Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8100 The life of faith  »  8104 assurance  »  8107 assurance, and life of faith

The completeness of conviction and confidence expressed in the life of the believer, worked by the Holy Spirit. It derives from a reliance upon God and his promises alone, and results in boldness and steadfastness in service and in the face of difficulties.

Assurance and faith

Deuteronomy 9:3; Hebrews 10:22 See also Deuteronomy 1:21; Joshua 1:9; 2 Chronicles 20:17; John 17:8; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 12:5

Assurance and hope

Hebrews 6:11 See also Proverbs 23:18; Hebrews 6:19

Assurance expressed by believers

Assurance in adversity

Hebrews 13:6 See also Psalm 118:6-7; Psalm 3:6; Psalm 27:3-5; Psalm 46:1-3; Psalm 71:5-6; Psalm 73:26; Romans 8:38-39; 2 Corinthians 4:16

Assurance of God's promises

Joshua 23:14 See also 1 Kings 8:56; Romans 4:20-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20

Assurance in ministry

Romans 1:16; 1 Timothy 3:13 See also 2 Corinthians 3:4; Corinthians 4:1; Corinthians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Peter 1:12

Assurance in prayer

1 John 5:14 See also 1 John 3:21-22

Assurance of God's will

Romans 14:5 See also Romans 14:14,23; 1 Corinthians 8:9-11

Assurance may be strengthened

Examples of believers asking for assurance

Genesis 15:8 Abraham; Exodus 33:16 Moses; Judges 6:17 Gideon; Luke 1:18 Zechariah

Assurance through understanding

Colossians 2:2

Assurance through waiting on God

Psalm 46:10 See also Psalm 27:14; Psalm 33:20; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 32:17-18 The revelation of God's righteousness among his people results in true peace.

Assurance strengthened by others

2 Chronicles 32:6-8 by example; 2 Timothy 3:14 through teaching; Colossians 4:12 through prayer; 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 through encouragement amidst trials

False teaching weakens assurance

2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:18

The delusion of false assurance

The danger of self-assurance

Luke 18:9-14; 2 Corinthians 10:12; Philippians 3:3-4

Such assurance proved false by conduct

1 John 1:6 See also 1 John 2:9-11; John 3:6; John 4:20; 2Jn 9; 3Jn 11

See also

4020  life of faith
6705  peace, experience
8020  faith
8030  trust
8202  boldness
8221  courage, strength from God
8224  dependence
8453  obedience
8724  doubt, dealing with
8823  self-righteousness
9610  hope