Assurance of Salvation Through Faith.

2 Timothy 1:8-12
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Yesterday we talked about how you can be assured you'll be saved by Christ, just by trusting the Lord. Today, I want to point out that you have to be faithful too. You can't tell God that you trust him, yet you don't even follow him 100 percent. A few definitions of faith include: confidence or trust in a person or thing; belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion; the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.

"Don't be ashamed" as it states at the very beginning of today's passage. God wants you to share your spiritual experience with others. It's also called a testimony. In church and in public places, don't be silent about the Lord.

My church likes to call those who just sit in service every Sunday and do nothing more with their faith "pew-warmers." For whatever reason, some new and old members don't act like they are faithful. We don't point out specific people and make them feel bad. Often though you'll see people who speak now and admit that they were "pew-warmers" ten years ago. You don't have to wait so long as to speak your faith. Why would you want to wait? Why wouldn't you want your friends to believe in the same as you do? Why would you want them to miss out on being saved by Jesus Christ? I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad here. However, you should try and stand up for your faith. Of course God won't make you do it the same way as other people. He will lead you to another way, if you really put your heart into it.

Speak now or forever hold your peace!

So to couple what we learned yesterday and what we have to learn today...Trust the Lord always and believe and speak of his doctrine faithfully. For this is the beginning part of confirming your salvation..

Tomorrow we'll be talking about obeying God through this whole process.