“Yet with respect to the promise of God, he (Abraham) did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised he was able to perform.” Romans 4:20-21
The theme of the International Youth Conference being held in Brisbane this weekend is ‘Sons with Assurance’. We know that God’s desire is for many sons just like the one Son of new creation, Jesus Christ. (Heb 4:10) The apostle Paul declares the desire of God for many sons by saying, “In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” (Eph 1:5) Jesus Christ came as the One Seed of all God the Father’s sonship. (Gal 3:16) As the One Seed He was to go into the ground and die so that many seeds or many sons would be raised up with Him. (John 12:24) Christ’s resurrection from the dead furnishes proof to all who believe that they too can be raised a son of God. (Acts 17:31)
Many years ago I was sharing with a neighbour who was raised in a church family and who in their adult years was a regular churchgoer. I expressed to them the assurance I had of having eternal life. ‘How can you be so sure’, they replied and went on to say, ‘I hope I have done enough good to get there.’ This I have discovered is the testimony of many, they are not completely sure. God though, wants us to live with the full assurance that we can live now as a son of God. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) This is His faith and hope for each one of us. (1John 3:1-3)
Abraham is an amazing example to all of how we can live as sons of God who are fully assured. God spoke into Abraham’s life a specific word. (Gen 12:1-3) This word concerning both Abraham’s fatherhood and sonship was settled in heaven before Abraham was even born, but it was now being revealed in time to Abraham. The psalmist testifies to this truth by saying, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps 119:89) This word that was forever and settled in heaven fully captured Abraham’s heart. Abraham believed this word, it became His life, and he was fully assured that God was able to do everything He had planned.