Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, assurance is understood as the confident knowledge of one's salvation and standing before God. This assurance is deeply rooted in the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible presents assurance not as a fleeting emotion but as a steadfast certainty grounded in the promises of God and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The concept of assurance is closely linked to the righteousness imparted to believers through faith. Isaiah 32:17 states, "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever." This verse highlights that righteousness results in peace and a lasting confidence, underscoring the assurance that believers can experience. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul elaborates on this theme. In Romans 5:1 , he writes, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Justification, a legal declaration of righteousness, brings peace with God, which is a foundational aspect of assurance. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of security in one's relationship with God. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in providing assurance to believers. In Romans 8:16 , Paul asserts, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This internal witness of the Holy Spirit confirms the believer's status as a child of God, offering a deep-seated assurance that transcends external circumstances. Furthermore, the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 , includes peace and joy, which are manifestations of the assurance that comes from living a righteous life. The presence of these fruits in a believer's life serves as evidence of the Spirit's work and the assurance of salvation. Faith and Obedience Assurance is also linked to the believer's faith and obedience. In 1 John 3:21-22 , the Apostle John writes, "Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight." Here, assurance is connected to a clear conscience and obedience to God's commandments. A life characterized by righteousness and obedience fosters confidence before God. The Promises of God The assurance of salvation is ultimately grounded in the promises of God. Hebrews 10:22-23 encourages believers, "Let us 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. Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." The faithfulness of God to His promises provides a solid foundation for the believer's assurance. Challenges to Assurance While assurance is a gift available to all believers, it can be challenged by doubt, sin, and spiritual warfare. The Bible acknowledges these struggles but offers encouragement to persevere. In 2 Peter 1:10 , believers are exhorted, "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble." This call to diligence in faith and practice serves as a means to strengthen assurance. Conclusion Assurance, as the effect of righteousness, is a profound and enduring confidence in one's relationship with God. It is rooted in the righteousness imparted through faith in Christ, affirmed by the Holy Spirit, and sustained by a life of obedience and trust in God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 32:17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Nave's Topical Index Library Assurance Faith is not an Effect of Election, but is a Necessary Requisite ... Sureness The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit. March 22 Evening Modern Examples of Prayer (Continued) God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer May 1 Morning January 13 Morning "Peace, be Still" 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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