For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
— ROMANS 8:2 —
Kristian Brackett: Theological Biblical Academy | Croatia
Few statements draw a stronger response from a Croatian Catholic than, “I know when I die that I will go immediately to heaven.” Years of tradition and practice have convinced them that no one can have such assurance. If one’s eternal destiny is limited to two options, then there are stark implications. First, my relatives who have died have no hope. Second, all the prayers, masses, and money on behalf of the dead are vain. How sad when a believer struggles with assurance. Yet, it is sadder still when a “church” robs members of this precious doctrine. Third, I must find a way to gain such assurance. Sadly, it is easier to mock and reject this biblical truth than to accept it. But Paul gives us a reason that believers can be confident in their eternal destiny. They have passed from death to life. They are no longer under the domain of sin. Christ has set them free by faith alone. They now live by a new law—the law of the Spirit. This law produces life. It comes only through Christ Jesus. Therefore, Paul can say with confidence, as he did in the previous verse, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). The strong assurance of the believer is possible because of the mighty deliverance the Spirit has worked in Jesus Christ. This is a most precious truth. To reject it is to live in unbelief—in the power of God, the efficacy of Christ’s death, and the simplicity of the gospel. How sad when a believer struggles with assurance. Yet, it is sadder still when a “church” robs members of this precious doctrine. Pause and thank God for the gift of assurance for His children.
