10 THE PERSUASION

THE PERSUASION

"I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day!" 2 Timothy 1:12

Paul knew Jesus, and so knew him—that he had no doubt of both his ability and willingness to take care of him. It is a great thing to know Christ. To know . . .
who he is—the Son of God;
what he is—the only Savior;
where he is— at the right hand of God;
what he has done—provided a full salvation;
what he is doing—making intercession for his people.

If we know Jesus, we shall commit our souls to him. We shall put ourselves into his hands, to be . . .
washed in his blood,
clothed in his righteousness,
sanctified by his Spirit, and
to be kept by his power, through faith, unto perfect salvation. My friend—you sincerely know Jesus—do you not? His name has been music in your ears, and his glorious work the only foundation of your hope. You have committed your soul into the hands of Jesus—have you not? Then you are safe—and you should be at peace. Jesus never refuses to receive a soul that hastens to him, and he never fails to keep one whom he receives. He has kept you in time past, you are a proof of his faithfulness at present, and he will keep you to the very end! He is able to keep you: however weak you are, whatever you suffer, though the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking to devour you!

Jesus will keep you . . .
if your eye is fixed on him,
if your heart rests on his Word, and
if you plead with him in simple prayer to do so.

Though you are weak—Jesus is strong!

Though you are shaken with the wind—Jesus is as stable as the solid rock!

Though you have fears—Jesus is faithful!

He will perfect that which concerns you; his mercy endures forever, nor will he forsake the work of his own hands. Place your confidence in him, though you are a poor, sinful, unworthy creature—and he will keep you in perfect peace.

"You will keep in perfect peace—all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock!" Isaiah 26:3-4