March 6, 2013 (Wednesday)
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life”―1 John 5:13 NASB
A word we learned long ago is used very rarely in ordinary conversation: “syllogism.” An oversimplified definition is, “a conclusion is drawn from two statements.” For example: 1. On a windy day the wind blows hard. 2. The wind is blowing hard today. Therefore, 3. Today is a windy day. We draw such conclusions often.
Sometimes the logic is faulty. For example: 1.Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were Pharisees. 2.The Pharisees hated Jesus. Therefore, 3.Nicodemus and Joseph hated Jesus. Not true. These two Pharisees were secret disciples. The truth became known when Jesus died. They were the ones who claimed the body and supplied a tomb.
Another example of faulty logic was Judas Iscariot. Statements: 1.Judas was a Disciple. 2.The Disciples loved Jesus. Therefore, 3.Judas loved Jesus. This conclusion is doubtful, since Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
Who’s who? Some people claim to be Christians, but they are not. How can we know if they are true believers? The truth is, only they themselves and God know. The day will come when the grain shall be separated from the chaff, which is a picturesque Bible statement about the eventual separation of the saved from the lost, and then everyone will know.
Can you know whether or not you are saved? Can you say with the Apostle Paul, “I know whom I have believed?” Yes, you can know. If there is any doubt, you need to get the matter settled once for all. A man asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Their reply: “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.” Accept Him into your heart as your Savior and Lord. Please do it today. Right now. You can be among those who sing, “Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me, Not for the years of time alone, But for Eternity.”