"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." -- Romans 1:16

Can we be sure we’ll spend eternity in heaven? Many people say you can’t be sure. Are they right? Does spending eternity in Heaven or Hell have to remain uncertain until it’s too late?

Queen Victoria wanted to be sure. After attending a service in St. Paul’s Cathedral, she asked her Chaplain, “Can one be absolutely sure in this life of eternal safety?” Be he didn’t know any way to be certain.

The Court News published the remarks and John Townsend, an unassuming evangelist, saw them. After reading Queen Victoria’s question and the answer she had received, Townsend began to think and pray about answering her himself. Then he sent the following note to the Queen:

To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria, from one of her most humble subjects:

With trembling hands, but heartfelt love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure now of our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9,10?

These passages prove that there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work.

I sign myself, your servant for Jesus’ sake, John Townsend.

John Townsend told others about his letter to the Queen. Many prayers from many hearts went up to God. In about two weeks he received a modest-looking envelope containing the following letter:

To John Townsend: Your letter of recent date I received and in reply would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to. I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God’s grace to meet you in that Home of which He said, “I go to prepare a place for you.”

(Signed) Victoria Guelph

The way of salvation is the same for a queen or a common citizen. The Bible verses John Townsend recommended to the Queen were:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9,10)

These verses and many other in the Word of God show us that anyone who, by faith, received Jesus Christ as Saviour has eternal life immediately. The Apostle John tells us that his Gospel was written, “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” (John 20:31)

Those who believe have eternal salvation. Jesus Himself said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)

Can a Christian ever lose his salvation? “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” (John 10:27,28)