These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13, NASB).
The apostle John tells us that he is writing this letter in order to help believers come to a settled knowledge of their own salvation. There are many sources from which assurance of faith may come: the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16), the promises of God in His Word, etc.
However, John points us to a different source from which assurance may be derived. He states that he has written “these things” so that we may know that we have eternal life. What things? These “things” are evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. These “things” are spiritual vital signs. When they are present, we may know that we are alive in Christ.
The first sign is a growing sensitivity to sin; a willingness to acknowledge, confess, and repent of sin. This is evidence of spiritual life. 1 John 1:8-10 states, 8“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.”
The Christian, far from being sinless, is painfully aware of how far he falls short. The growing believer is becoming more and more sensitive to the sin that remains in his life, and by the work of the Holy Spirit, is confessing his sin, turning away from his sin, and experiencing the forgiveness of Jesus. The presence of sin in your life is no proof that you are not saved. In fact, it may be evidence that you are a child of God!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for grace that is greater than our sin. Grant that we will grow more and more sensitive to the sin that remains in our lives, and that we will readily confess our sin, and run from our sin into the waiting arms of Jesus. Amen.