Topical Encyclopedia Assurance, in the context of Christian theology, refers to the confident hope and certainty that believers have in the promises and faithfulness of God. This assurance is not merely a subjective feeling but is grounded in the objective truth of God's Word and His unchanging nature. It is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, providing believers with peace, stability, and encouragement in their spiritual journey.Biblical Foundation of Assurance The concept of assurance is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises and His ability to fulfill them. In Hebrews 11:1 , faith is described as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This verse highlights the essence of assurance as a confident expectation based on faith. The Apostle Paul speaks of assurance in Romans 8:38-39 , where he declares, "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 passage underscores the believer's security in God's love, which is a source of profound assurance. Assurance Through the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in providing assurance to believers. In Romans 8:16 , Paul writes, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This internal witness of the Holy Spirit confirms the believer's identity in Christ and assures them of their salvation. Furthermore, Ephesians 1:13-14 states, "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 is a guarantee of the believer's future inheritance, providing assurance of eternal life. Assurance in Trials and Suffering Assurance is particularly significant during times of trials and suffering. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Assurance in God's purposes and His sovereign control enables believers to endure hardships with hope and confidence. The Apostle Peter also addresses this in 1 Peter 1:6-7 , stating, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Assurance in the refining process of trials strengthens the believer's faith and hope in God's ultimate plan. Assurance and the Promises of God The promises of God are a foundation for assurance. In 2 Peter 1:4 , it is written, "Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." The reliability of God's promises provides believers with a steadfast hope and assurance in their spiritual journey. The assurance of salvation is also emphasized in 1 John 5:13 , where 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 assurance is not based on human merit but on the finished work of Christ and the believer's faith in Him. Living in Assurance Living in assurance involves a daily reliance on God's faithfulness and a commitment to His Word. Colossians 2:2 expresses the desire "that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ." Assurance grows as believers deepen their relationship with Christ and understand the riches of His grace. Philippians 1:6 offers further encouragement: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This assurance of God's ongoing work in the believer's life fosters a confident hope and trust in His perfect plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 42:11Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope you in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Wilt Thou be Made Whole? The Epistles of St. Paul Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources How can I have assurance of my salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is free grace? What is Free Grace Theology? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about hope? | GotQuestions.org Assurance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Assurance is Abundant in the Understanding of the Gospel Assurance is the Effect of Righteousness Assurance: Confident Hope in God Restores Assurance: Give Diligence to Attain To Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have by David Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have by Paul Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have of Their Election Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Crown Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Glorious Resurrection Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of a Kingdom Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Answers to Prayer Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Comfort in Affliction Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Continuance in Grace Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Eternal Life Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Peace With God by Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Preservation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Support in Death Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of The Unalienable Love of God Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Adoption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Election Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Redemption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Their Salvation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have, of Union With God and Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Crown Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Glorious Resurrection Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Kingdom Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: A Support in Death Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Answers to Prayer Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Comfort in Affliction Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Confident Hope in God Restores Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Continuance in Grace Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Eternal Life Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Peace With God by Christ Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Preservation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Saints Give Diligence to Attain Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Strive to Maintain Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: The Unalienable Love of God Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Adoption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Redemption Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Their Salvation Assurance: Saints Privileged to Have: Union With God and Christ Related Terms Acknowledgement (3 Occurrences) |
    |