The Assurance of Salvation

A: So, diving into this welcome, it's immediately clear that CRC isn't just a church; they really emphasize that it's a family. It's a very personal, warm greeting after someone's made this life-changing decision.

B: Absolutely. And the introduction of Pastors At and Nyretta Boshoff right away, along with the website, https://crcchurch.com/, grounds it. It’s a real place, with real leadership.

A: Exactly. They then lay out their core identity through these powerful statements. The vision: 'Building one church in many locations, nationally and internationally.' That's a huge scope.

B: It truly is. And the mandate, 'Win the lost at any cost,' speaks to an urgency and unwavering commitment to evangelism. It's a bold statement.

A: Then the mission clarifies it further: 'Mend the nets, the catch will be great.' It's about bringing people in, yes, but also preparing them, training and releasing every member for ministry. It’s a very active, outward-focused approach. This focus on preparing members highlights the depth of their commitment to individual faith.

A: Building on that, for a new believer, one of the most foundational things to grasp, the absolute central pillar, is the assurance of salvation. It's about being sure of where you stand with God.

B: That certainty is everything. And it's not based on wishful thinking, but on solid biblical ground. The primary scripture here, the anchor, is 1 John 5:11-13.

A: That passage is so clear. It states, 'And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.' And then it explicitly says, 'These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life...'

B: The key there is 'that you may know.' It's not 'that you may hope,' or 'that you may feel good.' It's a knowing. And this highlights a crucial concept for new believers: it’s about God’s Word, His testimony, not our fluctuating feelings.

A: Exactly. Because the enemy, doubt, will always try to creep in. You might think, 'Did that really work? Is it truly that simple?' Those whispers, that's often the 'enemy's attack' trying to cast shadows on what God has clearly done in your heart.

B: Absolutely. It's not an audible voice, but it's that internal questioning. And the only way to resist that, to firmly stand your ground, is to resort to God's Word. What does God *say* about it, not what do I *feel* about it.

A: That's why exercises like the 'Scripture Comprehension' are so vital. When you go through and circle the words, underline the phrases, it helps you deeply analyze the text, internalize that truth, and see for yourself that the assurance is indeed there, written plainly.

B: It really grounds your faith, moving it from a fleeting emotion to a conviction rooted in an unchanging promise.

A: So, moving from the foundational assurance of salvation, the CRC document also highlights these incredibly practical assurances that become part of daily life for a new believer.

B: Exactly. Beyond knowing you're saved, you get these active promises. Like the assurance of answered prayer, right there in 1 John 5:14-15. It's not just a hope, it's a promise that when we ask according to His will, He hears us.

A: Which is huge. And then, the assurance of victory, straight from 1 Corinthians 10:13, reminding us that no temptation is too great, that there's always a way out. This isn't just about big battles, but those daily struggles too.

B: Then, and this is so critical, the assurance of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9. The ongoing reality that when we confess, He's faithful to forgive. It addresses that natural human tendency to re-shoulder guilt.

A: And finally, guidance, from John 10:5. Knowing that we're not left to wander, but that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. These assurances are meant to be lived out, which is why the document then pushes into practical tasks.

B: That's where the rubber meets the road: writing your personal testimony, understanding your journey, and then identifying five non-Christian friends. It's about taking that assurance and letting it shape your actions.

A: All leading to that critical self-reflection point: the 'KEY QUESTION' about being 100% sure, right now, of spending eternity with God. It solidifies everything.