“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬

Man’s imagination sees salvation this way: “These happy feelings I have given to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may hope that you have eternal life.”

Now open your Bible to 1 John 5:13 and compare man’s imagination with God’s Word, which says: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”

If you want to be sure of your salvation, don’t rely on the unstable testimony of your inward emotions. Instead, listen to the infallible Word of God: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47).

Many people are troubled by the opinions of others or by the feelings of their own hearts. Only when they receive the assurance of God’s Word does certainty replace doubt.

When God speaks, there must be certainty—whether in pronouncing the damnation of the unbeliever or the salvation of the believer. “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). His Word settles everything. “Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).

But you may ask, “How can I be sure that I have enough of the right kind of faith?” It isn’t a question of the kind or amount of your faith, but of the trustworthiness of the Person in whom you place your faith. Do you have confidence in the right Person—the Son of God?

Make sure your confidence is not based on good works, religious activities, feelings, or moral training. You may have the strongest faith in such things and still perish eternally. But the feeblest faith in Christ saves forever; the strongest faith in self is worthless.

The outward look brings inward peace. When a man turns his face toward the sun, his shadow falls behind him. You cannot look at yourself and at a glorified Christ in heaven at the same time. God’s Son wins your confidence, His finished work makes you eternally secure, and God’s Word gives you the certainty of salvation.