CONCEPT
Assurance
A term exceptionally rich in spiritual meaning. It signifies the joyous, unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith; the security of a fearless trust. The original words have to do with the heart of vital religion. baTach, "trust"; 'aman, "to prop," "to support," hence to confide in, to trust. Jesus repeatedly used this word "amen" to express the trustworthiness and abiding certainty of his sayings. pistis, "faith"; plerophoria, "full assurance." The confidence of faith is based, not on "works of righteousness which we have done" (compare Titus 3:4,5 the King James Version) but on the highpriesthood and atoning sacrifice of Christ.
(Hebrews 10:21,22; compare Hebrews 10:19, "boldness to enter .... by the blood of Jesus," the King James Version). Assurance is the soul's apprehension of its complete emancipation from the power of evil and from consequent judgment, through the atoning grace of Christ. It is the exact opposite of self-confidence, being a joyous appropriation and experience of the fullness of Christ--a glad sense of security, freedom and eternal life in Him. This doctrine is of immeasurable importance to the life of the church and of the individual believer, as a life of spiritual doubt and uncertainty contradicts the ideal of liberty in Christ Jesus which is the natural and necessary fruitage of "the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit .... shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour." Paul unhesitatingly said, "I know" (2 Timothy 1:12)--a word which, oft-repeated in 1 Jn, furnishes the groundwork of glad assurance that runs through the entire epistle. For the classic passage on "full assurance" see Colossians 2:1-10.
Dwight M. Pratt
▶Sermons
Audio
Engraved In God's HeartCarter Conlon · 2:46Carter Conlon teaches that God's love for us is deeply personal and unchanging, as we are forever engraved on His hands and held securely in His heart.
When God Becomes Friend - AssuranceDennis Kinlaw · 33:40Christian doctrine provides a rational explanation of the universe and gives us keys to understanding reality, but sin has led to intellectual damage and confusion, requiring redemption and salvation.
Seven Evidences of Being a ChristianEdgar Reich · 59:19The seven evidences of being a Christian are having fellowship with the Father and the Son, walking in the light, keeping God's commandments, loving others, not loving the world, being born again, and having a personal relationship with God.
Assurance of SalvationEmanuel Esh · 1:17:26The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character, our sinfulness, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and how we can have assurance of our salvation.
AssuranceErnest C. Reisinger · 57:54Ernest C. Reisinger's sermon on assurance emphasizes the importance of understanding and attaining true Christian assurance through the Holy Spirit and biblical teachings.
The Test (A Wise Builder Digs Down to the Rock)Hans R. Waldvogel · 27:34The sermon emphasizes the importance of building our lives on the rock of righteousness, rather than on sand, and the need to dig deep to reveal and overcome corruption.
Christian Assurance: Its Author and BehaviourJ. Glyn Owen · 57:19Christian assurance is a deep and personal confidence in God's plan of salvation, which is rooted in the Holy Spirit and grows through our relationship with God.
Once Saved, Always Saved 1Jacob Prasch · 1:15:43Jacob Prasch explores the theological debate between 'Once Saved, Always Saved' and differing views on salvation, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture in context.
Once Saved, Always Saved 2Jacob Prasch · 55:50The sermon explores the complexities of salvation, the dangers of falling away, and the importance of maintaining faith through fellowship and spiritual growth.
Are You Saved?James MacDonald · 49:58The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing if you're truly saved, and how it's demonstrated by abiding in God's word and living a life characterized by fruitfulness.
Assurance of True SalvationKeith Daniel · 1:43:39The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual birth and the need for correct teaching to ensure true salvation, highlighting the consequences of neglecting doctrine and the significance of denying worldly influences.
Assurance of SalvationOswald J. Smith · 1:00:02The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning of faith and the difference between intellectual assent and saving faith, highlighting that salvation is not by our good works, but by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Assurance: Tests of True FaithPaul Washer · 1:09:03Paul Washer emphasizes the importance of true assurance of salvation through self-examination and a genuine relationship with Christ.
Biblical Assurance 1 - Austin, TxPaul Washer · 43:16Paul Washer emphasizes the critical need for self-examination and understanding of true faith to ensure genuine assurance of salvation.
Biblical Assurance 2 - Austin, TxPaul Washer · 32:39A true Christian is sensitive to sin, leads to confession, and is forgiven and cleansed by God's faithfulness and righteousness.
Biblical Assurance 3 - Austin, TxPaul Washer · 35:21To have assurance of our salvation, we must test ourselves to see if we're in the faith, examining ourselves to see if Jesus Christ is in us, and living a life that reflects God's character.
Biblical Assurance 4 - Austin, TxPaul Washer · 35:09The true tests of salvation are the working of God in our lives, the things written in 1 John, and love for others, as demonstrated by Jesus' new commandment to love one another.
Biblical Assurance 5 - Austin, TxPaul Washer · 57:24The sermon emphasizes the importance of separation from the world, loving what God loves, and hating what God hates, in order to know whether we truly are of the faith.
Biblical Assurance (Part 1)Paul Washer · 52:31Paul Washer emphasizes the critical importance of self-examination and understanding the difference between security and assurance in one's faith.
Biblical Assurance (Part 2)Paul Washer · 39:27A true Christian is characterized by sensitivity to sin, confession, and a desire for holiness, and God looks with favor on those who are humble and contrite of spirit.
Biblical Assurance (Part 3)Paul Washer · 36:14The sermon emphasizes the importance of examining ourselves to see if we are truly saved, and highlights the tests of 1 John as a way to discern whether our profession of faith is true.
Biblical Assurance (Part 4)Paul Washer · 34:50True salvation is demonstrated by the working of God in our lives, causing us to grow in conformity to his character and will, and being marked by love for others.
Biblical Assurance (Part 5)Paul Washer · 57:03The sermon emphasizes the importance of true Christianity, separation from the world, and discipleship, highlighting the characteristics of a true Christian and the consequences of not following God's will.
College Conference - 2 Cor. 13:5 & 1 Jn.Paul Washer · 50:31Paul Washer emphasizes the need for genuine faith and transformation in the Christian life, critiquing modern reductionist approaches to the gospel.
(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 4Paul Washer · 1:14:20The sermon emphasizes the importance of true repentance and faith, warning against the dangers of spiritual blindness and deception, and calling listeners to test their faith and compare their lives to Scripture.
How Can a Man Know That He Is Saved?Rolfe Barnard · 52:30Salvation is in the hands of Almighty God and is based on His mercy and sovereignty, requiring men to experience the horror of being forever forsaken by God.
How Can I Know Christ Died for Me?Rolfe Barnard · 59:00The sermon emphasizes the importance of personal experience and assurance in knowing that Christ died for us, and encourages listeners to respond to the Gospel with a sinner's heart.
Text
THE HOLY SPIRIT Chapter 22 The Spirit AssuringA.W. PinkA.W. Pink teaches that the Holy Spirit assures believers of their adoption as God's children, bringing liberty, confidence, and a filial spirit that enables intimate relationship with the Father.
Faith and AssuranceJ.C. RyleFaith is necessary for salvation, but assurance is a sign of a strong faith and brings peace and confidence in salvation.
July 25. A Welcome for AllJ.R. MillerJ.R. Miller teaches that Christ offers an unfailing welcome to all who come to Him, assuring believers of their secure salvation and His loving acceptance.