Looking Everywhere Except Christ

“Satan has no more grievous or dangerous temptation to dishearten believers than when he unsettles them with doubt about their election, while at the same time he arouses them with a wicked desire to seek it outside the [W]ay” (Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, 1960, p968, originally published in Latin in 1536).

“If this is our ultimate goal, how insane are we to seek outside [H]im what we have already obtained in [H]im, and can find in [H]im alone?” (Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, 1960, p971, originally published in Latin in 1536).

When Satan challenges you with doubts, it’s good to look for assurance. The problem is we tend to look everywhere except Christ.

This usually happens by comparing yourself with others. How does your marriage compare? How do your kids compare? How successful are you in your calling? It could even be something as small as whether you wear similar clothing or drive a similar car.

If Satan unsettles you with doubt, look to Christ who is the Way. It’s crazy to look for assurance of salvation in any other place than the Savior Himself. Read His Word. Talk to your pastor. Talk to Christian friends. Seek Christ and you will find Him.

What do you think?
Joseph