Filed under: Recommended Reading
If you asked me, “What is your biggest fear as a pastor?” The answer would be easy.
I fear for people in our flock who think they are Christians when they are not. I fear for those who have false assurance about their salvation.
Stating it baldly, some believe they are headed for heaven and the reality is that they are destined for hell.
That some have false assurance is a fact. The Bible teaches that there are a group of people who think they are Christians, when in fact they are not. Their faith is dead (James 2:17); their calling and election is not sure (2 Peter 1:10). On the last day, Jesus will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you (Matthew 7:21-23).
When some, who think they are Christians, find out that they are not, and that it is too late – – this will be the most terrible moment ever faced in human history.
As a pastor, and as a writer, as a servant of the Gospel, I am so motivated to make sure that people have the proper basis for assurance of salvation. In fact, one of my major prayers for my forthcoming book, Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds, is that it will be used in the lives of some who have false assurance . . .
But, then my book won’t be out until the Fall of this year – – and, assurance of salvation, while a concern, is not the central focus. . . Another great resource is available.
If you have questions about whether or not you really know God, then I would point you to the recent book by Tullian Tchividjian, Do I Know God?: Finding Certainty in Life’s Most Important Relationship
Or, consider giving it to someone else – – the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) – -and it is appropriate to fear the possibility that some may have false assurance.
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A Brick in the Valley 
When I saw the title of your post, I paused for a bit to decide how I would answer that.
I had 3 things rolling around in my mind and this certainly made the medal round.
In fact, I mentioned it in a sermon on Sunday.
Good stuff. Thanks.
Comment by GUNNY HARTMAN December 12, 2007 @ 4:38 amThanks Gunny.
Comment by cdbrauns December 12, 2007 @ 4:45 amWow. Checked out the reviews on Amazon, as well.
I’m going to have to get a copy of this. Thanks for the recommendation, and to Gunny for referring his readers here.
Comment by Lance December 17, 2007 @ 2:19 pm[…] as a Pastor December 18, 2007 — brianmcl Last week Chris Brauns posted a blog titled What scares me most as a pastor. I think I agree with his assessment. But what are the most exhilarating times of being a pastor? […]
Pingback by What Excites Me as a Pastor « Triangular Christianity December 18, 2007 @ 2:27 pm[…] warns against false assurance. I have previously blogged that my greatest fear as a pastor is for people who think they are believers but are not. His […]
Pingback by Dennis Rainey Interviews Tchividjian « A Brick in the Valley February 27, 2008 @ 11:24 pm[…] Digression: Read what Tullian posted today about the sinner’s prayer. False Assurance continues to be my greatest concern for the Church in the West. (See this post). […]
Pingback by Cindy Swan Interviews Tullian Tchividjian « A Brick in the Valley April 10, 2008 @ 1:30 am