1 John 5:11-13. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 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.
Many believers struggle because they lack the assurance of salvation. As a result, they live without fully enjoying the blessings of the gospel and often devote their lives to things that have no eternal value. Many believe they can be saved by being religious, following rules, or doing good deeds. But even after trying these things, they still wonder why suffering and emptiness continue in their lives, failing to realize that “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
Scripture clearly teaches that every person is born into a state of condemnation under the curse of sin (Romans 3:23). Because of original sin, people live separated from God, following the ways of this world and under the control of the ruler of the kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2). They chase after things that cannot satisfy, living according to their fleshly cravings and desires (Ephesians 2:3).
They worship worldly things, trying to find meaning and fulfillment, but in the end they live in fear, anxiety, and unrest—never truly knowing peace because “there is no peace for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22). Here, the term ‘wicked’ concerns identity rather than mere behavior, specifically the state of living under the power of the devil and being separated from God.
But because of His great love for us, God did not leave us in that condition. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to bring us back to Himself (John 3:16). Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and to restore what was lost. When you believe that Jesus is the Christ—the Anointed One who solved the problem of sin, Satan, and separation from God—you are completely set free from the power of sin, the devil, and hell. You are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1). You are no longer bound. You are saved.
This salvation is not something you can earn or work for. It has been given to you freely by the grace of God. Religion says you must try harder or do more to be accepted by God. But the gospel says it is already finished—done (John 19:30). Salvation is not based on your good works but on what Christ has already accomplished.
As Scripture declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Good deeds do not qualify you for salvation. They are simply the result of it—an expression of thanksgiving and a visible confession of faith.
You have been given a new life in Christ; if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). You now live in true freedom with a new identity and a new purpose. You are no longer defined by your past or your failures. You are a child of God (John 1:12), called to a glorious task that God prepared for you in advance—to save lives and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:10).
So enjoy God’s grace in every circumstance. Confirm His promises throughout the day. Rely on the power of God in everything you do. As you walk in this assurance, you will witness God doing “great and unsearchable things” (Jeremiah 33:3) in and through your life. Salvation is not just about a future in heaven—it is about eternal life in the kingdom of God starting now, a life filled with peace, power, and purpose in Christ.
Prayer. Lord, I thank You for making me Your child when I believed that Jesus is the Christ. You have given me eternal salvation—not because of what I have done, but because of what Christ has finished. Thank You for being with me always, leading my life, and answering me in every situation. Thank You for blessing me with the identity and authority of a child of God. Help me grow strong in the grace of Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.