Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, assurance of answered prayer is a profound privilege granted to the saints, rooted in the promises of God and the teachings of Scripture. This assurance is not based on human merit but on the faithfulness and character of God, who invites His people to approach Him with confidence.Biblical Foundation The assurance of answered prayer is firmly established in the Bible. Jesus Himself provides a foundational promise in the Gospel of Matthew: "And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive" (Matthew 21:22). This statement underscores the importance of faith in the prayer life of a believer, highlighting that belief is a key component in receiving answers from God. Similarly, in the Gospel of John, Jesus assures His followers: "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7). This verse emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ and aligning one's desires with His will, which fosters a deeper communion with God and enhances the assurance of answered prayer. Conditions for Assurance The assurance of answered prayer is contingent upon certain conditions outlined in Scripture. One such condition is praying according to God's will. The Apostle John writes, "And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (1 John 5:14). This assurance is not a blanket promise for any request but is tied to the alignment of the believer's petitions with the divine will. Moreover, the role of righteousness and obedience is highlighted in the epistle of James: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail" (James 5:16). This suggests that a life characterized by righteousness and obedience to God's commands enhances the effectiveness and assurance of one's prayers. The Role of Faith Faith is a critical element in the assurance of answered prayer. The writer of Hebrews states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). This verse underscores the necessity of faith in approaching God, affirming that He is both present and responsive to the earnest prayers of His people. Examples from Scripture The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who experienced the assurance of answered prayer. Elijah, a prophet of God, prayed earnestly for rain, and God responded to his prayer, ending a prolonged drought (1 Kings 18:41-45). This narrative illustrates the power of fervent prayer and the assurance that God hears and answers His servants. Another example is found in the life of Hannah, who prayed for a child with deep anguish and faith. God answered her prayer, granting her a son, Samuel, who would become a significant figure in Israel's history (1 Samuel 1:10-20). Hannah's account exemplifies the assurance of answered prayer when one approaches God with sincerity and faith. Encouragement for Believers Believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is attentive to their prayers. The Apostle Paul exhorts the Philippians, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). This encouragement reflects the assurance that God is both willing and able to respond to the needs and petitions of His people. In summary, the assurance of answered prayer is a divine privilege granted to the saints, rooted in the promises of Scripture and the character of God. Through faith, righteousness, and alignment with God's will, believers can confidently approach the throne of grace, assured that their prayers are heard and answered by a loving and faithful God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 3:22And whatever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 5:14,15 Library The Properties of Sanctifying Grace Withholding Corn Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace The Evangelical Revival. The Holy War, The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What are some of the signs of genuine saving faith? | GotQuestions.orgWitnessing to Muslims - what is the key? | GotQuestions.org How can I stop questioning my salvation? | 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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