A Note from Michael Gossett
Blessed Assurance
Doubt is a common feeling for the world. Doubt fills our minds and fuels our fears. Doubt is a constant blanket of confusion that diminishes trust and assurance. In a world addicted to ambiguity, the Gospel is the voice of reason that removes the fog in our mind and breeds clarity within us. Bertrand Russell once scoffed at the notion of divine certainty, while lacking internal evidence that was seemingly sufficient to believe in God. The famous question he posed was, “Sir, why did you not give me better evidence?” This is the constant cry of the skeptic. Yet for the Apostle John, who penned the inspired words of 1 John 5:5-13, such a question would have sounded bewildering. Evidence, John would argue, is not the problem. Unbelief is the real issue.
This passage is Christianity’s declaration of certainty in an age of confusion. And like a good courtroom attorney, John marshals three mighty witnesses: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. The case is airtight. The verdict is life or death.
THE TESTIMONY OF THE SPIRIT
The Latin phrase, testimonium Spiritus Sancti internum, means the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. This phrase is a cornerstone. The Holy Spirit is the one who makes the truth of Scripture self-authenticating. In other words, it is not by mere human reasoning that one comes to saving knowledge, but through the Spirit’s inward testimony. As John says in 1 John 5:6, “The Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.” John Owen once wrote, “The Scripture is unto us in the place of God himself, and his authority is the same with that which is in God.” It is the Spirit who confirms this authority within the believer. This isn’t emotional mysticism nor is it an empty thought, it is divine illumination.
The Spirit’s testimony about Jesus is not general or abstract. It is very specific. The Spirit testifies that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came by water (His baptism) and blood (His cross). He was no mere man temporarily anointed with divinity. No, He was and is and will always be the eternal Son of God, incarnate, crucified, risen, and reigning.
THE WATER AND THE BLOOD
John combats the heresy of Gnosticism. The way John combated this heresy was grounding the truth of the gospel in real, historical events. Jesus was baptized, not because He needed to be cleansed, but to identify with sinners and inaugurate His public ministry. He bled on a Roman cross, not as a martyr, but as a sinless substitute. John Calvin once said, “Christ could not be our Redeemer without being both God and man.” His baptism fulfilled the prophecy but was also His divine approval. His death fulfilled the justice required. Without both, there is no gospel, no atonement, and therefore no assurance.
THE SPIRIT’S TESTIMONY
How does a person know they are saved? Not through goosebumps or sentimentality, but through the internal work of the Spirit. 1 John 5:10 says, “The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within himself.” Paul echoes this same sentiment. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” John is ultimately giving us a giving us a sequence: facts, then faith, then feelings. This is order is essential to every believer. Many times it is easy to get this order reversed. The world will teach that feelings come first and that is the determination of truth. However, Jeremiah warns us: “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). Proverbs 28:26 says, “whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool.” We need an anchor outside of our own mind and our own heart. We will lead ourselves astray. The anchor is the Spirit’s witness to the facts of the gospel. We must begin with truth.
THE WORD’S TESTIMONY
Doubt has always existed, but today it is institutionalized. Harvard’s motto once read, Veritas (truth). But in a postmodern turn, former president Drew Faust said, “Truth is an aspiration, not a possession.” In contrast, the Apostle John writes with the ink of inspiration. 1 John 5:13 says, “These things I have written so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
This is not arrogant certainty but rather it is a humble reception. Assurance is not presumption when it rests on divine promise. The same Word that thundered at Mt. Sinai and whispered in Galilee is now the same word that assures us today. Verse 12 says, “He who has the Son has life.” Not “might have” or “could have” but has.
Martin Luther wrestled in the despair of uncertainty and said, “When the devil throws your sins in your face… tell him, ‘I admit I deserve death and hell. What of it? I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is, there I shall be also.’”
1 John 5:5-13 is not just distant theology, but rather a lifeline. It is the rescuing power for the believer to be delivered from the sea of self-doubt and self-reliance. This assurance anchors us to the triune testimony of God Himself. The Spirit testifies about Jesus, in the believer, and through the Word.
In an age where feeling is king and truth is under attack, the follower of Jesus can rest in the Spirit with confidence in salvation. You don’t have to guess your way to heaven nor do you have to live without the peace of salvation. You can know and that knowledge produces a life of humble worship, bold witness, and joyful obedience. This is truly blessed assurance.
“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.”
A Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the unwavering testimony of your Spirit, the atoning work of your Son, and the clarity of your Word. Lord, help me to stand firm in a world of shifting feelings and fleeting certainties. Help me to anchor my heart in the unshakable assurance of eternal life through Christ. Strengthen my faith, not in myself, but in your perfect promises. Help me to rest in the finished work of Jesus. Help my life to be a living testimony of your mercy, and may my joy be rooted not in circumstances but in my union with you.
In Jesus’ name, amen!
Cultivate is our yearly women’s conference. This year’s theme is Grit & Grace! Cultivate happens every year in April and is a time to step away from the stresses of life and immerse yourself in God’s Word with your sisters. At Cultivate you will learn to be gritty by growing in passion, perseverance and tenacity to do hard things.
Cultivate begins TONIGHT in our Crosswalk Conference Center. Our speaker is Rebekah Lyons featuring LeeAnn Kirkindoll and Mary Royal and accompanied by Green Acres Worship.
The cost is $35 and includes a tshirt, food, and swag! It’s not too late to register!
CALLING ALL MEN: GUYS’ NIGHT 2025!
Men, this is your night—a night of challenge, brotherhood, and real faith. On May 2 from 6:00-9:00 PM, we’re bringing together Dr. Robby Gallaty, and Tim Tebow for one EPIC night that will push you to grow as a man, leader, husband, father, and disciple of Jesus.
This one-night event is your chance to be challenged, sharpened, and strengthened in your walk with Christ. We’re talking bold truth, powerful testimonies, and real encouragement—plus some legit barbecue because, let’s be honest, no guys’ night is complete without it.
WHO’S IT FOR?
✔️ High school & college guys
✔️ Husbands & fathers
✔️ Grandfathers & mentors
✔️ Men who want more than just going through the motions
Cost is $25 per person
Bring your crew, grab your tickets, and get ready for a night that will fuel your faith and challenge you to step up as the man God has called you to be.
Don’t wait. Don’t sit this one out. Step up and be part of something bigger!
This Sunday!
Come as we begin to unpack what it means to have a Gospel Legacy that outlives you! What will you be remembered for? This Sunday, we’re kicking off a powerful new series called “Lasting Legacy” I’ll be preaching from Colossians 3:1–4 on what it means to build a life that lasts—not just for this world, but for eternity. It all begins with the “Heart of Legacy.”
If you want to leave something greater than a name—if you want to leave a gospel legacy—don’t miss this message.
Join us this Sunday. Let’s build something eternal together.
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett