Examining Christian Certainties (Part Two)

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Expositor & Teacher. The first of these Christian certainties is “We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him” (1 John 5:18). “We know that no one who is born of God sins...” There is the certainty of righteousness (being justified). This is a dogmatic declaration on the part of John that, if you are a believer, there may be occasional failure in practice, as there is in each of our lives from time to time, but there cannot be a continual, habitual practicing of sin. Because of being justified there must be a deep desire within to be changed which keeps this individual always pushing out against the inhibiting forces and habits of sin. This desire is the proof of the new birth. The word justified means “pronounced or treated as righteous.” For the Christian, justification is the act of God not only forgiving the believer’s sins but reckoning as belonging to them something they did not previously possess, the righteousness of Christ. The Bible states in several places that justification only comes through faith (Romans 5:1; Galatians 3:24). The Christian, being declared righteous, is thus freed from the guilt of sin. Justification is a completed work of God, and it is instantaneous, as opposed to sanctification, which is an ongoing process of growth by which we become more Christlike. Understanding the doctrine of justification is important for the believer in Christ! Justification is the controlling element of being “born of God” and is untouched by the slightest contamination from evil. In our passage, John says, “and the evil one does not touch him.” First, it is the very knowledge of justification that motivates good works and spiritual growth; thus, justification leads to sanctification. Also, the fact that justification is a finished work of God means that believers have assurance of their salvation. In God’s eyes, believers have the righteousness required and absolutely needed to gain eternal life. Once a person is justified, there is nothing else he needs in order to gain entrance into heaven. Be encouraged!