Topical Encyclopedia Assurance, in the Christian context, refers to the confident belief in one's salvation and the promises of God. It is a state of certainty regarding one's relationship with God and the eternal security that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible encourages believers to diligently seek and attain this assurance, emphasizing the importance of a steadfast and active faith.Biblical Foundation The concept of assurance is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to pursue it with diligence. In 2 Peter 1:10, the apostle Peter exhorts Christians, "Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble." This verse highlights the necessity of active engagement in one's faith journey to attain assurance. Diligence in Faith Diligence in the Christian life involves a committed and persistent effort to grow in faith and godliness. Hebrews 6:11-12 urges believers, "We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that your hope may be fully realized. Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Here, diligence is linked to the realization of hope and the inheritance of God's promises. The Role of Good Works While salvation is by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), good works are evidence of a living faith and contribute to the believer's assurance. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." The presence of good works in a believer's life serves as a confirmation of genuine faith and provides assurance of one's standing before God. The Witness of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in providing assurance to believers. Romans 8:16 affirms, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This internal witness of the Holy Spirit assures believers of their adoption into God's family and their secure position in Christ. Perseverance and Assurance Perseverance in faith is closely tied to assurance. Jesus, in John 10:28-29, promises, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand." This assurance of eternal security is a source of great comfort and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith. Practical Steps to Attain Assurance 1. Study and Meditate on Scripture: Regular engagement with God's Word strengthens faith and provides clarity on the promises of God. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 2. Prayer and Communion with God: Through prayer, believers maintain a close relationship with God, seeking His guidance and assurance. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 3. Fellowship with Other Believers: Engaging in community with other Christians provides encouragement and accountability, fostering assurance. Hebrews 10:24-25 advises, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." 4. Examine Your Life: Regular self-examination helps ensure that one's life aligns with the teachings of Christ. 2 Corinthians 13:5 instructs, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?" By diligently pursuing these practices, believers can attain a robust assurance of their salvation and the promises of God, living confidently in the hope of eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Power of Diligence Steadfast unto the End Particular Election Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace ... Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ... The Author to the Reader. V. ... Fundamental Oneness of the Dispensations. "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ... Letter i. --Temptation to Despair. 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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