1 John 4:17 – In this the love is perfected within us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
Part 2 ~ Confidence By Love
What greater confidence could the child of God have on the day of Judgment than to be fully developed in His love – both receiving it and expressing it. Knowing we belong to God and that God belongs to us removes all concerns – for He is our life and joy. The abiding union with God and the absolute assurance of God’s love for us brings great confidence and boldness to our hearts. Knowing we are His purchased possession and His dwelling place removes all condemnation and fear (Romans 8:1-2; 1 John 4:18).
Being thrilled to walk with Him each day and empowered to live out the abundant life establishes an ever increasing relationship of the deepest and lasting bond of love. We are able both now and on that day to draw near with a true heart in the full assurance of faith – having all boldness! Being on God’s side and rejoicing in the abundant life He has provided, and being so honored to live the life of Jesus, makes all the difference. To think for a moment that its some terrible yoke to live the life of Jesus, and be even as He is in this world, is to miss the joy and freedom of the relationship all together (1 John 3:22; Titus 2:11-12).
Through the new birth, we were given the life of Jesus. We are now to dwell in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). We are to walk as He walks (1 John 2:6). We are to be pure even as He is pure (1 John 3:3). Because we are in Him and He is in us, we are as He is in this present life we now live. We are not of this world – even as He is not of this world (John 8:23, 14:17, 15:19, 17:14,16). We have been begotten of God the Father to be a part of the family of God and to live the life of the Son.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
