Topical Encyclopedia Assurance of redemption is a profound privilege granted to the saints, rooted in the promises and faithfulness of God. This assurance is not based on human merit but on the completed work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures provide a foundation for this assurance, offering believers confidence in their salvation and eternal security.Biblical Foundation The assurance of redemption is firmly established in the New Testament. In Ephesians 1:13-14 , the Apostle Paul writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with 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." This passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of the believer's inheritance, underscoring the certainty of redemption. Furthermore, Romans 8:16-17 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." Here, the internal witness of the Holy Spirit affirms the believer's status as a child of God and an heir to His promises, reinforcing the assurance of redemption. The Role of Faith Faith is central to the assurance of redemption. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance is not a mere wishful thinking but a confident trust in God's promises. The saints are called to live by faith, as exemplified by the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, who trusted in God's promises despite not seeing their fulfillment in their lifetime. The Promises of God The assurance of redemption is anchored in the unchanging promises of God. In John 10:28-29 , Jesus declares, "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 is a source of great comfort and assurance for believers, emphasizing the power and sovereignty of God in safeguarding their redemption. The Work of Christ The redemptive work of Christ is the foundation of the believer's assurance. In Colossians 1:13-14 , Paul writes, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." The completed work of Christ on the cross ensures that believers are redeemed and forgiven, providing a solid basis for their assurance. The Witness of the Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in assuring believers of their redemption. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 , Paul states, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life is a continual reminder and guarantee of their future redemption. The Call to Perseverance While assurance is a gift, believers are also called to persevere in their faith. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." This call to perseverance is not a contradiction to assurance but a demonstration of genuine faith, empowered by God's grace. In summary, the assurance of redemption is a divine privilege granted to the saints, rooted in the promises of God, the work of Christ, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. It provides believers with confidence and hope, encouraging them to live faithfully as they await the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 19:25For I know that my redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day on the earth: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ... Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. Withholding Corn The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... "Let not Your Heart be Troubled" Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. The Blood of Sprinkling (Second Sermon. ) Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace Extracts No. X. 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) |