Fire Insurance

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love… Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall.”  2 Peter 1:5-10

Can we be assured that we have a relationship with Jesus that is real and that we are going to heaven when we die? 2 Peter tells us to be thinking about this, in order to know for sure that this is true. A real relationship with Jesus is just that—something that is ongoing, growing, and active. It is not a momentary decision we make, an emotional moment at church, a raised hand, an aisle walked, and then a life that is really no different than the one we had before we called on the name of Jesus.

The Bible says that when we follow Jesus our faith will grow, and other attributes will be added along the way as we become more like Him. Our knowledge of Jesus will grow. We will grow more in control of ourselves as we release bad habits and recognize sin and repent from it. We will show ourselves godlier in our living, and more caring and more loving toward others. These changes occur through the power of the Holy Spirit, Who comes to live in us when we surrender our lives to Christ.

Years ago when pastors would preach on coming to Jesus and avoiding the punishment and eternity of hell, many used the term, “fire insurance.” Jesus, in that case, was “insurance” against the fire of hell. While the intention was pure, the reality is that Jesus is not insurance for anything. The objective of a relationship with Jesus isn’t heaven. Jesus is the objective…and heaven is only worth going to because Jesus is there. Those that know Jesus will go to heaven to be with Him.

So don’t let your salvation be a “moment” you had many years ago. Look at your life now, and make sure that your salvation is a living, breathing relationship with the One and only Lord and Savior Who died for you, and now lives again, so that you too can live eternally.

Jesus, thank You for dying for me on the cross, saving me from my sins, and rising again so I can have eternal life. As I spend time with You each day in Bible study and prayer, give me the assurance of my relationship with You as I grow to know You more, obey You more fully, and become more like You in my attitudes and actions. In Your name I pray, Amen.