Editorial Argues Believers Must Move From Hope To Certainty

A religious column published on Nov. 9 asserts that spiritual certainty provides a deeper comfort than simple faith. The text, titled "Necessary Knowledge," opens with a quote from Ezekiel 34:30. It states, "Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God." The author argues that while being chosen is a blessing, knowing that choice is a more comfortable one.

The piece distinguishes between hoping God is present and knowing He is present. It claims that faith saves individuals, but assurance satisfies them. The author writes that believers should not rest with mere hope. Instead, they should ask the Lord to lead them to full assurance so that matters of hope become matters of certainty. The column suggests that this knowledge is acquired when believers see Jesus raised up as a plant of renown.

The author emphasizes that this knowledge comes through grace, not the law. The text states that assurance cannot come from the works of the law. It describes this assurance as an evangelical virtue that reaches people only in a gospel way. The column instructs readers not to look within themselves but to look to the Lord alone. It concludes that as believers see Jesus, they will see their salvation.

The column ends with a prayer asking the Lord to send a flood-tide of love. This love is requested to wash believers beyond the mire of doubt and fear. The piece reinforces the idea that turning eyes toward free grace is the primary method for learning one is the Lord's people. The author positions this shift from hope to certainty as the central goal for the believer.