Police Devotion 2-23-2017
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12).
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who have the Son—that is, the Son of God, Jesus—and those who don’t. Those who have Jesus have eternal life, and those who don’t, don’t have it. By the way, this verse isn’t about earthly life; it is about eternal life. Even an atheist or a devil worshipper has earthly life. But when you’ve received Jesus as your personal Saviour, you have eternal life. The Bible says so.
When you have Jesus, you never have to worry that you won’t go to heaven because the Bible says, “He that hath the Son hath life.” Verses like this are in the Bible so people who’ve received Jesus as Saviour won’t need to doubt if they’ll get to heaven. In fact, 1 John 5:13, says, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know [boldface added] that ye have eternal life.” So anyone who’s received Jesus as Saviour can say, “I know I’m headed for heaven because I’ve received Jesus as my Saviour. The Bible says that anyone who’s done that HAS eternal life!”
The Bible gives many “assurance of salvation” passages. In Philippians 1:21, Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He also talked about trials he faced as a Christian and said he had “a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). How could he be so sure that when he died, he’d be in heaven with Jesus? Because he’d accepted Him as Saviour. Peter also said in 1 Peter 1:4 that believers in Jesus have “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” [boldface added]. Aren’t those words of assurance great?
Peter, Paul, and John said so; even Jesus Himself said to believers, “rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). God doesn’t want people to be uncertain whether or not they’ll go to heaven. The Bible has these verses and plenty more to prove that point. 1 John 4:18 says, “fear hath torment.” God doesn’t want people tormented with uncertainty about eternity. That’s why He inspired the writers to say what they did. God wants people to enjoy the assurance that they’re headed for heaven.
Now some may ask, “Well, if I’m guaranteed to go to heaven, what would stop me from going hog-wild with sin?” Good question. Here’s the answer. God has given us His written Word, the Bible, to help us live right: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). Once you’ve received Jesus as your Saviour, you also have something else—His permanent presence inside you. Day and night, 24/7/365, and even when you’re tempted, Jesus is with you and in you. Galatians 2:20 says, “Christ liveth in me.” The Lord also says in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Let that thought sink into your heart. Once you receive Jesus as Saviour, He’ll never leave or forsake you. Ever. His indwelling presence will also help you live for Him.
When you’re on patrol and see a speeder, what do you do? You pull into traffic, catch up to him and follow him. What usually happens then? Suddenly his driving is perfect: his speed is good and he signals his turns and even his lane changes. What made the difference? The presence of a person—specifically, a person with a badge—who helps him act right. Likewise, the indwelling presence of a person—Jesus—will not only help you “act right” but will also help you fellowship with Him and serve Him.
If you want to see from the Bible how to receive Jesus as your personal Saviour, please click “Helpful Links” on the top menu and then “How Do I Go to Heaven?” on the dropdown menu.
Brian Miller 2/23/2017
Cleveland Baptist Church | 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 | 216.671.2822