Topical Encyclopedia Assurance, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the confident belief in the promises of God, particularly concerning salvation and eternal life. This assurance is not based on human merit or effort but is produced by faith, a gift from God that enables believers to trust in His word and His character.Biblical Foundation The concept of assurance is deeply rooted in Scripture, where faith is presented as the means by which believers receive and rest in the promises of God. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This passage highlights that faith itself is the assurance, providing believers with confidence in the unseen realities promised by God. Faith and Assurance in Salvation The assurance of salvation is a central theme in the New Testament. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Here, faith is depicted as the channel through which God's grace is received, leading to salvation. This faith, being a divine gift, assures believers of their secure standing before God. Romans 8:16 further emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in providing assurance: "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit confirms the believer's identity as a child of God, offering an internal witness that strengthens assurance. Assurance and the Promises of God The promises of God are a source of assurance for believers. In 2 Corinthians 1:20 , Paul declares, "For all the promises of God are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him, our 'Amen' is spoken to the glory of God." This verse underscores that the fulfillment of God's promises is guaranteed in Christ, providing believers with a firm foundation for their faith and assurance. The Role of Faith in Perseverance Assurance is not only about the present certainty of salvation but also about the confidence in the believer's perseverance to the end. Philippians 1:6 states, "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This assurance of perseverance is rooted in the faithfulness of God, who completes the work He begins in His people. Challenges to Assurance While assurance is a gift of faith, believers may experience doubts and struggles. The Bible acknowledges these challenges and encourages believers to seek assurance through faith. In 1 John 5:13 , the apostle John writes, "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." This assurance is grounded in the truth of God's word and the believer's faith in Christ. Practical Implications Assurance produced by faith has profound implications for the Christian life. It provides peace and confidence in the face of trials, enabling believers to live boldly for Christ. Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." This call to draw near to God reflects the transformative power of assurance, leading to a life of holiness and devotion. In summary, assurance is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the promises of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is produced by faith, offering believers confidence in their salvation and the hope of eternal life. Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 3:12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Nave's Topical Index 2 Timothy 1:12 Hebrews 10:22 Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... Faith (4102) is always a , and something that can be produced by people. ... "Faith always has the element of assurance, certainty and confidence . . . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k Library This Assurance, However, is not Produced by any Peculiar ... The Perseverance of the Saints Prayer and Faith (Continued) The Vatican Decrees. The Constitution on the Catholic Faith. Fear and Faith Anti-Methodistic Attitude. Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators A Cloud of Witnesses. The Influences that Produced the New Testament Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness Resources How can I have assurance of my salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is free grace? What is Free Grace Theology? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about hope? | GotQuestions.org Assurance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Assurance is Abundant in the Understanding of the Gospel Assurance is the Effect of Righteousness Assurance: Confident Hope in God Restores Assurance: Give Diligence to Attain To Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have by David Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have by Paul Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have of Their Election Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Crown Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Glorious Resurrection Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Kingdom Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Answers to Prayer Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Comfort in Affliction Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Continuance in Grace Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Eternal Life Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Peace With God by Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Preservation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Support in Death Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of The Unalienable Love of God Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Adoption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Election Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Redemption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Salvation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Union With God and Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Crown Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Glorious Resurrection Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Kingdom Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Support in Death Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Answers to Prayer Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Comfort in Affliction Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Confident Hope in God Restores Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Continuance in Grace Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Eternal Life Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Peace With God by Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Preservation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Saints Give Diligence to Attain Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Strive to Maintain Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: The Unalienable Love of God Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Adoption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Redemption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Salvation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Union With God and Christ Related Terms Acknowledgement (3 Occurrences) |
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