Volume 1 Lawrence, Kansas December 1961 Number 12
In this insecure world of ours, where there is so little that can be depended upon, there is still something we can turn to with assurance: and, that is the brand of righteousness ordered by the Lord, lived daily in this life. "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love"—Hebrews 6:10. "We know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord." —I Corinthians 15:58. The prophet Isaiah has this to say: "And the work of righteous shall be peace: and, the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever"—Isaiah 32:17. It occurs to me that in this time of unrest, when there seems to be no one to turn to in this material world who can give us any assurance for the future, that Isaiah's proposition would surely induce more people to attempt this work of righteousness.
Turn to Colossians 2:1-3. Paul wanted these people, to know that he had a great conflict for them. What was this great conflict: fear, or care Paul had for them? He had great concern for the condition of their hearts. He wanted their hearts to be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, and to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. If Paul could but make them understand his concern for them in this matter, perhaps they would see the importance of striving to attain these things, and have this great assurance. Paul explains to the Thessalonians why they could have the faith they had in the gospel he and his co-laborers had preached to them, in contrast to promises made, perhaps, by others: and, why they could have the patience of hope that they had. He said: "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but, also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sakes." —I Thessalonians 1:5.
These men did not behave like politicians with nothing but promises. These men were not time-servers; but, humble, sincere, faithful men who had the power to confirm the words they spoke by God bearing the witness with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will. You and I have access to these same confirmed words. Brethren, this is assurance. Paul told Timothy: "But continue in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." —II Timothy 3:14. The Hebrews were admonished: Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. —Hebrews 10:22.
Paul, himself, evidently had that peace, quietness and assurance that comes through this work of righteousness that Isaiah speaks of. When he knew that his life was about over he said: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and, not unto me only but unto all them also that love his appearing." —II Timothy 4:6-8. He also said: "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. But Paul was not satisfied to have this assurance himself. He wanted others to come to the end of their lives with the same assurance he had when his time came. He expressed this desire to the Hebrew brethren: "And, we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." —Hebrews 6:11-12.