By Pastor Joe Dickinson (1 John 2:12–14)
“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” – 1 John 2:12 (KJV)
If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt in your Christian life, you’re not alone—and you’re not unspiritual for it either. Many faithful believers through the ages, even those in the Bible, have had moments where they questioned their faith, their salvation, and even God Himself. And the good news? The Bible makes room for that.
In a recent sermon titled Helpful Assurances for Struggling Saints, Pastor Joe Dickinson addressed the reality of doubt among believers and how God lovingly provides us with tools to navigate it. Drawing from 1 John 2:12–14, Pastor Dickinson reminds us that assurance is not a luxury for the spiritually elite—it’s a necessity for all believers, regardless of maturity.
Doubt Is Not the Enemy—But Ignoring It Can Be
John’s epistle was written to believers who were shaken. They were dealing with:
- Doctrinal heresies that questioned who Jesus really was.
- Ethical heresies where those who claimed spiritual knowledge lived in hate and ungodliness.
- Spiritual confusion, driven by false teachers claiming divine inspiration.
These things didn’t just challenge doctrine—they unsettled the soul. Pastor Dickinson points out that John wrote to believers who needed reassurance. And he gave it. Not by minimizing their questions, but by answering them with grace and truth.
So, is it okay to question your faith? Yes—as long as you know where to go for the answers.
1.
Look to the Gospel – The Cross Is Your Anchor
“Your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” – 1 John 2:12
One of the most common roots of doubt is wondering: Am I really saved? But John doesn’t say, “You prayed hard enough,” or “You meant it this time.” He simply says: “Your sins are forgiven… for HIS name’s sake.”
Our assurance doesn’t come from our feelings, our memories, or even our performance. It comes from the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Hebrews 10:22 tells us to draw near with full assurance of faith—not in ourselves, but in “the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19, KJV).
When you’re doubting, don’t look inward. Look to Calvary. See your sins nailed to the cross. Trust in what He did—not in what you can do.
2.
Look to Your Growth – Victory Is Evidence
“Ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” – 1 John 2:14
John also pointed to the spiritual growth in these believers’ lives. They had begun to overcome sin. They had strength—not from themselves, but because God’s Word was abiding in them.
While we’re not called to be perfect, we are called to grow. As Pastor Dickinson said, “Where Jesus has moved in, sin starts moving out.” If you can see real evidence of victory over sin—if your desires have changed, if there’s progress—that’s grace at work.
If you can’t see any growth, it might be time to ask serious questions. But if you can, take encouragement. Satan doesn’t let go of anyone unless he’s been overpowered—and only Jesus can do that.
3.
Look to Your Relationship – You Know Him
“Ye have known the Father.” – 1 John 2:13
True Christianity is not just belief—it’s relationship. John appeals to something deeply personal: you know God. Pastor Dickinson describes this as “an almost impossible thing to fake.” If the Holy Spirit has taken residence in your life, you’ve talked to God—and He’s talked back. Not audibly, maybe. But unmistakably.
Romans 8:15 says, “Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” That cry doesn’t come from doubt—it comes from relationship. And if you’ve truly experienced that relationship, it’s hard to deny.
What Should You Do with Your Doubt?
- Acknowledge it. Doubt doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human. Even John the Baptist questioned Jesus when he was in prison (Matthew 11). Thomas needed to see His hands. Don’t suppress your questions—face them with faith.
- Talk to someone. John knew his audience personally. He could point out their fruit because he had walked with them. If you’re struggling with doubt, talk to a trusted believer who knows you—and can help you see what you may not.
- Rehearse the gospel. Not just once, but often. Assurance doesn’t come from a date on a calendar—it comes from believing the gospel today. As John 3:16 says: “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Present tense. Ongoing trust.
Final Thought
If you’re a believer struggling with doubt today, hear this: You are not alone, and you are not strange. Doubt is not the opposite of faith—it’s often part of growing it. But don’t stay in that doubt. Look to the cross. Look to your growth. Look to the relationship God has begun in you.
And remember what John said—not once, but twice—for emphasis:
Your sins are forgiven you… for His name’s sake.
By God’s grace, you can be confident in your Christianity. Not because you never doubt, but because Christ never fails.