HOW MAY WE KNOW?

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 9, 1901

A CORRESPONDENT asks us the following questions:— “How may I know that I am a Christian? I read the Bible. I believe in Christianity. I pray. But I do not know that I am saved. How may I know?”

Our querist is evidently depending upon that unsafest of all tests—feeling. For the most righteous may be cast down. Even to our divine Lord His “soul was exceeding sorrowful;” and, amidst the darkness that enshrouded the cross, the Father’s presence seemed withdrawn, forcing from His anguished lips the agonizing cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

The only sure evidence is God’s Word twice told. That sufficient witness God gives to every one of His children. Consider for a while the following word:—

“If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching.” John 7:17, R.V.

This is an easy test, isn’t it? It does not even ask a man to do God’s will, as our common version indicates; but if any man willeth to do, if any man chooseth with all his heart to do God’s will, “he shall know.”

Now God’s will is irresistible and infinite. “He doeth according to His will; . . . and none can stay His hand.” He “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.”

He who possesses this mighty will loves His children with an infinite love. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

In His great love God sets His will for the salvation of all who believe. “For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation thru our Lord Jesus Christ.” “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” He proposes to make all who trust in Him “to the praise of the glory of His grace.” What more can He do?

God’s will is expressed in His holy Word. It is summarily comprehended in His law. Said Jesus thru the psalmist, “Lo, I come to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.”

Thus much for God’s part. Man’s is to choose to do God’s will, to yield all to the great Master, to keep back nothing of himself—his sins, his selfishness, his idols, his pride, his all, which Christ has purchased by His own blood—but to yield all, and let God do with it as He will. And it is His will that the sin shall be destroyed and the man saved. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That is plain, isn’t it? If we have sins unforgiven, it is our fault, isn’t it? If we are uncleaned, it is our fault, isn’t it?

But you say, “I have confessed my sins, but I do not know as I am forgiven.” Now one of two things is true; that is, you must believe, conclude, one of two things: Either you have not confessed all your sins, or else God is not “faithful and just.” Which is true? Do not try to get around it with an “if” or a “but.” Face it squarely.

You say that you have confessed every sin you know; you have by that confession put sin on one side, your deadly enemy, and yourself on the other. Then we say, on the authority of the Word, you are forgiven, you are cleansed. Do you believe that?

But you say, “I do not feel that I am forgiven.” Then you prefer to trust your “feeling” to God’s promise? You have not then separated from sin and self after all, have you? O, let the feeling forever go! Come to God, and confess your sin of unbelief, your idolatry of self, and praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, feeling or no feeling, that His Word is true, that “He is faithful and just,” that your sins are all forgiven. And then keep yielded. Ask for more of His grace. Yield day by day, moment by moment, to His service, and pray for His Spirit. He will give it as freely as He does His forgiveness if you ask for His glory. Ask in His way; believe in His way; submit to His will; and receive of His fulness. His Word of life will witness with His Word in you. You may know.