I Will Accept Jesus

No creature can escape unmoved His touch,
Nor enter His presence and escape unchanged;
His staff is in His hand and effects much,
The reconciled, as well as the estranged!
The Hebrews went free to Egypt's dismay,
And Canaan resisted, without avail;
To some, comfort; to others, reckoning day,
But upon all, His cleansing does prevail!
God freely gives; as freely, takes away;
Yet, in either case, praise to His holy name!
For good comes, even of the darkest day,
When you, in all things, praise, instead of blame!
Seek the favor of God, rather than flee;
His chastisement, and blessing, both good for thee!

Nearly every Christian has periods when he doubts his salvation; this can be a terrible burden for some; yet in most cases it is needless. There are many assurances given in the Bible that, carefully read and trusted, will remove such doubts. Here are two passages that, studied carefully, will remove them.

Romans Chapter 8---The Indwelling Holy Spirit. If you have the Holy Spirit indwelling you, it is a sure sign that you are saved. Romans 8:16---"The Spirit himself testifies unto our spirit that we are the Lord's chidren." Many people accept Christ, walk down the aisle in a public commitment, and are baptized; afterwards, they do little or nothing about changing their lifestyle to one that is outlined by Jesus in Matthew 5-7. Neither do they set up a daily time of Bible study and prayer, nor call upon the Holy Spirit who entered their bodies at conversion. As a result, when asked years later if the Holy Spirit indwells them, they shake their heads vaguely, having no overt knowledge of the Spirit. What has happened is that by not calling upon Him daily, the Holy Spirit has remained dormant; the person has not changed his sin nature to the new Christ-like nature. He may be saved by his first belief, but he may not be. If a new Christian asks the Spirit to help him in making decisions, in understanding the Bible, in changing the direction of his life--the Holy Spirit will be an intimate, obvious friend for the rest of his life. He will have no doubt about his salvation

2 Peter Chapter 1 tells us clearly what we must do to receive a "rich welcome" into heaven. Having faith in Jesus as Lord can save us, but if faith is all we have, we may fall. We need to add to faith: Goodness; Bible Knowledge; Self Control; Perseverance; Godliness; Brotherly Kindness; and Love.

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
(2 Peter 1:10-11)