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Dear Guide Readers,

Someone recently wrote on the Guide discussion board that they were feeling pretty insecure about their salvation. They didn’t feel assured that they would "make it" to heaven.

Maybe you feel the same way.

Did you know that the Bible provides bunches of promises and statements that can turn your insecurity into assurance? It's true. It doesn't get much plainer than this: "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13), NIV).

Now, frankly, Satan loves it when we are unsure about how we stand with God. It makes the Savior's death seem like it was not quite enough to get the job done. Listen to me: if you are feeling insecure about your salvation, picture Jesus on the cross and then ask yourself, Is there something I can do to ensure my salvation that Jesus didn't do on the cross for me?

Allow me to suggest a better question: "What can I do to show how grateful I am for what Jesus has already done for me on the cross?" Many, many Adventists do not feel assured about their salvation. I believe this is a tragedy and an insult to Jesus’ precious gift on Calvary.

Read on in 1 John 5: "We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps him safe" (verse 18).

Does that sound like God is telling us to feel insecure?

Now, does that mean that we go around bragging that we’re saved? No. It simply means that we face the future with confident joy in Jesus’ amazing gift of grace.

Guide readers, verse after verse in the Bible provides strong assurance of salvation for the one who trusts in and walks with Jesus. I didn't say for the one who walks perfectly with Jesus. I said for the one who trusts in and walks with Jesus.

Choose to face the future with godly confidence, and share the good news with others, OK?

Your buddy,

Randy Fishell

a.k.a. Guide Editor and The Good Humor Guy