"Resting in the Assurance of Christ's Love"

As we come to the conclusion of Boston's series, "What if I Doubt that I am a Real Christian?"

We have explored the various cases of doubt and the ways in which believers can find assurance amidst these trials. Boston has aimed to provide both clarity and comfort to Christians who may be grappling with doubts and uncertainties. Let us further reflect upon the critical concept that our faith, albeit imperfect and weak, should not distance us from Christ but instead remind us of our need for Him. Throughout the Christian life, believers inevitably face moments of weakness and failure. These instances can often give rise to doubt and anxiety, leaving us to question our place in God's family. Yet, it is vital to remember that the very essence of the Gospel lies in our dependence on Christ and His work on the cross. The Scripture emphasizes that our righteousness is not our own, but solely Christ's, imputed to us by grace, through faith alone (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, we must never allow our personal inadequacies or shortcomings to separate us from the loving embrace of our Savior. In our moments of weakness and failure, we must remember that Christ is the bread of life (John 6:35), given to us precisely because of our inherent frailty and need for redemption. He did not come to save the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17). This understanding should lead us not to despair in our imperfections but to cling even more closely to Christ, who alone can sustain us and make us whole. We must trust that His grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Moreover, the Scriptures offer the comforting assurance that our growth in holiness, is an ongoing process throughout our lives, rather than a one-time achievement. As we journey with Christ, we are continually being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18), and it is in this transformative process that our faith is strengthened and our assurance deepened. The Holy Spirit's work in conforming us to Chirst should serve as a reminder that our failures and weaknesses are not indicators of an absent or inadequate faith but rather opportunities for the Lord to shape us more into His likeness. When we wake up each morning feeling depleted or with an "empty tank," it serves as a reminder that we are not meant to face the world relying solely on our own strength or abilities. Instead, we are called to approach God in prayer, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and grace to sustain us through the day's challenges. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11), emphasizing our dependence on God for all our needs, both physical and spiritual. As we seek God's provision and guidance each day, we can trust that He will supply us with sufficient grace to navigate whatever obstacles we may face (2 Corinthians 12:9). Therefore, let us begin each day by humbly coming before God in prayer, recognizing our need for His presence and grace in our lives. In doing so, we can find strength and assurance that He will be with us throughout the day, empowering us to face whatever challenges may come our way. Those who are in Christ can have a deep-seated assurance for several reasons that are grounded in the foundational teachings of the Christian faith and the promises of God:

1. Salvation through Christ: The central message of Christianity is that Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, has atoned for our sins, providing salvation for all who believe in Him (John 3:16). This belief in Christ grants us assurance because it is the basis for our reconciliation with God and our eternal life with Him (Romans 5:1). We can know that in the covenant of His blood, He will no longer treat us as our sins justly deserve, but has transformed an enemy into a friend and granted us a seat at His table.

2. God's promises: Believing in Christ means trusting in the promises God has made in the Bible. These promises, such as forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9), eternal life (John 10:28), and the Holy Spirit's guidance (John 14:26), give us assurance because they are rooted in the unchanging character of God, who is faithful and trustworthy (Hebrews 10:23).

3. The indwelling Holy Spirit: When we believe in Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit serves as a "seal" and a "guarantee" of our inheritance, providing a constant source of comfort, guidance, and assurance of our salvation (2 Corinthians 1:22).

4. Christ's intercession: As believers, we have the assurance that Jesus Christ intercedes on our behalf before the Father (Romans 8:34). Knowing that Christ is advocating for us, despite our weaknesses and shortcomings, gives us confidence in our standing with God that our faith will never fail.

5. The transforming power of faith: Believing in Christ leads to a transformation of our lives, as we become "new creations" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This change in our hearts and actions serves as evidence of our faith and provides assurance that we belong to Christ (1 John 3:18-19).

As you continue your journey of faith, we hope that this book has provided you with a sense of renewed confidence and assurance in the face of doubt. Let us remember the words of the Apostle John, who urged believers to rest in the assurance that they have eternal life: "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). In closing, let us never forget the central message of this book: that true assurance is found not in our own strength or accomplishments but in Christ alone. As we press forward in our walk with the Lord, may we remain ever mindful of our need for His grace and forgiveness, and be encouraged by the knowledge that it is in our weakness that He is most glorified. No matter the depth of our doubt or the extent of our failures, let us continually draw near to Christ, the bread of life, who has been given to us for the very purpose of sustaining and nourishing our souls in this journey of faith.

-Thomas Boston