What Are Your Speculations Now?

Michael Faraday (pioneer of electromagnetism, the farad is named after him) was on his deathbed when his associates asked him this question. Faraday responded that he had no speculations, only certainties. "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him..." (2 Tim. 1:12). When our faith and hope is in the Word of God it is rock solid and on a firm foundation. It isn't what you know but who you know that matters and we can know God. It isn't the amount of faith that saves but the direction of the faith that matters. God is not looking for perfect faith but unfeigned and sincere faith. Sincerity does count, though we are not saved by sincerity alone.

True saving faith results in obedience and fruitful life, but not necessarily automatic, instantaneous, permanent assurance (it is sometimes intermittent or off and on). We grow in our faith and go from faith to faith.

God does want us to "know" that we are saved according to 1 John 5:13 and that is precisely why John wrote the epistle. Our faith is to be based on the Word of God coupled with the testimony of the Holy Spirit. (Cf. Rom. 8:16 says, "The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God.") We must examine our own fruit and search our own hearts to see if Christ dwells there--be fruit inspectors. Knowing that we are saved is not only commanded in 2 Pet. 1:10 but a boon to our well being and it enhances our sanctification so that we can go on to maturity.

Let us not waver in our faith or vacillate in our assurance, but be faithful to the light God has given us according to the faith He has bestowed on us. Our assurance is in accordance to our righteousness per Isa. 32:17, and if we are living in sin God does take away assurance, and we are in a sort of limbo or denial while we undergo divine discipline.   Soli Deo Gloria!