Topical Encyclopedia The concept of assurance in the context of Christian theology refers to the confidence and certainty that believers can have regarding their salvation and election by God. This assurance is a profound privilege granted to the saints, rooted in the promises of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit.Biblical Foundation The assurance of election is grounded in the eternal purposes of God and His sovereign grace. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides a foundational text for understanding this assurance: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). This verse underscores the divine orchestration of events for the benefit of those whom God has called, affirming their secure position in His plan. Further, Paul writes in Ephesians 1:4-5, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will" . This passage highlights the pre-temporal election of believers, emphasizing that their status as God's children is not a result of human effort but of divine choice and love. Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in providing assurance to the saints. In Romans 8:16, Paul states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" . This internal witness of the Holy Spirit confirms the believer's identity and election, offering a deep-seated assurance that transcends external circumstances. Additionally, the Spirit's work in the believer's life produces the fruit of righteousness, which serves as evidence of genuine faith and election. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, and patience, as markers of a life transformed by God's grace. Perseverance and Assurance The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is closely linked to assurance. Jesus Himself assures His followers of their secure position in John 10:28-29: "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 promise of eternal security reinforces the believer's assurance of election, as it is God who preserves them. Practical Implications The assurance of election has profound implications for the believer's life. It fosters a sense of peace and confidence, freeing the believer from anxiety about their standing before God. This assurance also motivates a life of holiness and gratitude, as the believer responds to God's grace with obedience and love. Moreover, the assurance of election encourages perseverance in faith, even amidst trials and tribulations. The knowledge that one's salvation is secure in Christ provides strength and hope, enabling the believer to endure hardships with a steadfast heart. Conclusion The assurance of election is a cherished privilege for the saints, rooted in the unchanging promises of God and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Through Scripture, the believer is invited to rest in the certainty of God's sovereign choice and to live a life marked by faith, hope, and love. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 4:3But know that the LORD has set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call to him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Library Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Comforter Centenary Commemoration The Properties of Sanctifying Grace Withholding Corn John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace Justification by an Imputed Righteousness; 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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