FULL ASSURANCE!

Sunday, July 28, 2019

FULL ASSURANCE!

Three times in our English Bible we read the phrase “full assurance.” It will be interesting to note the meaning and contexts.

1.      FULL ASSURANCE OF UNDERSTANDING!

Col 2:2

2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

           The word “understanding” is translated from the word “sunesis” which means “mentally putting it all together.” The idea is that the mind gathers facts and proofs and then puts it all together into full understanding. Paul linked together a chain of reasoning in the book of Romans which instructs us here.

Rom 10:14

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

2.      FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE!

Heb 6:8-12

8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

           Salvation, when it comes, brings with it many things that confirm the relationship. Works and labors of love which spring from a new and inner character confirm that salvation has taken place. The works did not produce salvation but always “accompany” salvation, as verse 9 says.  The writer wants his readers to enjoy a full anticipation of things in store for those who are saved.

3.      FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH!

Heb 10:19-22

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

           Because Jesus entered into the veil and sprinkled the Mercy Seat with his own redeeming blood, we can be fully assured that God will accept us and receive us. The blood gives us new status by washing away everything that offends. Remember that these words were written to Hebrews as the name of the book indicates. Leviticus 16:4 and Numbers 8:7 tell us that the priests and Levites first must wash their flesh with water before serving. The writer refers to the ceremony of washings and to the sprinkling of blood.

Dear Lord, I have assurance of understanding because of your precious word. I have assurance of hope because I love to do your will. I have assurance of faith because of your precious blood. Thank you that I do not need to doubt. AMEN