This book is written with the desire, which is also that of God, that as many people as possible be saved. It is directed in particular to those who rely upon a false assurance.
We have tried to deal with many difficult questions, on which there has been prolonged debate. Our reference point has been this: “What does the Scripture say?” (Romans 4:3). That was always the reference point for what the Lord Jesus said. He told His listeners to “search the Scriptures” for the way to find eternal life (John 5:39). He expounded upon them (Luke 24:27). He told the questioners among the religious leaders they were mistaken in their understanding of spiritual matters because they did not know the Scriptures (Matthew 22:29). For Him, in quoting the Bible, the matter was settled by the simple statement, “It is written.” That was the final Word and there was no more authoritative word.
Those who profess to honor the Bible as the Word of God need to compare diligently what they believe or think, especially about claiming to be Christians, with what the Scripture says specifically. The same is true of those who merely respect “the good book” as one of many good books. If it is good in any sense, then it ought to be trusted and not neglected as to what it says about being saved. There is a terrible and eternal danger in having a misplaced confidence in our personal views about this subject.
The best way to face God in eternity is to be prepared to answer this theoretical question, “Why should I let you into My Heaven?” The answer should be simply, “The Spirit of God has convicted me of personal sin and my need of a Savior. I have no merit of my own to claim your acceptance. The Lord Jesus Christ died as a substitute to pay the penalty of my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I have truly believed the message of the gospel in the Bible, the Word of God. I have repented of my sins and committed myself without reservation to Jesus Christ as my Lord, my God and my Savior, with the intention to live for Him.” If you have done that then you are on solid Biblical ground. In fact, it should be the only ground of your confidence. May this be true of every thoughtful reader of this book.