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Five Promises to Grow On
As you become Christ’s disciple, you’ll want to help others follow Him, too. For some 75 years, The Navigators has been teaching principles of discipleship. With new or struggling believers, we’ve learned to concentrate first on five promises from Scripture. These are five assurances to help Christians know “beyond a reasonable doubt” what God has promised to do for them.
1. Assurance of SalvationAm I totally forgiven just because I believe in Christ? Can getting to heaven be that simple?
“And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11,12).
Our enemy, Satan, loves to approach new believers and plant seeds of doubt. Although you won’t hear his audible voice, he may whisper in your mind, “You don’t think your sins are forgiven just by believing in Christ? Eternal life can’t be that easy!” Rely on God’s Word to resist this attack. On the basis of this “testimony”—God’s written Word—you can be convinced you have Jesus Christ, and with Him, eternal life.
2. Assurance of Answered Prayer
Does God really hear me when I pray? Will He answer me?
“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24b).
Maybe before you trusted Christ you prayed many times, especially when in trouble. Perhaps now you wonder why God would hear and act when you pray. As a believer you can ask in Jesus’ name because you belong to Him and trust Him to answer in the way He thinks is best.
3. Assurance of Victory
How can I ever overcome this sin?
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Knowing that God promises help in temptation will allow you to ward off Satan’s attacks. You may feel weak and powerless to stand against lifetime habits that you know displease God. You’re no longer in this alone! Watch for how He provides ways of escape for you.
4. Assurance of Forgiveness
I’ve sinned—blown it again. Am I no longer a Christian?
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Although victory over sin is rightfully yours, at times you’ll miss the way of escape. God makes provision in His Word for the failures of His children. “Own up” to your sin and rely on His promise to forgive and make you clean again.
5. Assurance of Guidance
How can I do God’s will in my life? Will He show me what to do?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5,6).
Do you wonder how this new life of yours will work out? God promises to lead you as you rely on Him. Lean on His wisdom and be assured He will guide you in all areas of your life.
These promises are highlighted in the Bible study book Lessons on Assurance, published by NavPress. To order, go to www.navpress.com.
More articles from our flagship publication One-to-One Ministry Review.
