Assurance and the Love of the Brethren

By this we know that we love the children of God,
when we love God and observe His commandments (1 John 5:1).

John gives another evidence to promote assurance of salvation. Do you love God? Do you love his children? Listen to another word from the same apostle: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14).

That may appear to be a very small evidence; but I can assure you it has often been a great comfort to my soul. I know I love the brethren: I can say unto my Lord,

“Is there a lamb among thy flock
I would disdain to feed?”

I would gladly cheer and comfort the least of his people. Well, then, if I love the brethren, I love the Elder Brother. If I love the babes, I love the Father; and I know that I have passed from death unto life.

Brethren, take this evidence home in all its force. It is conclusive: John has said, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” He would not have spoken so positively if it had not been even so.

Brethren, never be content with sentimental comforts; set your feet firmly upon the rock of fact and truth. True Christian assurance is not a matter of guesswork, but of mathematical precision. It is capable of logical proof, and is no rhapsody or poetical fiction.

We are told by the Holy Spirit that, if we love the brethren, we have passed from death to life.

You can tell whether you love the brethren, as such, for their Master’s sake, and for the truth’s sake that is in them; and if you can truly say that you thus love them, then you may know that you have eternal life.

~ Charles Spurgeon