Topical Encyclopedia The concept of assurance in the Christian faith is deeply rooted in the promises of God as revealed in Scripture. Assurance refers to the confidence and certainty that believers have regarding their salvation and eternal inheritance. This assurance is not based on human merit but on the steadfast promises of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. One of the most profound aspects of this assurance is the promise of a kingdom—a divine realm where believers are granted eternal citizenship.Biblical Foundation The assurance of a kingdom is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's promises to His people. In the Old Testament, the kingdom is often associated with the reign of God and His covenant with Israel. In the New Testament, this concept is expanded to include all who are in Christ, both Jew and Gentile. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks directly to this assurance: "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). This passage highlights the gracious nature of God's gift, emphasizing that the kingdom is not earned but given out of the Father's good pleasure. Inheritance of the Kingdom The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this assurance in his epistles. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes, "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light" (Colossians 1:12). Here, the "inheritance of the saints" is synonymous with the kingdom, underscoring the idea that believers are co-heirs with Christ. Paul also reassures the Thessalonians of their calling into this kingdom: "We encouraged you and comforted you as we urged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:12). This calling is both a present reality and a future hope, providing believers with a sense of purpose and direction. Eternal Security The assurance of a kingdom is closely tied to the doctrine of eternal security. Jesus Himself affirms this in the Gospel of John: "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28). This promise of eternal life and security in Christ is foundational to the believer's assurance. The Kingdom's Present and Future Reality While the kingdom of God is often viewed as a future hope, it also has a present reality. Jesus declared, "The kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21), indicating that the reign of God begins in the hearts of believers. This present aspect of the kingdom empowers Christians to live out their faith with confidence and purpose. The future aspect of the kingdom is vividly described in the Book of Revelation, where John envisions the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15). This prophetic vision assures believers of the ultimate victory and eternal reign of Christ. Living in Assurance The assurance of a kingdom calls believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. The Apostle Peter exhorts the faithful: "Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:10-11). This passage encourages believers to pursue godliness and spiritual growth as evidence of their assured inheritance. In summary, the assurance of a kingdom is a profound privilege granted to the saints. It is a promise rooted in the unchanging nature of God and the redemptive work of Christ, offering believers both a present reality and a future hope. Through faith, believers are invited to partake in this eternal kingdom, living with confidence and anticipation of the glory to come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 12:28Why we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 5:10 Library Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God The Right of Entry Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... Sovereignty of God in Administration A Homily for Humble Folks The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate; The Blood of Sprinkling (Second Sermon. ) The Properties of Sanctifying Grace "Let not Your Heart be Troubled" Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. 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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