1 John
1 John 2:18,21-22; 4:2-3; 5:1 – The Spirit of the Antichrist – Decoupling Jesus from the Christ – 2001 Grace Evangelical Society Conference – YouTube
In this message given at the 2001 Grace Evangelical Society Conference, Zane discusses the importance of believing that Jesus is the Christ, and that it is the spirit of the Antichrist, who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the One Who said and promised, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” (John 6:47, NKJV).
1 John 5:1 – Assurance is of the Essence of Saving Faith – 1997 Grace Evangelical Society Conference – MP3 / YouTube
What is the difference between saving faith and assurance? Why is the nature of the gospel message, such that when a person believes the biblical gospel, he necessarily has the assurance of eternal salvation? If a person is not assured of his eternal salvation, then that person is not believing the gospel message of eternal life. Believing something false never saved anybody, although believing a falsehood may give false assurance. What is saving faith? Is it a persuasion or a decision? Most false professions are made when the decision/process precedes the persuasion. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Christ? It means that Jesus is the guarantor of resurrection and eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. At the moment of saving faith, the believer is sure that he is eternally saved. Passages mentioned include: John 3:16, 20:31; 1 John 5:1; John 11:25-27; John 9:35-38; Matthew 11:2-3; and 2 Timothy 2:18.
1 John 5:9-13 – Assurance of Salvation – 1976 Dallas Theological Seminary Chapel – MP3 / YouTube
How do I really know that I have eternal life? We, as Christians, need the assurance that our basic relationship with our heavenly Father is not altered even by our failures or even by our sins. Does assurance come from seeking and serving God with the utmost diligence? Does assurance really rest on our perseverance in good works until the end of life? The fundamental grounds for assurance that we possess eternal life rests always on the promise of God. If we are searching for assurance in anything that we find in ourselves, we will never find assurance if we are candid and honest with ourselves. Faith is not occupied with itself. Faith is occupied with God and faith is occupied with the testimony of God. We are not invited to believe that we believe, but to believe that what God says is true. Passages mentioned include: 1 John 5:9-13, 1 John 1:3-4; 2:1,12-14,20-21,24-26; and John 3:16, 5:24, 6:35.