Assurance is that subjective sense of confidence. From where does it arise? If from oneself, it is false. If he is trusting in the Word of God, something objective, that same Word promises him "peace" with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, strength through the means of grace to be sustained, the eternal love of God which cannot be taken away, the abiding presence of the Spirit (that also witnesses), the perils of sinful indulgence of the flesh, and the possibility of false-faith which is really self-satisfaction.

Self-deceived people do not really believe all that God has to say. They don't grow in grace. They do not, in fact, bear fruit unto righteousness. They sometimes grow up in the field (as tares) or alongside it (among the weeds).

If our assurance ebbs and flows, that is a more sure sign of its reality than its falsity. It gives evidence that we are living in between the ages--but we are ALIVE. We feel the effects of sin. Is it not a worrisome sign, if one has few incentives to self-examination, just invincible confidence (that is never shaken) of God's love? How shall one know the difference between that, and a faith of brass, stiff and lifeless?

Assurance is possible because the Word says it is. It is possible because it is a product of our relationship with God, and not some "element" of our lives, or pulsating corner of our hearts that we have "access" to. We have assurance of God's love after the same fashion that we have assurance of the love of our mothers, or of our spouses--by our mutual words and actions.

But what if there is deception? In human relations, that is possible. But I'm not responsible for the other person's deception, only my own, if I am the liar. Now. can God be a liar? Not at all, if we are to believe the Bible, if we are to believe him. Can I be a liar in that relationship? Yes. And if I am, only God can show me my falseness, if I refuse to question myself.

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Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


When posting friends, kindly bear those words of earthly wisdom in mind:
Oh, that God the gift would give us
To see ourselves as others see us.
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