Christian Assurance

Confident assurance of deliverance from eternal punishment and obtaining a secure place in heaven through Jesus is a popular theme for Christians. Many believe that they are guaranteed a heavenly welcome thanks to Jesus, such that nothing can take their future bliss away from them. Others are less certain. They don't doubt that Jesus is God's chosen and anointed deliverer who successfully accomplished what the father sent him to do, but when they see their disobedience and poor quality of godly service they begin to doubt whether they personally are included in God's plan of restoration. This introductory commentary on the New Testament letters of John has Christian Assurance as a primary theme. What we find is a caution for those who have no doubt at all that they are on the road to glory, also a caution to those whose persuasion may be dead and lifeless. For some who are debilitated by concerns that they may be facing exclusion, it is an encouragement towards the firm ground of personal hope and expectation. Robert Laynton gained a B.Sc. Honors degree in Psychology with the Open University and Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma qualifications in counseling at Keele University in Staffordshire, England, and has been a member of the British Psychological Society and their Transpersonal Psychology Division. He has served briefly as a deacon, assistant teacher and study leader and been a Christian for over fifty years. Having worked in the pottery industry and in retail, he is now retired.