Do you ever wonder about your salvation? Particularly after you know you have screwed up? Or when someones holds up something in your life as unacceptable? Well, I think Paul knew that the believers of Thessaloniki would experience this and as he warned then to be ready for the day of the Lord's coming, he urged them to be protected and be, "wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." (verse 8b) "For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour his anger on us." (verse 9).
It is so easy to forget that our salvation is about Jesus' sacrifice, not our actions. If it were left up to us to earn salvation...well, let's just say that eternity would certainly not be too crowded. It is our faith and acceptance of Jesus and his sacrifice that is key. So, God does want us to walk in confidence. When we feel doubt, we need to remember that the gift has been given. Certainly that is not a point in question. So therefore, our confidence can grow from our acceptance of the gift. We won't be good enough to earn it or deserve it...hence why it was a gift.
Don't let Satan speak doubt into you. Yes, we will screw up and make poor choices, but God does not want us to condemn ourselves. When we feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit, God wants us to be spurred to change and become more righteous. But Satan would love for us to believe that our actions and choices control our position with God. If we believe that then we can be manipulated into giving up the blessings God is pouring out on us. Rebuke Satan's lies and stand in the assurance that salvation HAS been given. Stand in the confidence that you have accepted the gift and be ready for the day of the Lord's coming.
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