Empowerment of Disciples
The Bible provides many assurances to Christians that, when relied upon, empower the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to transform their lives to be holy, filled with hope, purpose, and joy, and living in obedience to God's will for their lives. Here are twelve assurances from Scripture that encourage and strengthen Christians. Meditate on and memorize these verses so you can bring them to mind at any time.
1. Assurance of God's Love
Romans 8:38-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
God's love for you is unbreakable.
2. Assurance of Salvation
1 John 5:11-12
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
John 14:1-3
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also
This is central to the mindset of a disciple. You are no longer trying to earn your salvation, it is only through the sacrifice of Jesus did you obtain salvation. This enables great confidence as you struggle with issues in your life, you are always acceptable to God and nothing and no-one can separate you from your right to eternal life.
3. Assurance of Holy Spirit Indwelling
1 Corinthians 3:16
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the fruit of salvation and the guarantee of your salvation. You will demonstrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit as you follow the commands of Jesus Christ.
4. Assurance of Answered Prayer
John 16:24
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 15:7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
If your will is in line with God's will and the Bible, then you may expect the joy of answered prayers.
5. Assurance of Forgiveness
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ephesians 1:7
In him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
Confession requires honesty about yourselves, can you see the sin that is in your own life that is separating you from God and from others. Praying directly to God you only need the Holy Spirit to intercede for you, no other intercessor or priest is required.
6. Assurance of Provision
Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
A good understanding of the difference between wants and needs is helpful here. Whatever your situation your God always loves you and will deliver you.
7. Assurance of Peace
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
You can experience the perfect peace of Christ in any situation you find yourself.
8. Assurance of Victory over Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Hebrews 2:18
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
The Lord will provide a way through temptations rather than you never having to face any trials.
9. Assurance of His Strength
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
You may be confident of receiving the strength you require to be a faithful disciple of Jesus.
10. Assurance of Hope
Hebrews 6:19
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.
Titus 2:13
Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Hope is an anchor to your soul holding you safe and unafraid of what the future holds. You are also encouraged by the knowledge that Jesus Christ will return.
11. Assurance of Guidance
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Guidance is as much a question of how you walk, as it is of, where you walk. As a rudder cannot steer an idle boat, so the Word of God and the Holy Spirit cannot steer an idle Disciple.
12. Assurance of God's Faithfulness
Lamentations 3:22-23
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Numbers 23:19
God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
Your God is faithful to you no matter how unstable you are.