Topical Encyclopedia Assurance in the Christian faith refers to the confident belief and trust that believers have in their salvation and their union with God and Christ. 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 of Assurance The assurance of salvation and union with God and Christ is a recurring theme in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God." This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in affirming the believer's status as a child of God, providing an internal witness to their union with Christ. In John 10:28-29, Jesus assures His followers of their security in Him: "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 the Father’s hand." This passage underscores the eternal security and assurance that believers have in their relationship with Christ, safeguarded by the power of God. Union with Christ The concept of union with Christ is central to understanding the assurance that believers possess. In John 15:5, Jesus declares, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." This metaphor illustrates the intimate and vital connection between Christ and His followers, emphasizing that their spiritual life and fruitfulness are derived from their union with Him. Paul further elaborates on this union in Galatians 2:20, stating, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." This verse highlights the transformative nature of the believer's union with Christ, where the old self is crucified, and the new life is lived through faith in Jesus. The Role of Faith and the Holy Spirit Assurance is closely linked to faith and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 explains, "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." The Holy Spirit acts as a seal and a guarantee of the believer's inheritance, providing assurance of their salvation and future glorification. 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 based on human effort or merit but on the steadfast promises of God and the finished work of Christ. It is through faith that believers grasp the reality of their union with God and Christ, experiencing the peace and confidence that come from this divine relationship. The Privilege of Assurance The assurance of union with God and Christ is a profound privilege for the saints. It provides comfort, strength, and motivation for holy living. In 1 John 5:13, the Apostle John writes, "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." This assurance is not a presumption but a confident knowledge grounded in the truth of God's Word and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to cultivate this assurance through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God's commands. As they grow in their relationship with Christ, their assurance is deepened, enabling them to face trials and challenges with unwavering faith and hope. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 6:15Know you not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 13:5 Ephesians 5:30 1 John 2:5 1 John 4:13 Library The Glory of Penitents and Pious People. "Let not Your Heart be Troubled" Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate; The Right of Entry The Blood of Sprinkling (Second Sermon. ) The Comforts Belonging to Mourners John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. 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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