Topical Encyclopedia Assurance, in the Christian context, refers to the confidence and certainty believers have in their salvation and the promises of God. This assurance is a profound privilege granted to the saints, providing them with comfort and strength, especially during times of affliction.Biblical Foundation of Assurance The assurance of salvation and God's promises is deeply rooted in Scripture. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, emphasizes the certainty of God's love and the security of the believer's salvation: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). This passage underscores the unbreakable bond between the believer and God, providing a foundation for assurance. Assurance as a Source of Comfort In times of affliction, the assurance of God's presence and promises serves as a profound source of comfort. The psalmist declares, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). This assurance of God's presence and guidance offers solace to believers facing trials and tribulations. The Apostle Paul also speaks to the comfort found in assurance during suffering: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Here, Paul highlights the reciprocal nature of divine comfort, which not only sustains believers but also equips them to support others. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in providing assurance to believers. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "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 guarantee of the believer's inheritance, reinforcing the assurance of salvation. Assurance and Faith Assurance is closely linked to faith, as it is through faith that believers grasp the promises of God. The author of Hebrews writes, "Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). This assurance is not based on visible evidence but on the trustworthiness of God's word and character. Practical Implications The assurance of salvation and God's promises has practical implications for the believer's life. It fosters a sense of peace and stability, enabling Christians to endure hardships with hope and perseverance. James encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). Assurance empowers believers to face challenges with a joyful and steadfast spirit, knowing that their faith is being refined and strengthened. In summary, assurance is a divine privilege granted to the saints, offering comfort and strength in times of affliction. It is grounded in the unchanging promises of God, affirmed by the Holy Spirit, and sustained by faith. Through assurance, believers are equipped to navigate the trials of life with confidence and hope, resting in the certainty of God's love and salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 73:26My flesh and my heart fails: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 4:18,19 2 Corinthians 4:8-10,16-18 Library The Comforts Belonging to Mourners The Comforter A Homily for Humble Folks Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet Justification by an Imputed Righteousness; The Holy War, 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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