another vital study in our series on God's Dwelling Place and the Sanctuary Message. As we delve into the deep truths of the sanctuary, we often encounter the theme of judgment and cleansing. For some, the idea of judgment can bring feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. However, the good news of the gospel, beautifully illuminated by the sanctuary message, is that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can have full confidence and assurance in the face of judgment. Our lesson today, "Assurance in Christ," will explore how God's incredible grace provides a solid foundation for peace and certainty, even as the heavenly sanctuary work culminates in cleansing and vindication.

No Condemnation for Those in Christ

One of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture speaks directly to our fears about judgment. It declares our standing when we are truly connected to Jesus:

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:1

What a powerful declaration! "No condemnation." This means no judgment, no guilt, no sentence of eternal loss. This assurance is not based on our own perfect performance, but on our relationship with Christ. To be "in Christ Jesus" means that we have accepted Him as our Savior, surrendered our lives to Him, and by faith, His righteousness is credited to us. Because Jesus lived a perfect life and died a substitutionary death for our sins, He has fully satisfied the demands of God's holy law. When we are in Him, His perfect record becomes ours, and the judgment that would otherwise fall upon us is removed.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:17

Christ's mission was not condemnation, but salvation. When we accept His salvation, we move from a state of condemnation to one of grace and acceptance.

Our Advocate and High Priest

Even as the cleansing of the sanctuary takes place, signifying a time of judgment and review, we are not left alone. We have a powerful representative in heaven, our High Priest, Jesus Christ. He stands as our Advocate:

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2

An advocate is someone who pleads on behalf of another. Jesus, our righteous Advocate, presents His perfect life and atoning sacrifice on our behalf. He is the "propitiation"—the appeasing sacrifice—that satisfies God's justice. His work in the heavenly sanctuary ensures that those who have confessed their sins and put their faith in Him are covered by His grace.

The book of Hebrews further emphasizes His role as our High Priest, one who understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Because Jesus experienced humanity, He can sympathize with our struggles. He invites us to come boldly to God's throne, not with fear, but with confidence, knowing He is there to secure mercy and grace for us. This continuous intercession is a cornerstone of our assurance.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

His living intercession means His work for us is ongoing and complete.

Knowing You Have Eternal Life

The assurance Christ offers is not a vague hope, but a definite knowledge. God wants us to be certain of our salvation:

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13

Notice the word "know." God desires for His children to have a settled conviction that they possess eternal life right now, not just hope to have it someday. This knowledge comes from believing in the name of the Son of God, which implies a trust in His character, His sacrifice, and His promises.

Jesus Himself affirmed this certainty:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24

This is a present possession: "hath everlasting life." And a definite future: "shall not come into condemnation." Our assurance rests on the unchanging word of God and the finished work of Christ, not on our fluctuating feelings or perfect performance. It is a gift received by faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

This assurance empowers us to live for Christ, knowing our salvation is secure in Him.

Living in Confident Expectation

The assurance we have in Christ does not lead to complacency but to a confident and transformed life. It inspires us to press forward, knowing God is at work within us:

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philippians 1:6

God is faithful to complete what He starts. If He has begun a work of grace in your heart, you can trust that He will bring it to completion. This confidence anchors us through trials and temptations, knowing that our ultimate destiny is in His hands.

Furthermore, this assurance frees us from fear of any power, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love:

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

This is the ultimate assurance! Our salvation and our relationship with God are so firmly established in Christ that no force in the universe can break that bond. This understanding brings profound peace and allows us to face the future, including the final judgment, with calm and joyful expectation.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:1

Peace with God is the fruit of justification by faith, and it removes the fear of judgment.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the cleansing and vindication associated with the sanctuary message, let us remember that for the believer, this is not a time for dread but for assurance. Through faith in Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest and Advocate, we stand without condemnation. His sacrifice is sufficient, His intercession is continuous, and His promises are eternal. We can "know that we have eternal life" because of His unfailing love and power. Let this assurance fill your heart with peace, strengthen your faith, and inspire you to live fully for the One who has done so much for you.

Reflection Questions

1. Read Romans 8:1-4. What does it mean to you personally to have "no condemnation" in Christ Jesus? How does this truth impact your daily walk?
2. Consider 1 John 2:1-2 and Hebrews 4:14-16. How does knowing Jesus is your Advocate and High Priest strengthen your confidence in the face of judgment?
3. According to 1 John 5:13, God wants us to "know that ye have eternal life." What steps can you take to deepen this knowledge and assurance in your own heart?
4. How does the assurance described in Philippians 1:6 and Romans 8:38-39 affect your perspective on future challenges or even the end of time events?
5. What is the difference between true biblical assurance and presumption? How can we ensure our confidence is rooted in Christ and not in ourselves?