When asked how I have assurance of salvation, I wouldn't know how to piece together an answer that would suffice. Many people could probably give a deductive argument that is valid and sound. They could give solid evidence from scripture and seal up doubt with fact. I have no doubts about my salvation. I can think of some scripture that talks about it but I wouldn't know exactly where to find it. I find that my relationship with God has gone through some dramatic changes lately.

I became a believer when I was five and have never known another life. Other than what I thought to be a rebellious year in 6th grade where I occasionally used a curse word and I think I remember punching a kid for allegedly asking out my girlfriend. Not a terribly exciting testimony. The only drugs I've taken are perscription, and I've never really come up with a good excuse to get drunk. I'm just one of those people that a relationship with God just seemed to make sense. I just couldn't tell myself it wasn't true.

My already poor ability to become academically educated has seemed to far surpass my ability to learn spiritual truths. My life has been a painfully slow climb, and I seriously doubt that I will become a very learned man, or ever have any initials after my name. I guess between my heart and mind, God decided on a bigger heart. I am starting to figure out why God calls me his child. The truth of my identity, and what I am heir to. I learn more as I embrace truth and sift through and discard the false. Experiencing God becomes less of an ideal and more of a reality the more I learn of his character.

I'm tired of the lies that have kept me from seeing the man standing in front of me. As my vision grows clearer I'm able to make out different characteristics. A kindly face. A knowing expression. A joyful smile. A scarred hand. An outstreched arm.