Living in the Garden of Grace: Blessed Assurance
Reflections on David Kuykendall’s Living in the Garden of Grace
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)
Assurance Amidst Doubts
Even for true believers, doubts about salvation can sometimes creep in, creating seasons of agony and uncertainty. A young Christian man, home from military service abroad, expressed this deeply:
“While I was overseas, I went through a period of doubt about my salvation. You cannot imagine the agony of such an experience.”
This young man’s experience is not unique. Many believers face moments of doubt, wondering if they truly belong to the Lord. The good news is that God provides blessed assurance, giving us solid ground on which to stand in confidence as His children.
The Impact of Doubt
When a believer doubts their salvation, it often affects every aspect of their spiritual life. Prayer becomes uneasy, Bible reading and study feel strained, and efforts to share Christ seem hollow. Assurance, on the other hand, allows us to walk in peace and confidence, knowing we are securely held by our loving Father.
Signs of Salvation
The Apostle John, in his first epistle, offers several evidences of true salvation:
Obedience to God's Commands
"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." (1 John 2:3)
The life of a believer is marked by a desire to walk in obedience to the Lord, reflecting His character in everyday choices.Love for Fellow Believers
"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren." (1 John 3:14)
Genuine love for other believers is a hallmark of the new life in Christ.God’s Love Within Us
"Love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." (1 John 4:7)
The love of God flows through those who are born of Him, enabling us to love in ways that reflect His heart.
These evidences are present in all who belong to Christ, but they become even more pronounced when we are filled with the Spirit.
The Spirit’s Witness
The most personal assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit Himself:
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)
This inner confirmation, given by the Holy Spirit, reassures our hearts of our secure place in God’s family. When we are filled with the Spirit and walk in fellowship with Him, this witness becomes more evident, allowing us to rest in blessed assurance.
Living in Assurance
If you find yourself doubting your salvation:
Examine the Evidences: Reflect on the signs of salvation in 1 John. Do you see a desire for obedience, love for others, and God’s love flowing through you?
Abide in Christ: Let His Spirit fill you moment by moment, bringing clarity and confidence to your heart.
Rest in God’s Promises: Trust in what the Lord has said about those who belong to Him. He is faithful to His Word.
A Prayer of Assurance
Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation and for the witness of Your Spirit, assuring me that I am Your child. When doubts arise, I choose to rest in Your promises and trust in the transforming work You have done in my life. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may live in the fullness of blessed assurance. Amen.
A Final Thought
God never intended for His children to live in fear or uncertainty about their salvation. His Spirit is within us, testifying to our identity as His beloved children. As we abide in Him and walk in His Spirit, we can rest in the unshakable confidence of our eternal security.