Topical Encyclopedia The concept of assurance, particularly the assurance of support in death, is a profound and comforting doctrine within Christian theology. It is the belief that believers, or saints, are granted a divine assurance of God's presence and support as they face the end of their earthly lives. This assurance is rooted in the promises of Scripture and the character of God as revealed in the Bible.Biblical Foundation The assurance of support in death is grounded in several key biblical passages that highlight God's unwavering presence and faithfulness to His people. One of the most comforting passages is found in Psalm 23:4, where David 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." This verse encapsulates the assurance that God is with His saints even in the darkest moments, providing comfort and guidance. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks to this assurance in Romans 8:38-39, stating, "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." This passage underscores the inseparable bond between the believer and the love of God, which persists even in death. The Nature of Assurance Assurance is not merely a subjective feeling but is based on the objective promises of God. It is a confidence that arises from faith in God's Word and His covenantal faithfulness. Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds believers of God's promise: "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" This assurance is a divine gift, a privilege granted to the saints, affirming that God is their helper and sustainer. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in providing assurance to believers. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." This internal witness of the Holy Spirit assures believers of their identity in Christ and their eternal security, even as they approach death. The Spirit's presence is a guarantee of the inheritance that awaits, as described in Ephesians 1:13-14. Examples from Scripture Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of saints who experienced this assurance in the face of death. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, exemplifies this in Acts 7:55-56, where, filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision provides him with the assurance and strength to face his martyrdom with peace. Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his final letter to Timothy, expresses his assurance of support in death. In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, he writes, "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearing." Practical Implications The assurance of support in death provides profound comfort and hope to believers. It encourages them to live faithfully, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. This assurance also empowers them to face death without fear, trusting in God's promises and His eternal presence. As believers meditate on these truths, they are reminded of the privilege they have as saints to experience God's unwavering support, even in the final moments of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 23:4Yes, 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Properties of Sanctifying Grace "Let not Your Heart be Troubled" The Blood of Sprinkling (Second Sermon. ) Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Extracts No. X. Centenary Commemoration Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace 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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