Calm Assurance

MARCH 21, 2024

 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me…” (II Timothy 4:6, 7, 8a)

To be saved and know it is a great source of comfort to a believer. Many who profess faith in Christ are never quite able to attain such assurance of hope. The reason why some never find this rest is that they think salvation somehow depends upon them – either that their good works play a part, or upon their ability to “hold on.” They never can know if they have done enough, or if their faith is strong enough, or enduring enough. It is not the strength of one’s faith that decides the matter, but rather, the strength of our mighty Savior. Neither is salvation in any part, “by works of righteousness which we have done.” (Tit. 3:5)

It is sometimes the case that true believers lack assurance of salvation. I am quite certain that almost every believer has experienced doubts at times. Nevertheless, true assurance is a sweet, sweet blessing, which comes not from recalling a decision or experience in the past, but rather by presently examining the fruits of grace in our life. This is the tried-and-true method prescribed by the Apostle Peter by which to make our calling and election sure. (II Pet. 1:5-10)

To be able to sing from the heart “Blessed assurance Jesus is mine” is blessed upon any occasion, but in the Scripture text that heads this article the Apostle Paul is expressing this calm assurance when the hour of his death was at hand, and the great Day of Judgment was in view. We detect no panic in his voice; all is calmness as he looks downward to the grave, backward to his own ministry, and forward to his soon appearance before the judgment bar. It will do us good to draw near to the Apostle’s side and hear his words as he is now ready to leave this world. Happy is that soul who can look where Paul was looking and speak as he spoke.

He looks downward to the grave, and he does it without fear. Hear him as he speaks: “I am ready to be offered.” He likens himself to an animal that is brought to the place of sacrifice and bound with cords to the horns of the altar. The last ceremonies have been performed. It only remains to receive the death blow. Then he says, “The time of my departure is at hand.” He’s like a ship that is about to unmoor and put to sea. All on board is ready. It only remains to be unfastened and he shall set sail to begin the voyage.

These are remarkable words for a child of Adam like ourselves to utter when facing the “last enemy.”Death is a solemn thing. The grave is a chilling place and we cannot pretend that it has no terrors. Yet, here is a mortal man who is standing upon the brink and is not afraid.

As the Apostle also looks backward in review of a full life of faithfulness, we see one reason why he could face death and the grave without fear. He could say truly, “I have fought a good fight.” As a good soldier, he had fought that good fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil, from which so many shrink and draw back. He did not grow weary in the race, but could also say, “I have finished my course.” His was a difficult course, but he reached the goal with honor, as one deserving of the crown. He had been a faithful steward of the Gospel which his Lord had entrusted to Him: “I have kept the faith.”

This faithful servant could therefore look forward to the day of reckoning with confidence that his blessed Lord would award him with the crown that he had been striving to win. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.” Paul had long had “a desire to depart, and to be with Christ,” but he knew that his course was not yet run. (Phil. 1:23) But now he feels no such restraints. He has successfully completed his course. He now calmly, and even eagerly, awaits his departure which is at hand.