Assurance

In Christian theology, assurance refers to the confidence that believers have in their salvation and relationship with God. This assurance is rooted in the promises of God as revealed in Scripture and is often associated with the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. Assurance is not merely a subjective feeling but is grounded in the objective truth of God's Word.

The Apostle John writes about assurance in 1 John 5:13 : "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 verse highlights that assurance is based on faith in Jesus Christ and the promises contained in Scripture.

The role of the Holy Spirit in providing assurance is emphasized in Romans 8:16 : "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This testimony of the Holy Spirit confirms the believer's status as a child of God, providing a deep sense of assurance.

Assurance is also linked to the believer's perseverance in faith and obedience. Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." This passage suggests that assurance is strengthened through a life of faith and purity.

Security

Security in the Christian context refers to the believer's eternal safety and protection in Christ. It is the confidence that one's salvation is secure and cannot be lost. This security is based on the character and promises of God, the finished work of Christ, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus speaks to the security of believers in John 10:28-29 : "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 passage underscores the divine protection and security that believers have in Christ.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the security of believers in Romans 8:38-39 : "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This assurance of security is rooted in the unbreakable love of God.

Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks of the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of the believer's inheritance: "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 sealing of the Holy Spirit serves as a divine guarantee of the believer's eternal security.

In summary, assurance and security are integral aspects of the Christian faith, providing believers with confidence in their salvation and eternal relationship with God. These concepts are deeply rooted in the promises of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, offering believers peace and stability in their spiritual journey.