CONFIDENCE IN THE FACE OF DEATH

'He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.' - 1 John 5 vs 10

• He that believeth on the Son hath the witness in himself

This means, the man who is truly saved knows it, he's not in doubt about it - there's a confident assurance of salvation resident deep down in his soul, he knows he has made it! He knows.

'The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.' - Romans 8 vs 16 {AMP}

• The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God

These verses are showing to us that, the man who is saved knows! there's a witness the Spirit of God bears in his heart, whereby he knows that he is saved. That witness of salvation in our hearts is our confidence in the face of death or peril.

Dearly beloved, these teachings I bring to you, are to prepare you for eternity, so that nothing takes you by surprise.

What will be your confidence in the face of emergency? In the face of sudden death, what will come upon you? Fear or Rejoicing? Quaking of the soul or Confident rejoicing in Christ Jesus? Do you know that there are persons who on their sick bed, are so afraid, when they are dying, there's this fear that comes upon them - it's not the fear of death, but a fear of uncertainty of what's about to become of them after death! they are just afraid and tormented by that fear! they know something is coming (not death), they can feel it that something is about to become of them the moment they die, and it doesn't feel good, so they are just afraid; some even begin to cry! a very sorrowful cry; the person or persons around them don't understand that cry; they pet them and console them, but they don't know what's going on! That fellow is lamenting of a fear he doesn't understand, he's battling with a certain uncertainty in his soul; then for some, the news comes that they're gone. Ooooo!

Dearly beloved, you are still breathing, you are very strong, you are so energetic; don't serve sin! Give yourself to the word of God. Desire to know who and what Christ has made you through His death burial and resurrection, so that you can live the life that He wants you to live in this world. As you begin to walk with the Lord and give attention to His word, you will have that witness of Salvation in your heart; you will know that you are Born Again. I always say, don't let anybody tell you you are born again! If you are born again, you should know. - Think about it. And if you don't know or you are not sure, it's obvious that you've not been living right. What you should do right now is to decide to prioritise Bible study. Because true transformation of character begins in the mind, and that's what Bible study helps you achieve. As you learn the word of God, you are replacing the corrupt files of darkness in your mind with the light of Christ. When your mind has the right information, you will naturally live out the information in your mind. It's very easy to know what's in a man's mind: just check out how he lives his life, you can tell the things in his mind. So I said, a man will naturally live out the information in his mind.

'And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.' - Romans 12 vs 2 {KJV}

• be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind

You see...true transformation of a Christian's character begins with the knowledge in his mind. If your mind is empty, you will live an empty and vain life! If you think of yourself as a sinner, you will live a sinful life! If you think of yourself as a man with weaknesses, you will live out weaknesses! This is why it's important that you know who and what Christ has made you through His blood. Because when you have that knowledge in your mind, you will live your life from that perspective. For example,

'For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light...' - Ephesians 5 vs 8 {KJV}

• now are ye light in the Lord

Oo when it dawns on you that now you are light in the Lord!!! Ooooo! It's gonna naturally reflect in how you live in this world. Why? Because your mind has been renewed with that information. But if as you are reading these words right now, and your response to what you are reading is "Abegee...Pastor don't disturb me, I just dey sofree serve God", the truth which you've read will not get a hold of your heart by that response you have given to it, and you cannot live it out; you will still continue to lead a life of darkness. And chances are, such a fellow is not born again.

There's an attitude with which we are admonished to receive the word of God,

'Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.' - James 1 vs 21 {KJV}

• with meekness

With meekness! We are admonished to receive the teaching of the Word with meekness.

'So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.' - James 1 vs 21 {AMP}

• in a humble, gentle, modest spirit
• receive and welcome the Word

It's only when the Word is received, that's when it can have an effect in the mind of the Believer, and ultimately, his life.

'Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.' - 1 John 4 vs 17 {KJV}

• boldness in the day of judgment

Confidence in the face of death! Undeterred! Unshaken! Fearless! Unmoved! Full of joy! Joy in the face of death! That inner witness in your soul that you have made it into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity! Ooo glory to God! death becomes a thing of joy! Hallelujah!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

- Jenning U. Angel