Topical Encyclopedia Assurance, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the confidence and certainty believers have regarding their salvation and standing before God. This assurance is a profound privilege granted to the saints, rooted in the promises of God and the work of Jesus Christ. It is both a gift and a responsibility, as believers are called to diligently pursue and maintain this assurance through faith and obedience.Biblical Foundation of Assurance The assurance of salvation is a recurring theme in Scripture, providing comfort and confidence to believers. 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 verse underscores the purpose of John's writing: to assure believers of their eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul also speaks to this assurance in Romans 8:16 , stating, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." Here, the indwelling Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in affirming the believer's status as a child of God, providing an internal witness to their salvation. The Privilege of Assurance Assurance is a privilege that stems from the unchanging nature of God's promises. Hebrews 6:17-18 highlights this, saying, "So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged." This assurance is not based on human merit but on the finished work of Christ and the faithfulness of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds believers, "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." Diligence in Attaining Assurance While assurance is a divine gift, believers are exhorted to be diligent in cultivating and maintaining it. 2 Peter 1:10 instructs, "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble." This diligence involves a commitment to spiritual growth, obedience, and the pursuit of holiness. The writer of Hebrews also encourages believers to be diligent in their faith, stating in Hebrews 6:11-12 , "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully assured. Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." The Role of Faith and Works Assurance is closely linked to both faith and works. James 2:17 asserts, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Genuine faith, which leads to assurance, is evidenced by a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, producing good works as a natural outflow of salvation. Philippians 2:12-13 further emphasizes the believer's role in working out their salvation: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." Conclusion Assurance is a profound blessing for the saints, rooted in the promises of God and the redemptive work of Christ. It is a privilege that requires diligence, faith, and obedience, as believers are called to actively pursue and maintain their confidence in the salvation they have received. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture, Christians can experience the peace and certainty that come from knowing they are secure in the love and grace of God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Peter 1:10,11Why the rather, brothers, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall: Nave's Topical Index Library Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... Centenary Commemoration The Pilgrim's Progress The Evangelical Revival. Resources What are some of the signs of genuine saving faith? | GotQuestions.orgWitnessing to Muslims - what is the key? | GotQuestions.org How can I stop questioning my salvation? | 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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