There were, unsurprisingly, loads of questions as we tackled the subject of judgement day off the back of Matthew 25:31-46 yesterday (sermon available here). Some will be answered next week as we move on to look at the Biblical reality of hell.
One we touched on very briefly was the very personal one - how can we be certain what will happen to us on judgment day? Which is obviously another way of asking how any of us can be sure that we have really been saved.
The good news for any of us struggling with this question is that there is a Bible book written especially for us - 1 John. In 1 John 5:13 the apostle says '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.' He put pen to paper to give his readers assurance that they were saved and so on the way to enjoying their eternal inheritance. So if you're lacking that certainty have a read of 1 John - it's the Biblical medicine you need.
As you read John's first letter you'll notice two great statements about God - God is light (1:5) and God is love (4:8). Tied to these two truths are two tests of genuine trust in Jesus: are we walking in the light (1:6-7)? And: are we loving like him (3:16-20)? But please note that perfection is not asked for - indeed any feeling of having arrived is warned against and forgiveness for failure promised to all those who ask for it (1:8-10). But what is made clear is that a genuine faith in Jesus is shown by actions - obedience to his commands, love for his people, and repentance when we have failed. As we look at the evidence of these things in our lives, John argues, we can be certain of where we're heading on that final day.
If you'd like any further help in understanding any of this do catch myself, any of the other pastors, or your small group leader(s).
