Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
Assurance is not presumption; it is the intended fruit of the gospel. It rests on the objective work of Christ and the promises of God, confirmed by the Spirit's witness, not on the fluctuating quality of our feelings or performance.
Key points
- Assurance rests on Christ's finished work and God's promise.
- The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are God's children.
- Feelings follow faith; they are a poor foundation but a good fruit.
Key texts
- 1 John 5:11-13
- Romans 8:16
- John 10:27-29
- Hebrews 10:19-22
- Comprehension
1. On what grounds may a believer be sure of salvation?
- Scripture
2. Read 1 John 5:13. Why were these things written?
- Scripture
3. Read Romans 8:16. What is the Spirit's witness?
- Doctrinal Clarity
4. Distinguish assurance from presumption.
- Contrast
5. Contrast building assurance on feelings with building it on promises.
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. Read John 10:28-29. What double security does Christ describe?
- Application
7. When do you most doubt, and what usually triggers it?
- Application
8. Write out one promise to hold in your next hour of doubt.