1 John 4:1-6: The Only True Confession
Do you confess Christ as God in the flesh, born, died, and raised to new life for you?
Any answer of yes will do
How can I be assured of my salvation now if only ‘he who endures to the end shall be saved’?
EPISODE #107: Ted asks about assurance in light of Matthew 24:13, when we don’t feel like we’re enduring. Rod talks about the struggle being typical for sinners who are sensitive to their inner disobedience and their disinclination to Christ, but then speaks of good news for such people, including confirmation of what believers faithfully do in their vocations every day.
I looked back after setting my hand to the plow. Am I done for?
EPISODE #92: Ted asks about what hope there is for those who have failed Jesus’ admonition in Luke 9:62. Rod talks about the reality of all sinners’ condition, and the truth that all sinners are not ‘fit for the kingdom of God’, but that there is yet hope in Christ for all such unfit sinners.
Can I know the status of my salvation by my sin decreasing and my behavior improving?
EPISODE #90: Ted asks about looking to our self improvement to determine the status of our salvation. Rod talks about where we look for the truthfulness of the Gospel, what Luther said on the matter, and examines the real Source of our consolation and peace versus what is in our sinful hearts and behavior.
My sins are great. How do you know that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient?
EPISODE #84: Ted asks about how Jesus’ sacrifice can be enough for such a great sinner as me. Rod talks about how common such a perspective is, that a sinner can feel his or her sin is so great that he or she is not savable—but in Scripture, God tells us He knows the true depth of our sin and…