Assurance

Quickened · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 09:23 PM

I have seen books out there and heard the topic come up before but i wonder how can one truly have assurance?

There are two things I think of

Quote:

Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

and

Quote:

Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?'
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

The people in matthew that are saying "Lord Lord" have what many people would probably consider outward marks of a Christian. I am sure many people probably viewed these individuals as saved because you would be able to see their outward marks.

And they themselves seem to think they are saved inwardly. They are calling on the same Lord that they invoked when they cast out "demons" and the same Lord they did these works for.

Which brings me to the other verse i cited. The working out the salvation with both fear and trembling seems to be a constant command here. I dont see this command ending after a certain time and that almost seems to imply an ongoing process.

Maybe i am missing something here but thats why this is in the wading pool!

Jimmy the Greek · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 08:07 AM

The lifelong process of sanctification (as noted in your Phil. 2:12) is not at odds with the doctrine of assurance. The apostle John concluded his first epistle saying, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life," (5:13).

R.C. Sproul has an interesting chapter on assurance in his popular Chosen by God (Tyndale). The subject of assurance is also addressed in any good Reformed Systematic Theology, such as Berkhof, Hodge, or Reymond.

Historically, this has been one of Roman Catholicisms great frustrations with Protestantism and Reformation theology. Rome teaches that "we cannot know" we are saved, "we can only try our best and hope." They chide protestant theology saying that our assurance is bold naked presumption on our part. The Protestant says to the Romanist, "Read your Bible."

Quickened · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 06:15 PM

I guess perhaps i struggle a bit or do not clearly understand the issue partially because of my RC upbringing and the time spent with people that were NOSAS before coming to knowledge of the reformed faith.

I think that coupled with the verses in Matthew really make me think. Those individuals most have had some sort of "assurance" that they expected to get to heaven. I do see that their major argument or explanation was focusing on their works. But I suppose it makes me think as well... "what if i am thinking i am saved when i may very well not be part of God's elect"

I am trying to be as open and honest as i can when i think about the issue.

**py3ak** · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 06:51 PM

Here are some words from Richard Sibbes, which though they speak more directly to the issue of the necessity of assurance, I have found helpful in framing the discussion.

Richard Sibbes, The Saints' Safety in Evil Times, Manifested by St. Paul, from his Experience of God's Goodness in Greatest Distress

Quote:

Again, if we would be thankful, as Paul here, and begin heaven upon earth, labour to be assured of salvation, and perseverance in the Christian course. The papists, that speak against assurance and perseverance, kill prayer and praising of God. Shall a man praise God for that which he doubts of? I cannot tell whether God will damn me or not; perhaps I am but fitted as a sheep to the slaughter, &c. How shall a man praise God for any blessing he enjoys, when these thoughts are still with him? How shall a man praise God for salvation, when perhaps he shall not come to it? How shall a man praise God for that which perhaps he may fall from before he die? when perhaps he is God's to-day, and may be the devil's to-morrow? How can there be a hearty thanks, but when a man can say, 'The Lord will deliver me from every evil work,' that by mine own weakness and Satan's malice, I may occasionally fall into, betwixt this and heaven? Therefore, if we would praise God as we should, let us work our hearts to labour after assurance of God's favour; let us redeem our precious time, and every day set some time apart to strengthen our evidences for heaven, which will set us in a continual frame to every good work.

And here is a link to John Newton's letter about assurance of faith.