Assurance Deficit Disorder

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. 
1 John 5:13 (ESV)

I have never doubted Teresa’s love for me, and I have never doubted my call to the ministry. But I freely admit there have been times when I have doubted my salvation.

People say I’ve got ADD, and I do, in more ways than one. At times I have suffered from Assurance Deficit Disorder. I have wondered, “Have I truly been born again?”

Maybe you know that feeling. You want to be saved, but you just aren’t sure.

John writes the entire letter of 1 John to cure that disorder. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (5:13, ESV). John is obsessed with that word “know.” He uses it 38 times.

The cross doesn’t give you a “hope so,” “think so,” or “feel so” salvation. It gives you a “know so” salvation. God doesn’t want you wandering in a desert of doubt. He wants you walking on the avenue of assurance.

So write 1 John 5:13 on an index card tonight and tape it to your bathroom mirror. When that old voice whispers that you’re not really saved, read it out loud and say, “God wrote this so I would know.” Let God’s words be your answer in the mirror, or in the waiting room, or even at 3:00 AM, when you are sleepless and feel anxious.

You don’t have to live with Assurance Deficit Disorder another day. God has already written the prescription.

Prayer: Father, You know the nights I’ve wondered whether I really belong to You. Thank You for writing these words so I would know. Replace my “hope so” with a “know so” and let me rest in what You’ve promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.