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NASB | Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace |
Bible Question:
After reading the "Left Behind" series for children my son is expressing to me doubts about his salvation. He is now 12 years old. I was with him when he prayed to receive Christ when he was 5 years old. I have some ideas of how to approach this, but I would also appreciate the unbiased ideas of others. What do your suggest? Thanks, |
Bible Answer: Dear Mathaytes, One must be extremely careful about offering assurance when it may be the Holy Spirit Himself that is drawing someone to the Cross (Job 15:25-27). The Scripture calls us to examine ourselves to be sure that we are of the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Assurance of salvation must be rooted in how the Word describes the redeemed (James 1:23-24), not because a person recited a prayer sometime in the past (Matthew 7:22-23). Even in a child, evidence of regeneration will result in observable fruit. John, in his first epistle, tells us that every believer will manifest love -- love of the Father, love the brethren, and love the Word. Why not work through John 14 and 15 with your son, and compile a list of all the characteristics of a disciple of Christ. As the list is compiled, go through it with him, and prayerfully consider to what degree your lives reflect these characteristics, and to what degree they do not reflect them. This will instruct your son powerfully in the sole source from which we may derive our salvation. I am certain there will be a lot of benefit for both of you (1 Corinthians 1:25). In Him, Doc |