1 John 5:13-15
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. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
I try to assume the best about people’s intentions, but I have to admit that I’ve grown jaded about the ability of restaurants to give us what we ask for when we order carry-out meals. Sometimes they forget the croutons or put sour cream right on top instead of on the side. Sometimes they put the wrong toppings on a hamburger. Sometimes side dishes are missing altogether. In this life of troubles, I suppose a couple of mistakes on a carry-out order isn’t the end of the world. But it’s disappointing all the same. We all want to get what we ask for, don’t we? Well, from the ridiculous to the sublime, we can trust that God always, always gives us what we ask for “according to his will.” In other words, if we ask God for something – in fact, for anything – that conforms with his desire for us or that is consistent with the many great promises He has made us, then He will give us exactly what we want.
The most wonderful and precious example of this is the gift of eternal life. If you ask God for salvation through Jesus Christ, you can know for sure, with complete confidence, that He has given it to you. We know from a multitude of Biblical promises that God desires for all people to be saved through faith in Jesus. God wants this for us so much that He sent his own Son to die on our behalf. He has done everything necessary for you to be saved, even inviting you to find eternal life through the message of salvation presented clearly in scripture. So, if you ask God for eternal life through Jesus, you can be sure it’s yours.
The truth is, many people wrestle with doubts about eternity. Even church-going, Bible-reading Christians often worry about the certainty of their salvation. How can I know for sure? That is exactly the issue John addresses in this passage. He understood, maybe from his own personal experience, that we often fret over our salvation, so John, under the Spirit’s inspiration, assures us with these wonderful words: “we know that we have what we asked of him.” It’s a done deal. It’s already accomplished. There is no speculation or hesitation or ambiguity in these words. We know that we have eternal life through Jesus our Savior. How can we know for sure? Because God has promised, and He is always faithful.
Thank You, Father, for the assurance of salvation and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I believe Your word, and I trust all Your promises. Help me to overcome my doubts and fears so I can live with the certainty of faith, through Jesus my Savior. Amen.
____________________________
Pastor Mike Mirakian
