Topical Encyclopedia Assurance, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the confidence and certainty believers have regarding their salvation and standing before God. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes the privilege of assurance that saints—those set apart by God—are granted through faith in Jesus Christ. This assurance is not based on human merit but on the steadfast promises of God and the work of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation of Assurance Paul's writings are replete with references to the assurance of salvation. In Romans 8:16, Paul states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in affirming the believer's identity as a child of God, providing an internal witness that assures the believer of their salvation. Furthermore, in Romans 8:38-39, Paul declares, "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." This powerful passage underscores the unbreakable bond between the believer and God, assuring the saints that nothing can sever them from God's love. The Basis of Assurance Paul teaches that assurance is rooted in the finished work of Christ. In Ephesians 1:13-14, he writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory." The sealing of the Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of the believer's inheritance, providing a divine assurance of eternal life. Additionally, in Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses confidence in God's faithfulness: "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 is based on God's unwavering commitment to complete the work He has started in the believer's life. The Experience of Assurance Paul's letters also address the experiential aspect of assurance. In 2 Timothy 1:12, he writes, "For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." Here, Paul speaks of a personal conviction and trust in God's ability to preserve his soul, even amidst suffering. Moreover, in Colossians 2:2, Paul expresses his desire for the believers "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth of full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself." Assurance is thus linked to a deepening understanding and knowledge of Christ, which brings comfort and encouragement to the believer's heart. The Role of Faith in Assurance Faith is central to the assurance of salvation. In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." This verse illustrates that assurance is lived out through a life of faith, trusting in the sacrificial love of Christ. In summary, the Apostle Paul presents assurance as a profound privilege for the saints, grounded in the promises of God, the work of Christ, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Through faith, believers can experience the certainty of their salvation and the unshakeable love of God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day. Nave's Topical Index 2 Timothy 4:18 Library Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... "But Jesus Sent Him Away" (Luke 8:00 38) The Glory of Penitents and Pious People. The Comforts Belonging to Mourners Sovereignty of God in Administration The Properties of Sanctifying Grace An Unalterable Law A Homily for Humble Folks The Comforter Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. 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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