Know So

“The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us." 
 1 John 1:2 (NIV)

What if the thing standing between you and certainty is not more information, but one decision you haven't fully made?

John writes his letter to two groups of people. One group is certain they are going to Heaven, but isn't. The other is going to Heaven, but is uncertain. He uses the word "know" thirty-nine times, instead of “hope” or “feel” because Jesus didn't die on the cross to give you a hope-so or feel-so salvation. Jesus died and rose again to give you a know-so salvation.

Yogi Berra once said, "Be careful, if you don't know where you're going, you might not get there." But be just as careful if you think you do know, because you still might not get there if you're not going the right way.

The right way is a Person. John says it this way: "We proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us" (1 John 1:2, NIV). Jesus doesn't hand you eternal life the way a clerk hands you a receipt. He is eternal life, and when you place your personal trust in Him, that certainty comes with the relationship.

If you have never done that, today is the day. Tell Him you believe He died for you, that He rose again, and that you are trusting Him completely. That is where know-so begins.

And if you have already done that but still wonder whether you are truly secure in Christ, say this out loud right now. "I have trusted Jesus Christ, and I am not guessing anymore." That is a know-so salvation, and it is exactly what Jesus rose from the grave to give you.

Prayer: Lord, I don't want a hope-so faith. Right now I place my trust in You completely, not in a feeling, but in the Person who is eternal life. I believe You died for me and rose again. Help me rest in that assurance today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.