Topical Encyclopedia The concept of assurance in the context of Christian theology refers to the confidence and certainty that believers can have regarding their salvation and election by God. This assurance is a profound privilege granted to the saints, rooted in the promises of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The assurance of election is grounded in the eternal purposes of God and His sovereign grace. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, provides a foundational text for understanding this assurance: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This verse underscores the divine orchestration of events for the benefit of those whom God has called, affirming their secure position in His plan. Further, Paul writes, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29). This predestination is not arbitrary but is rooted in God's foreknowledge and love, providing believers with the assurance that their election is part of His divine will. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in assuring believers of their election. In Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the Spirit's work: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, 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" (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit acts as a seal and a guarantee, affirming the believer's status as God's possession and providing a foretaste of the eternal inheritance. Evidence of Assurance The assurance of election is also evidenced by the transformation in the believer's life. The Apostle John writes, "We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3). Obedience to God's commandments is a sign of genuine faith and a reflection of the believer's secure position in Christ. Moreover, the presence of love among believers serves as a testament to their election: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death" (1 John 3:14). The Certainty of God's Promise The assurance of election is ultimately anchored in the unchanging nature of God's promises. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to hold fast to this hope: "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). God's faithfulness ensures that His promises are reliable, providing believers with a steadfast assurance of their election and salvation. Encouragement to Persevere While assurance is a privilege, it also serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith. Peter exhorts the saints, "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble" (2 Peter 1:10). This call to diligence in faith and practice is not to earn salvation but to confirm the reality of one's election and to live in the fullness of the assurance provided by God. In summary, the assurance of election is a profound privilege for the saints, rooted in the eternal purposes of God, affirmed by the Holy Spirit, evidenced by a transformed life, and anchored in the certainty of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 4:3But know that the LORD has set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call to him. Nave's Topical Index 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Library Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Comforter Centenary Commemoration The Properties of Sanctifying Grace Withholding Corn John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace Justification by an Imputed 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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