Insights on 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude by Charles R. Swindoll

Author:Charles R. Swindoll [Swindoll, Charles R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: RELIGION / Biblical Commentary / New Testament
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2018-06-05T00:00:00+00:00

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APPLICATION: 1 JOHN 3:11-24

You and Your Conscience

Who of us hasn’t looked at our lives at a low point and seen a little more Cain than Christ? This understandably leads many people to start questioning the genuineness of their faith and the prospect of their eternal life. “If I’m really saved,” they think, “why am I thinking and talking and acting like a lost person?” All of us have similar battles with a guilty conscience—especially those of us with very sensitive consciences or those of us who were raised in an environment that was big on guilt, shame, and holding our mistakes against us.

On the other hand, most of us have also felt the reassurance of a clear conscience, when we’ve reached “cruising altitude” in our Christian life and readily feel the Spirit working through us. Sometimes we turn away from temptations that normally drag us down . . . or we find ourselves saying and doing Christlike things in a way that surprises us . . . or we demonstrate a love for others we didn’t know we had in us!

Most of the time, though, the normal Christian life is lived somewhere in between soaring in the clouds of spiritual triumph and dragging along the ground of spiritual defeat. It’s in this middle space that nagging doubts creep in, making us wonder whether we’re more like Cain or more like Christ. What do we do when we begin to have doubts about our salvation? How do we minister to others who lack assurance because of sin in their lives? Let me offer three thoughts in response to 1 John 3:12-24 to help us or those we know to have assurance.

First, when your conscience accuses you, look back and ask why. You’re going along pretty well and suddenly your inner alarm goes off and says, “Stop right there. That wasn’t right.” Don’t just ignore that pricking of the conscience. It’s given to you as a gift, not to cause you to doubt your salvation, but to live out the salvation you have in a way that pleases God. When the alarm of your conscience is tripped, deal with it. Maybe you spoke impatiently with a brother or sister in Christ, and you need to mend that relationship. Maybe you made a decision motivated by pride, greed, or envy, and you need to reconsider. Maybe you’ve been drifting from a close fellowship with God and His people, and your conscience is raising a red flag, prompting you to reflect on your priorities. Whatever the case may be, rather than ignoring your conscience, ask why. Let your conscience drive you to Christ. Your response should be confession and repentance.

Second, when your heart affirms you, look around and see why. You might see fellow believers in Christ who care for you and share with you. You might see those to whom you’ve ministered become fellow children of God. Or perhaps you’ll notice the blessings that are often easy to overlook: family, friends, a good job, a great church, health, and happiness.

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