Assurance of Salvation

DAY 20- 3/20/17- FAITH ALONE- THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Thoughts: The Medieval Roman Catholic Church thought that to be assured of your faith was to rest on your laurels and that this was not healthy spiritually.1  But both Luther and Calvin spoke of the assurance that comes by the Holy Spirit when we have faith.  We do not always have to be in a constant state of doubting and wondering.  There is a joy knowing that He is our God and we are His people.  This is the covenant statement that is made real by faith.  Faith is the key that opens the door to the benefits, joy,  and reality of God. 
     Sometimes assurance of salvation escapes us.  It is not the essence of our faith, but it can accompany faith.  Without faith, if we think we are going to heaven, we have no basis for that assurance and it is a false confidence.  Assurance is not based on our confidence but on the object of our confidence- the Maker and Redeemer of our souls.  

Prayer: Lord thank you for the certainty of faith and the assurance of hope we have in you.  

[1- Roman Catholic Council of Trent: Sess Vi, Canon 23: "If anyone maintain that a man once justified can not lose grace, and, therefore, that he who falls and sin never was truly justified, let him be accursed." ] 

The Westminster Confession (Reformed) makes the following points:
1) Assurance of salvation is possible for those who believe.
2) This is based on the promises of scripture and is not a conjecture.
3) You can have faith but not have assurance.
4) True believers may have their assurance shaken.