I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the request that we have asked of him.1
Joel prophesied about a time that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.2 John wrote unashamed, exhorting and assuring those who believe in the name of the Son of God that they have eternal life. Paul likewise reminds Timothy, “The Lord knows those who are his,” . . .3 Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes . . .4
Now more than ever people need to hear the gospel. This world needs redemption. The world has been deluded into thinking that it can thrive apart from the presence of God. We have been fooled by the thief whose ploy is to steal and kill and destroy.5 Thus, we spiral downward with excruciating (Latin, out of the cross) agony. Our hearts have a huge void; it has a deep longing for truth, love, forgiveness, justice and only Jesus can fill. He grants a peace that goes beyond understanding that guards our hearts.6
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.7
For those who are in Christ, this is our confidence—In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.8 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.9
Not so for the wicked, for even their sacrifice is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who pursues righteousness. There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.10 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.11
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, . . . but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.12 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.13
Notes:
1. 1 John 5:13-15
2. Joel 2:32
3. 2 Timothy 2:19
4. Romans 1:16
5. John 10:10
6. Philippians 4:7
7. Joel 2:12-13
8. Ephesians 1:13-14
9. Romans 8:14
10. Proverbs 15:8-10
11. Proverbs 15:29
12. 2 Timothy 1:8-10
13. John 17:3
