“Hello,” you answer as politely as you can, only to hear this:

Assurance is a good thing. It makes sense to hedge your bet against the vagaries of life and nature. We have life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, homeowners insurance, property insurance, and maybe even flood insurance. We insure all those things that are valuable to us, and the culture tells us it’s the smart thing to do.

But what about the most important coverage we need? I’m referring to our eternal destiny. There was a time when I took that for granted. I thought only really bad people went to hell, and I wasn’t that bad (or so I thought).

The Apostle Paul warned against comparing ourselves with others. “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding [‘are not wise,’ KJV].” (2 Corinthians 10:12, ESV)

Scripture tells us that King Jesus is the standard for righteousness, and none of us can reach that standard apart from the grace of God that comes through salvation in Him.

Scripture never uses the word “insurance,” but there are other words that convey the security believers have when they place their trust in Jesus.

First, we have the word “assurance.” “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5, KJV)

The ESV translates “assurance” as “conviction.” The work of salvation brings an assurance into the believer’s heart that there is a new life at work within.

In his epistle to the church at Ephesus, the Apostle Paul develops the process of how God’s insurance plan included the Gentiles — you and me. He summarizes it by saying that because of Jesus, “we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him” (Ephesians 3:12, ESV).

In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul tells us God will complete what He started in our lives. “I am sure [‘confident,’ KJV] of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Time and space preclude adding to this list, but every believer should have the confidence and assurance that Jesus will bring us to our eternal home, which is even now being prepared for us (John 14:1-3).

You might ignore those annoying phone calls and texts about a car warranty or a better medical plan, but we ignore the invitation of King Jesus at our eternal peril.

What say ye, Man of Valor?
Semper Fidelis!