Having Certainty of Being Forgiven
Tim Conway teaches that true certainty of forgiveness comes from embracing Christ as the proper object of faith, grounded in the biblical reality of sin, judgment, and God’s promise of eternal life.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a conscience cleansed by the blood of Christ to approach God with peace and assurance. It delves into Hebrews 9 and 10, highlighting the need to be free from an aversion to God, a consciousness of sin, and dead works. The focus is on how the blood of Christ purifies the conscience, leading to a liberated conscience that allows for love, sincere faith, and a pure heart.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The reality of death and judgment is certain for all humanity
- Sin is a serious matter that culminates at the judgment seat of Christ
- Everyone must appear before God exposed and without disguise
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II
- Some will not come under judgment because of faith in Christ
- The imperative call to come to Jesus and receive eternal life
- The necessity of personal decision and acting upon oneself to come
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III
- The challenge of assurance: How do I know my sins are truly forgiven?
- Religious activity or belief is not enough without true faith in Christ
- The danger of wishful thinking and procrastination regarding repentance
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IV
- The importance of evaluating the facts of Scripture about sin and salvation
- The role of the Holy Spirit and the church in calling sinners to come
- The ongoing choice to serve God or reject Him
Key Quotes
“Just as it is appointed for me to die once, and after that comes my judgment.” — Tim Conway
“Judgment Day is no spectator sport... you and I must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” — Tim Conway
“Jesus said, Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life, he does not come into judgment.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Evaluate your faith honestly and ensure your trust is in Christ, not just in your decisions or feelings.
- Respond to the Spirit’s call to come to Jesus without delay, recognizing the certainty of death and judgment.
- Live with the awareness that you will stand before God exposed and accountable, motivating holy living and repentance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure that my sins are forgiven?
Assurance comes from trusting in Jesus Christ as the proper object of faith and responding to God's call to come, not merely from religious actions or feelings.
What happens after death according to Hebrews 9:27?
It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, where everyone must give account before God.
Does everyone who appears before the judgment seat of Christ come under judgment?
No, those who have eternal life through faith in Christ do not come into judgment, as Jesus promises in John 5:24.
Why is it important to act on oneself to come to Christ?
Because the call to come is in the middle voice, meaning the individual must actively respond and choose to embrace Christ personally.
Can election eliminate human choice in salvation?
No, election does not remove the responsibility to choose; Scripture calls each person to decide whom they will serve.