Literature Ministries International


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November 29, 2018

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THAT YOU MAY KNOW

"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."
1 John 5:13

Several years ago, Albert Einstein, the celebrated, renowned physicist, was honored by TIME magazine as the "Man of the Century." Einstein was traveling one day from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the isle, punching the tickets of each passenger. When he came to Dr. Einstein, Einstein reached into his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his other pocket. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. The conductor said, "Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it." Einstein nodded appreciatively.

The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, "Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one." Dr. Einstein looked at him and said, "Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is WHERE I'M GOING!"

Many today, even in our churches, are knowledgeable about the things of God, have been active in many humanitarian endeavors and are recognized by their friends and peers as good upright people. Sadly, many do not know, or have the assurance of where they are going. They may even be members of a church, active in its ministry, faithful in attendance, giving, and other outreach projects, but still without any assurance that heaven is their final destination. Many hope so, others think so, and others are trying their best through their works to make sure they make it so.

John said, "These things I write unto you..." What things is he talking about? He specifically emphasizes the essence of all he has written in the previous verses. "This is the record [this is the evidence], God has given unto us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son [he who has put his trust in Christ's atoning death on Calvary for his sins] has life, and this life is in His Son. He who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:11-12).

These are the words of God Himself. This is the testimony, witness, and covenant of God to all who believe. He has not tendered eternal life to us as a blessing to be earned, but as a free unmerited gift to be received. This eternal life, encompassing all the blessings of His grace and glory, is in Christ. We receive the "gift of God" when we believe in Christ as our Savior. Thus on the authority of God's Word we have eternal life by grace, through faith in what God has provided and what Jesus Christ has purchased for us by His substitutionary death on Calvary.

John said, "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." It is for us to claim by faith our salvation in Christ, which God in His condescending love has provided to all who will believe. Our assurance of eternal life rests in the integrity and validity of God Himself. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

I trust you not only know who you are but have the assurance based on the Word of God and the witness of the Holy Spirit within you, that you know where you are going!

© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.


This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2018-11-29


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