Reading With the People of God - #4 ComfortSample

The Assurance of Eternal Life

"...Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life..."

The assurance of eternal life is one of the greatest gifts we receive through Christ. This assurance is not based on our feelings or actions but on the finished work of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son" (1 John 5:11).

The Holy Spirit dwells in us, confirming our salvation and reminding us of our eternal hope. This assurance brings peace and joy, knowing our future is secure in Christ. It also empowers us to live with a heavenly perspective, focusing on what truly matters and enduring trials with hope.

Reflect on the significance of having eternal life. How does this assurance impact your perspective on life and death? Allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of your eternal hope in Christ. Let this assurance fill you with peace and motivate you to live with purpose and anticipation.

Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the gift of eternal life. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your assurance and to help you live with an eternal perspective. Rejoice in the promise of everlasting life with Christ, and let this hope shape your daily decisions and attitudes.

Today's prayer of illumination:

Dear Lord, thank You for the assurance of eternal life through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to live each day in light of this promise, with hope and joy in my heart. Teach me to focus on eternal things and to trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Memorization Challenge of the Month:

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1

Q1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A1. That I am not my own, but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.