If you are a Christian who is not sure if you are going to heaven, I have good news for you—you are! It is not for nothing that Paul says, “There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
The apostle John confirms this promise when he adds, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
The fear of hellfire is so unnecessary. Too many have an unhealthy dread of death and spend their days in a perpetual state of anxiety over their past sins. This leaves them feeling robbed of the joy of the kingdom.
Of course, it is always wise to “examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). This is because Satan is cunning. He lulls us into a sense of security when we should instead be checking our attitudes and actions; so, test yourselves.
Fear of condemnation causes many to be timid. They question whether they will ever be able to move to a position of strength in their ministry for Christ. Again, this is so unnecessary.
Paul knew that Timothy struggled to overcome timidity as an evangelist. The church at Ephesus had its fair share of issues. Timothy was coming up against brethren who believed that they knew best. Consequently, he was reluctant to confront the unruly.
Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
But Timothy was never going to overcome his timidity by sheer force of will. He would only become Strong and Courageous by God’s “power and love and discipline.”
Getting rid of fear begins by rejoicing in the love of One who guarantees our salvation. Remember, there’s no need to fear…
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (1 John 4:18).
John Staiger