Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;  Assurance of ones salvation is precious!  Our Lord does not want us living in doubt and fear, but rather in faith. Our text uses the phrase… full assurance of understanding.   What must we understand in order to possess this full assurance?  Assurance is mentioned seven times in our Bible.  The first time in Deuteronomy 28:66 it is mentioned to the children of Israel in the negative.  They are told in the chapter that if they do not hearken to the Lord and obey Him they will have NONE ASSURANCE.   The Lord will never give assurance to someone who deliberately lives in disobedience.  In fact, the person who lives in sin and is never chastised needs to be saved.  There are those who are genuinely saved who struggle to gain assurance.   Hopefully we can understand some things that will help.  We must understand that salvation is of the Lord.   It is by faith that we are saved.  Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Assurance comes through faith.
Notice the phrase ” draw near”.
Jesus wants to meet with you. Will you take time to pray and read His word? Will you be faithful to meet with those of like precious faith?  These are some ways we can draw near to Him.  The gospel is the key…
1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; … Jesus died for our sin, was buried, and rose again the third day!  Jesus said… This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.  When the Philippian jailer asked, What must I do to be saved? Paul said… Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!  Salvation is what you do with Jesus.  Receive Him, Heaven bound!  Reject Him, eternally in that awful place called Hell.  When Jesus does a work in our hearts there is evidence…
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  The evidence is peace, quietness,  and assurance…
For Ever.  Amen.  Pastor