How can I be assured that I am among the chosen? This has been the question asked by millions of Christians for 2,000 years. You are not alone. No doubt all of us have asked it at one time or another until we finally, in confidence, could say as Paul: "...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (II Timothy 1:12)  What a blessed hope! What a blessed peace!

For my own testimony, I remember not long after I had renewed my childhood Christian faith as an adult, I was captured by those words of Paul one Sunday morning as I sang a beautiful old hymn in worship. The words came alive to me that morning. An incomparable peace and assurance flowed through me. I felt His love like no time ever before. I recognized for the first time the lyrics of the hymn were exactly those of Paul's inspired writing. I had just read them that week. It was His Words I was singing back to Him. This has become one of my top 5 favorites. The songs I love to sing best are Biblical, i.e. they tell the Gospel; they speak of His nature and they praise Him for His works. The main subject throughout the song is assurance. Maybe you will find your peace as well in these lyrics as you sing them. (My first is "Blessed Assurance".)

                    I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED

                    I know not why God's wondrous grace
                    To me He hath made known,
                    Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
                    Redeemed me for His own.

                    I know not how this saving faith
                    To me He did impart,
                    Nor how believing in His Word
                    Wrought peace within my heart.

                    I know not how the Spirit moves,
                    Convincing men of sin,
                    Revealing Jesus through his Word,
                    Creating faith in Him.

                    I know not when my Lord may come,
                    At night or noonday fair,
                    Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
                    Or meet Him in the air.

                    (Refrain)
                    But "I know Whom I have believed,
                    And am persuaded that He is able
                    To keep that which I've committed
                    Unto Him against that day."
                    

This question is the one that must be settled in the Christian's heart for him or her to step out into their life of faith with the boldness that will project Christ's Light in strength and distance He desires. Not all of us had Paul's experience when we came to know the Lord. Right or wrong, we have drawn comparisons and contrasts of our lives with those we see who seem to be stalwarts in the faith. In some, this produces a certain amount of doubt or questions—even a sense of alienation, alienation not only from God but from other believers. One experiences a degree of discomfort around others whose joy seems greater.

If you are one who may be going through a time of questioning in your life as a Christian, please take a moment to watch this short video. In it the question is asked of a panel of theologians gathered in a Ligonier Ministries Conference on August 1, 2018. After several have spoken, R. C. Sproul gives one of the best most concise answers I have ever heard. You will find the answer you are looking for. Make note of the four types of individuals he describes.

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Buf before you watch, ask the Lord to open your heart to receive what He will reveal to you. He wants more than anything for you to have the assurance, peace and joy you are looking for.