Brian was sprawled on his bed with a book when his elder brother came into the room. “Guess what, Brian? Beng Seng just accepted the Lord as his Saviour today,” said Sean. “Isn’t that great?”

“I guess so,” Brian answered halfheartedly. He frowned. “But what happens if he sins again? Or even you-what if you sin again?” he asked. “I mean... right now you’re a good Christian, but what if you start doing things like lying or stealing? Would you still belong to God then?”

“You mean you think I don’t sin?” Sean asked with a smile. “Wow! Go on thinking that!” Then he became very serious. “I’m God’s child forever,” he said. “When I do something wrong, I’m not in good fellowship with God until I confess and repent of my sin, but that doesn’t mean I’m not saved any longer.”

Brian still wasn’t so sure. “I’m going to wait till I’m sure I can live right before I accept the Lord,” he said, and none of Sean’s arguments could change his mind.

One day, Brian’s family learned that a boy from their block of flats had got into a fight in school and received public caning from the principal. “His parents,Mr.and Mrs.Lim,are so upset,”Mom told the boys. “They’re hoping and praying the best for Bobby. I told them we would pray for him, too.”

Sean nodded. Then he turned to his brother. “Hey, Brian, too bad Bobby’s not a Lim anymore, isn’t it?” he asked.

“What are you talking about?” asked Brian. “Didn’t you hear what Mom said?” asked Sean. “Bobby did something terrible – he may not be a Lim anymore because of that.”

“Sure fighting is bad,but he’s still their son,”said Brian.“They still love him, and they want him to come home.”

Sean grinned. “I’m just teasing you,” he admitted, “but I’m doing it to point out something. I want you to see that a Christian who falls into sins will always belong to God’s family just as Bobby, he still always belong to the Lim family despite his offence at school. He can’t enjoy the privileges of being God’s child until he makes things right with God. God may have to discipline him, but he still is God’s child.”

Slowly, Brian nodded his head. He was beginning to understand...

Thought:  Are you fearful that you may lose your salvation?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for assuring me of my salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.