Assurance is Found in Jesus, Not in Me

Assurance is Found in Jesus, Not in Me May 14, 2015

Kevin DeYoung recently posted an article on the Gospel Coalition titled “How Do I Know I’m a Christian?” In this article, DeYoung argues that the book of 1 John lays out a series of tests by which one determines his or her own salvation. These tests are threefold: theological, moral, and social. You must pass each of these “tests” if you want to answer the question about the veracity of your faith.

First, you must have correct doctrine about Jesus. Without that, your profession is worthless.

Second, you must live a morally upright life.

Third, you must love other Christians, and give enough money to others.

It’s amazing that in this post about assurance, there is no mention of Christ’s cross. The only reference to Jesus and his work is my right belief about Jesus, not about Jesus’ work for me. In fact, even in that context, there is no mention of the atonement.

Of course, DeYoung points out that we aren’t going to be sinless, and that we aren’t saved by our works. However, the only way that we can have objective assurance that we are saved is by looking inward.

My question is, how is this pastorally and existentially any different than the problems Luther faced in the medieval church? Whether I am looking for salvation inward, or simply assurance of salvation inward, the result is the same. I’m left looking at me rather than God’s promises for assurance of my salvation. Even if not intentional, DeYoung leaves people in the same dilemma that the Medieval Roman church did. He even mentions that “if your heart and your wallet are open to your brothers and sisters eternal life abides in you.” What if I’m not generous enough with my money? What if I struggle with loving someone who has wronged me? Is the inevitable conclusion that I’m not truly saved?

From what I see, there are essentially three problems with those who argue from DeYoung’s perspective:

First, the book of 1 John is read without reference to the objective assurance given at the beginning of the book. John writes: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). John frames the rest of his entire discussion in light of this objective promise of forgiveness for all who confess. By neglecting to even mention this verse, DeYoung misses the entire basis of the text. Since John begins with this promise, whatever despair the rest of the book might bring to the readers, they can look back to this section, confess their sins, and receive forgiveness.

Second, 1 John is read without any context. The book of 1 John is not just a general epistle regarding assurance, but is written to confront specific false teachings of proto-gnostics. He addressed the need for the incarnation, love, and obedience to God in opposition to these false teachers. This doesn’t mean John would point despairing Christians inward for assurance.

Third, 1 John is read apart from all the other teaching of Scripture. There are so many objective promises of salvation and assurance through God’s word, the atonement, and Holy Baptism, which DeYoung neglects to mention. In reading this, one might think that 1 John is the only Biblical book on the subject of assurance.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Christians do need to love one another, confess orthodox theology, and strive to be obedient to God. We can’t just ignore 1 John. In fact, I just preached on the book for five weeks. However, the foundation of our assurance is not in these things, but in what Christ has done for us, and the promises he gives in Word and Sacrament.

 


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