Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8100 The life of faith » 8112 certainty
A sure knowledge or conviction that what is believed is true and trustworthy. Christian certainty does not arise from the credulity of the believer, but is based on the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God.
Affirmations and statements of certainty
Job 19:25 See also Joshua 23:14; Psalm 27:3; Daniel 3:17; Mark 5:28 pp Matthew 9:21; Luke 1:3-4; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 3:8; 1 John 5:18-20
Certainty in God
Because of his character
Hebrews 6:18 See also Numbers 23:19-20; Deuteronomy 7:9-10; Deuteronomy 32:3-4; 2 Samuel 7:28; Psalm 18:30-31; Isaiah 26:4
Because his promises are confirmed
Hebrews 6:16-19 See also Romans 15:8
His intervention encourages certainty
Judges 6:36-40 See also Exodus 16:6-8; Exodus 33:12-23; Joshua 3:9-13; 1 Kings 18:36-39
Jesus Christ's certainty about his identity and mission
John 13:3 See also Mark 8:31 pp Matthew 16:21 pp Luke 9:22; John 10:14-18; John 14:6-11
Certainty and the believer
Certainty about who Jesus Christ is
2 Timothy 1:12 See also Matthew 16:16 pp Mark 8:29 pp Luke 9:20; John 11:27; John 20:28-29; John 21:24
Certainty of salvation
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 See also Romans 4:16; Romans 8:31-39; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 6:18-19; 1 John 4:13
Certainty gained through obedience
1 John 2:3-6 See also Matthew 7:24-27 pp Luke 6:46-49
Certainty in prayer
1 John 5:14-15 See also Matthew 7:7-11 pp Luke 11:9-13; Matthew 18:19-20; Matthew 21:21-22 pp Mark 11:22-24; John 14:13-14
An area of permissible uncertainty
Mark 13:32-37 See also Acts 1:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
See also
1035 God, faithfulness 2565 Christ, second coming 3203 Holy Spirit & assurance 6632 conviction 8104 assurance 8213 confidence 8602 prayer 8721 doubt 9610 hope
