Full Assurance
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22
Someone once told me a story about how a construction worker put to rest some concerns about the integrity of a new office building. After the clients had moved into the building, a certain person in one of the offices was doubtful as to whether or not the floor-to-ceiling window would support them if they happened to fall against it while working in the office. A 6-foot 4-inch, 250-pound construction foreman was called in. Without any question, he threw his full weight against the glass and then walked out. After that, there was no doubt about the strength of the window!
At camp meeting in Portland one year, as the minister was teaching, he made the statement that the assurance God gives is deeper than the wringing of the hands. “Wringing of the hands” is an action that expresses concern, worry, or anguish. Another visual picture of the same anxiety would be someone impatiently pacing the floor. Such actions certainly would not show a deep assurance that God is in control. The minister was conveying the fact that when God gives a promise, we do not have to worry about whether or not we can depend on it. We can stake our very lives on the promises of God, because the assurance He gives to us is grounded in His eternal Word.
The focus verse indicates that those who have received salvation and sanctification can approach God with “full assurance” seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost. That means we can throw our full weight into that promise, seeking God with our whole hearts, and we will not be disappointed. He is bound to keep His Word.
We have all been confronted with issues that present a challenge to our confidence in God. Although God gives us a “full assurance,” that does not mean our faith in His promises will not be tested; it means His promises will stand the test. There is never a need to “wring our hands” as we wait on the Lord, for He is faithful. We can put our full trust in His promises, and He will never fail.