FRIDAY, APRIL 7
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
Romans 8:12-17

"Even as the testimony of Christ
was confirmed in you…"

GOD’S TESTIMONY CONFIRMED

The "testimony of Christ" in verse 6 refers to the Corinthian Christians’ witness of Christ because of God’s work in their lives. God is the agent who "has sealed the truth of his gospel among the Corinthians, for the purpose of confirming it" (Calvin).

This confirmation of the testimony of God is done in two ways:

1. The Corinthian Christians have witnessed the saving power of Christ in their lives through the faithful preaching of Paul. The message of Paul was also authenticated by apostolic signs (cf. 2 Cor 12:12: "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.")

2. The Lord has given all believers the Holy Spirit to be the earnest (i.e. downpayment) and seal of their salvation. "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory" (Eph 1:13-14).

As a believer seeks to work out his salvation, the Holy Spirit who indwells him will testify that he is a genuine child of God. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Rom 8:14-17).

May the Lord grant you a full assurance of your salvation in Christ.

THOUGHT: Am I assured of my salvation?
PRAYER: Lord, confirm the testimony of Christ in me.