Assurance of Salvation

The concept of assurance of salvation is a significant theme within Christian theology, emphasizing the believer's confidence in their eternal security through faith in Jesus Christ. This assurance is rooted in the promises of God as revealed in Scripture, affirming that salvation is a gift of grace, not dependent on human merit but on the finished work of Christ.

1. Biblical Foundation: Assurance of salvation is grounded in the promises of God. 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 verse underscores the certainty that believers can have regarding their eternal destiny.

2. Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in providing assurance. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This internal witness of the Holy Spirit confirms the believer's status as a child of God, offering peace and confidence in their salvation.

3. Faith and Perseverance: Assurance is closely linked to faith and perseverance. 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 highlights the importance of a sincere and enduring faith in maintaining assurance.

4. Evidence of Transformation: Assurance is also evidenced by a transformed life. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 , Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" The transformation of character and conduct serves as a testament to the reality of salvation.

Righteousness

Righteousness in the biblical context refers to the state of being morally right or justifiable before God. It is a central theme in Scripture, highlighting the standard of holiness required by God and the means by which believers attain it.

1. Imputed Righteousness: The doctrine of imputed righteousness is foundational to understanding how believers are made righteous. Romans 4:5 explains, "However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." This righteousness is not earned but credited to the believer through faith in Christ.

2. Christ's Righteousness: The righteousness of Christ is the basis for the believer's justification. 2 Corinthians 5:21 declares, "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers are clothed in His righteousness.

3. Sanctification and Righteous Living: While righteousness is imputed, it also involves a process of sanctification, where believers grow in holiness. Philippians 1:11 speaks of being "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." This ongoing transformation is evidence of genuine faith.

4. Pursuit of Righteousness: Believers are called to actively pursue righteousness. Matthew 6:33 instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This pursuit reflects a life dedicated to aligning with God's will and commands.

In summary, assurance of salvation and righteousness are deeply intertwined, with assurance providing confidence in one's eternal security and righteousness reflecting the believer's standing before God through faith in Jesus Christ. These doctrines underscore the transformative power of the Gospel and the believer's call to live a life that honors God.