SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE

Assurance is (1) a biblical truth, (2) a believer's faith experience, and (3) and lifestyle evidence.

A. The biblical basis for assurance is

1. God the Father's character and purpose

a. Exodus 34:6-7 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: Characteristics of Israel's God )

b. Nehemiah 9:17

c. John 3:16; 10:28-29 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan)

d. Romans 8:38-39

e. Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:5,8-9

f. Philippians 1:6

g. 2 Timothy 1:12

h. 1 Peter 1:3-5

2. God the Son's work

a. His priestly prayer, John 17:9-24, especially v. 12; Hebrews 7-9

b. His substitutionary sacrifice (cf. Isa. 52:13-53:12)

1) Mark 10:45

2) 2 Corinthians 5:21

3) 1 John 2:2; 4:9-10

c. His continuing intercession

1) Romans 8:34

2) Hebrews 7:25

3) 1 John 2:1

3. God the Spirit's enabling

a. His calling, John 6:44,65

b. His sealing

1) 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5

2) Ephesians 1:13-14; 4:30

c. His personal assurance

1) Romans 8:16-17

2) 1 John 5:7-13

B. The necessary believer's covenantal response is (see SPECIAL TOPIC: Covenant)

1. initial and continuing repentance and faith (see SPECIAL TOPIC: What Does It Mean to "believe," "receive," "confess/profess," and "call upon"?)

a. Mark 1:15

b. John 1:12

c. Acts 3:16; 20:21

d. Romans 10:9-13

2. remembering that the goal of salvation is Christlikeness

a. Romans 8:28-29

b. 2 Corinthians 3:18

c. Galatians 4:19

d. Ephesians 1:4; 2:10; 4:13

e. 1 Thessalonians

f. 2 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:3; 5:23

g. Titus 2:14

h. 1 Peter 1:15

3. remembering that assurance is confirmed by lifestyle

a. James

b. 1 John

4. remembering that assurance is confirmed by active faith and perseverance (see Special Topic: Perseverance)

a. Mark 13:13

b. 1 Corinthians 15:2

c. Hebrews 3:14; 4:14

d. 2 Peter 1:10

e. Jude 1:20-21