These things have I written unto you
William MacDonald emphasizes that assurance of salvation is grounded firmly in the Word of God rather than fluctuating feelings, encouraging believers to trust Scripture as the ultimate witness to their eternal life.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the vital truth that assurance of salvation is rooted in the Word of God rather than in emotional experiences. Drawing from 1 John 5:13 and other Scriptures, he highlights how believers can confidently know they have eternal life. MacDonald also references historical Christian leaders who affirmed this biblical foundation for assurance. This message encourages Christians to anchor their faith in Scripture and the Spirit's testimony through the Word.
Text
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)
Some of us will be eternally thankful to God for this verse because it taught us that assurance of salvation comes first and foremost through the Word of God and not through feelings. The Bible was written, among other reasons, so that those who believe on the Name of the Son of God can know that they have eternal life.
We can be thankful that assurance does not come through feelings, because they fluctuate with every passing day. “God does not ask the soul to say, ‘Thank God I feel so good,’ but turns the eye another way, to Jesus and His Word.” When someone once asked Martin Luther, “Do you feel that your sins have been forgiven?” he replied, “No, but I’m as sure of it as that there’s a God in heaven. For feelings come and feelings go/ And feelings are deceiving/ My warrant is the Word of God/ Naught else is worth believing.” C. I. Scofield reminds us that “justification takes place in the mind of God and not in the nervous system of the believer.” H. A. Ironside used to say, “I don’t know I am saved because I feel happy, but I feel happy because I know I am saved.” And he knew he was saved by the written Word of God.
When we read that the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God (Romans 8:16), we must remember that the Spirit witnesses to us primarily through the Scriptures. We read John 6:47, for instance, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” We know that we have trusted in Christ for our eternal salvation; He is our only hope for heaven. The Spirit of God therefore witnesses to us through this verse that we are sons of God.
Of course, there are other means of assurance. We know we are saved because we love the brethren; because we hate sin and practice righteousness; because we love the Word of God; and because we have the instinct of prayer. But the first and fundamental means of assurance is the surest, most dependable thing in the universe, the Word of God. George Cutting said it well in his memorable tract Safety, Certainty and Enjoyment: “It’s the blood that makes us safe; it’s the Word that makes us sure.”
Sermon Outline
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I
- The purpose of 1 John 5:13
- Assurance based on the Word, not feelings
- Examples from Christian leaders on assurance
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II
- The Spirit's witness through Scripture
- Key Bible verses affirming eternal life
- The role of faith in Jesus Christ
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III
- Other evidences of salvation
- Love for brethren and hatred of sin
- The primacy of the Word for assurance
Key Quotes
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” — William MacDonald
“God does not ask the soul to say, ‘Thank God I feel so good,’ but turns the eye another way, to Jesus and His Word.” — William MacDonald
“It’s the blood that makes us safe; it’s the Word that makes us sure.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Rely on the promises of Scripture to find assurance of your salvation rather than your changing feelings.
- Regularly meditate on key Bible verses that affirm your identity as a child of God.
- Cultivate love for fellow believers and a hatred of sin as evidence of genuine faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure I have eternal life?
Assurance comes primarily through trusting the promises of Scripture, especially verses like 1 John 5:13, rather than relying on fluctuating feelings.
Why shouldn't I depend on my feelings for assurance?
Feelings are unstable and can deceive, whereas the Word of God is a sure and unchanging foundation for assurance.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in assurance?
The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit, primarily through the Scriptures, confirming our identity as children of God.
Are there other signs of salvation besides Scripture?
Yes, love for fellow believers, hatred of sin, a desire for righteousness, and a prayerful life also serve as evidences of genuine faith.
Who are some Christian leaders that support this view?
Figures like Martin Luther, C. I. Scofield, and H. A. Ironside emphasized assurance based on the Word rather than feelings.