Assurance, Importance Of

ASSURANCE, IMPORTANCE OF

After John Wesley had been preaching for some time, some one said to him, “Are you sure, Mr. Wesley, of your salvation?”

“Well,” he answered, “Jesus Christ died for the whole world.”

“Yes, we all believe that; but are you sure that you are saved?”

Wesley replied that he was sure that provision had been made for his salvation.

“But are you sure, Wesley, that you are saved?”

It went like an arrow to his heart, and he had no rest or power until that question was settled.

Many men and many women go on month after month, and year after year, without power, because they do not know their standing in Christ; they are not sure of their own footing for eternity.

Hugh Latimer wrote Nicholas Ridley once that when he was settled and steadfast about his own salvation he was as bold as a lion, but if that hope became eclipsed he was fearful and afraid and was disqualified for service.  On Oct 16, 1555, Nicolas Ridley and Hugh Latimer were lead to their martyrdom for refusing to recant their faith. Ridley came fully robed, as he would be dressed as a Bishop.  Latimer, wore a simple frieze frock. The seventy-year-old Latimer followed feebly behind Ridley. Ridley gave his clothes away to those standing by. Latimer quietly stripped to his shroud. "And though in his clothes he appeared a withered, crooked old man, he now stood bolt upright". As they were fastened to their stakes, Ridley’s brother tied a bag of gunpowder to both of their necks. And then, as a burning faggot was laid at the feet of Ridley, Latimer spoke his famous words:

"Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle. By God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."

Many are disqualified for service because they are continually doubting their own salvation.

[Moody’s Anecdotes, Page 101-102]