Topical Encyclopedia The concept of assurance in the life of a believer is a profound and comforting doctrine, deeply rooted in the Scriptures. It refers to the confidence and certainty that believers can have regarding their status as children of God, having been adopted into His family through faith in Jesus Christ. This assurance is not based on human merit but on the promises and faithfulness of God.Biblical Foundation The assurance of adoption is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to rest in the certainty of their relationship with God. In Romans 8:15-16 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in affirming the believer's adoption, providing an internal witness that confirms their status as God's children. Furthermore, Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This underscores the eternal nature of God's plan for adoption, emphasizing that it is an act of divine love and purpose. Privileges of Adoption The assurance of adoption brings with it numerous privileges that are bestowed upon the saints. One of the primary privileges is the intimate relationship with God as Father. Believers are granted the right to approach God with confidence and boldness, knowing they are loved and accepted. Galatians 4:6-7 affirms this by stating, "And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God." Another privilege is the inheritance that comes with being a child of God. Romans 8:17 declares, "And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him." This inheritance is not merely material but encompasses the fullness of eternal life and the blessings of the kingdom of God. The Role of Faith and Obedience While assurance is a gift from God, it is also closely linked to the believer's faith and obedience. The epistle of 1 John provides insight into this relationship. In 1 John 3:1-2 , it is written, "Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." The assurance of adoption is strengthened as believers live in accordance with God's commandments and grow in their relationship with Him. 1 John 3:24 states, "And the one who keeps His commandments remains in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us: by the Spirit He has given us." This ongoing relationship and obedience serve as evidence of the believer's adoption and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Conclusion The assurance of adoption is a profound blessing for the saints, providing them with confidence in their identity as children of God. Through the witness of the Holy Spirit, the promises of Scripture, and a life of faith and obedience, believers can rest in the certainty of their adoption and the privileges it entails. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:16The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 3:2 Library The Glory of Penitents and Pious People. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate; Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Extracts No. X. Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace The Evangelical Revival. The Pharisee and the Publican A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican 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) |
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