Anchored In Belief By Pete BriscoeНамуна

Keeping Confidence

I have now been married ten years. I know what it is to live entirely for and with what I love best on earth … All my confidence is bestowed on him, all his confidence is devoted to me. — Jane in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Earlier, I introduced a hypothetical friend who accepted Jesus at youth camp, but today she struggles with a certain sin and is afraid it’s an addiction. She’s a struggling believer who is terrified by the words found in Hebrews 10:26: 

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left. 

She secretly wonders if salvation has left her. Maybe God has had enough. 

I strongly disagree. Other texts in the book of Hebrews have made it clear that Jesus’ salvation is complete. 

• Hebrews 7:24-25 tells us, But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him … 
• And again, [Jesus] sacrificed for [our] sins once for all when he offered himself (Hebrews 7:27b). 

Not a single sin can undo our salvation. Once we overcome the deliberate sin of unbelief, we belong to Jesus, and He belongs to us—completely and without end. 

The author must have known struggling believers would fear that sin might revoke their access to God. So as he continues the passage, he shifts his focus from unbelievers to struggling believers: 

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering … So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (Hebrews 10:32, 35) 

Sometimes my wife, Libby, and I will recall our early days together, basking in the warmth of recollection. Recounting all that we’ve endured increases our boldness and confidence in our love for each other today. 

Friends, this is our life in Christ. We belong in His presence. Sin doesn’t discard our confidence! Nothing should keep us from coming to God. For the very best rewards—mercy and grace—are found in His presence. 

Jesus, no doubt, fear, or feelings of inadequacy can keep me from Your presence! Amen.

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Reflection:

1. Are you struggling with unbelief? If so, what do you feel is preventing you from believing? 
2. Are you struggling to feel accepted by God? Will you embrace the truth that you’re already fully accepted by Him?
3. Do you believe that once you’re in Christ, nothing can keep you from His presence?