John wrote many words in his gospel, the three letters and Revelation.  Why?  He wanted his readers to be certain that they have eternal life because they believed in Jesus.  At the end of his gospel he wrote, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31).

Being certain of salvation is a precious gift of God.  Such confidence starts with the Word of God - which provides objective evidence of the identity, character and work of Christ.  As we believe what He says, we enter into a relationship with Him, and the Holy Spirit confirms that we belong to Him (Romans 8:16).  However, that assurance may be undermined by false teaching, sinful living, persecution and painful circumstances.  As we focus on ourselves, for whatever reason, we lose our focus on Christ: our spiritual vision becomes distorted, and our eternal horizon is replaced by the success or anxiety or pain of each day.

That is why believers need God's Word to remind them of the basis of their faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).  It is not in our activity or our feelings, but in trusting what God has done for us, as revealed in His Word.  That objective and external reminder is necessary because our internal and subjective feelings are unreliable.  They are so easily twisted by the world, flesh and devil.

Being certain that we have eternal life, as children of God in His presence, is the springboard for our worship, work and witness.  We do not have to waste our lives frantically hoping or striving to reach God.  He has already accepted us so that we can enjoy His presence and serve Him in a way that pleases Him.  When Word-inspired worship fades, work becomes a chore and witness an irrelevance - only God's Word can assure us of our privileged place in Christ.  That certainty will motivate and empower us to live to His glory.