Condemnation, Confidence, and Assurance

1 John 3:19-23
“Hereby we know that we are of the Truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. If our heart condemns us not, then we have confidence before God. Whatever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. This is His commandment, that we believe on the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another.”

“…That is the the theme with which he deals with in these verses: the place of prayer in the life of the Christian in this world. Nothing is more important that this in our worldly pilgrimage. Have you noticed the word ‘boldness’ that is used in connection with prayer in the scriptures?

“Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“Having, therefore, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…” Hebrews 10:19

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10:22

If I am truly loving the brethren, then I remember that I am a child of God. When I am before God in prayer, I think of God now, not as my judge, but as my Father. I do not come in a spirit of fear, because ‘fear has torment’ (vs. 4:18). Rather, I go in a spirit of love. ‘Perfect love casts out fear.’ The only thing that can really give me confidence in prayer before God is this utter, absolute assurance that I am a child of God. I go as a child to my Father. That is the basis of confidence.”