Oh when the Saints go marching in

Who doesn't know this old song? Who of us haven't sung it? I have known this song since I started school and one always comes across it again and again, as it is about what to expect at Christ's return.

Earlier I sang this song heartily, but as I matured in my faith, I always paused at the third row. It is the question, which is older even than the song, the question of the security of our salvation. Am I, as a Christian, saved? Can I be certain, or is there a danger that I will not pass the test of judgement?

Many generations have discussed this question, most with the uncertainty whether they are good enough for the Kingdom of God. However, when we read through the New Testament, we find this scripture: “Whoever believes and is baptised, will be saved”. It has nothing to do with the amount of good deeds you have done, it has nothing to do with wrongdoings and sin. Only our faith in the death and resurrection of Christ decides where we will spend eternity.

When we give our life to Jesus, He reserves our ticket to God's eternity. In our own strength we cannot accomplish it. Just a few wrongdoings will make all our good deeds null and void.

This however doesn't mean that you shouldn't do any good deeds, but that good deeds are not our entry ticket into heaven. The other way around, it is correct that when we are saved, when we sense the love of God in us, we are unable to live in any other manner, we are compelled to pass this love onto others and act in accordance to God's will.

When we have understood this and live in like manner, it is not a case of “Oh Lord, I want to be in that number” but: “Oh Lord, I will be in that number”. It is not a fearful hope, it is the irrefutable certainty that we will one day march together with the Lord in glory.

And so, I wish you a blessed day in the certainty of your future.

Rainer Gigerich