Topical Encyclopedia Assurance, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the confidence and certainty believers have in their salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. This assurance is a profound source of comfort and strength, particularly as believers face the reality of death. The Scriptures provide numerous affirmations of this assurance, highlighting the unique privilege that saints possess as they approach the end of their earthly journey.Biblical Foundation of Assurance The assurance of salvation and eternal life is rooted in the promises of God as revealed in the Bible. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks to this assurance in his letter to the Romans: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). This passage underscores the unbreakable bond between the believer and the love of God, providing a foundation for assurance even in the face of death. Assurance as a Support in Death The assurance of salvation serves as a profound support for believers as they confront death. The psalmist expresses this confidence in Psalm 23:4, stating, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" . This imagery of God's presence and protection offers comfort and dispels fear, reinforcing the believer's assurance of God's unwavering support. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul again addresses the assurance of believers in the face of death. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he writes, "We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). This confidence reflects the assurance that death is not an end but a transition to eternal life with the Lord, a truth that provides immense comfort and hope. The Role of Faith in Assurance Faith plays a crucial role in the assurance of salvation. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of faith, stating, "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). This assurance is not based on visible evidence but on the trustworthiness of God's promises. As believers exercise faith, they experience a deep-seated assurance that sustains them, even as they face the uncertainties of death. The Witness of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit also plays a vital role in providing assurance to believers. In Romans 8:16, Paul writes, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" . This inner testimony of the Holy Spirit confirms the believer's identity as a child of God, reinforcing their assurance of salvation and eternal life. This divine witness is a source of profound comfort and strength, particularly as believers approach the end of their earthly lives. The Hope of Resurrection The assurance of resurrection is another critical aspect of the believer's support in death. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25). This promise of resurrection assures believers that death is not the final word, but rather a passage to eternal life. The hope of resurrection provides a powerful assurance that sustains believers as they face the reality of death. Conclusion The assurance of salvation and eternal life is a unique privilege granted to the saints, offering profound support and comfort as they face death. Rooted in the promises of God, affirmed by the witness of the Holy Spirit, and anchored in the hope of resurrection, this assurance dispels fear and instills confidence in the believer's heart. As they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, believers can rest in the certainty that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 23:4Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. Nave's Topical Index Library The Properties of Sanctifying Grace "Let not Your Heart be Troubled" The Blood of Sprinkling (Second Sermon. ) Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Extracts No. X. Centenary Commemoration Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace Resources What is scrupulosity, and how can it be overcome? | GotQuestions.orgI am a Catholic. Why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | 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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