Fourth Sunday in Easter: Epistle, 1 John 3:16-24                             

1 John 3:16-24

One of the great needs of the human person is to feel secure, safe, and that things are settled. Now, granted not all of those words reside in our text this week. But they are most certainly implied in regard to our standing before God. John writes, “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him …” and after describing what it means to lack that assurance John continues, “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another.”

I came from a Christian background where the assurance of salvation rested on my performance. Then after entering the Lutheran Church, I heard a wise pastor/professor say this: “The truth of the gospel is not vindicated by my performance. The truth of the gospel is vindicated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Think of it because it is stunning. And it flies in the face of nearly every stripe of Christian confession out there today. Many are told and sold on the notion that their performance is what indicates their standing and whether or not the gospel is what it claims. Well newsflash! If I’m depending on myself to get in or to stay in the Christian Church I won’t last.

The resurrection of Jesus and the consequent gift of faith that He gives to His Christians is the compelling matter in this issue. Period. I am saved and safe in Christ because He has done the work and called me to trust Him for everything. There is One who impresses the Father and it is not me. But because of Him (the Father) I am in Christ Jesus. And it is because of His gift of faith that I stand in grace. God be praised!

He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!