8107 assurance, and life of faith

The completeness of conviction and confidence expressed in the life of the believer, worked by the Holy Spirit. It derives from a reliance upon God and his promises alone, and results in boldness and steadfastness in service and in the face of difficulties.

Assurance and faith

Dt 9:3; Heb 10:22 See also Dt 1:21; Jos 1:9; 2Ch 20:17; Jn 17:8; Heb 11:1; Heb 12:5

Assurance and hope

Heb 6:11 See also Pr 23:18; Heb 6:19

Assurance expressed by believers

Assurance in adversity Heb 13:6 See also Ps 118:6-7; Ps 3:6; Ps 27:3-5; Ps 46:1-3; Ps 71:5-6; Ps 73:26; Ro 8:38-39; 2Co 4:16

Assurance of God’s promises Jos 23:14 See also 1Ki 8:56; Ro 4:20-21; 2Co 1:20

Assurance in ministry Ro 1:16; 1Ti 3:13 See also 2Co 3:4; 2Co 4:1; 2Co 5:14; 1Th 1:5; 2Pe 1:12

Assurance in prayer 1Jn 5:14 See also 1Jn 3:21-22

Assurance of God’s will Ro 14:5 See also Ro 14:14,23; 1Co 8:9-11

Assurance may be strengthened

Examples of believers asking for assurance Ge 15:8 Abraham; Ex 33:16 Moses; Jdg 6:17 Gideon; Lk 1:18 Zechariah

Assurance through understanding Col 2:2

Assurance through waiting on God Ps 46:10 See also Ps 27:14; Ps 33:20; Isa 30:15; Isa 32:17-18 The revelation of God’s righteousness among his people results in true peace.

Assurance strengthened by others 2Ch 32:6-8 by example; 2Ti 3:14 through teaching; Col 4:12 through prayer; 1Th 3:2-3 through encouragement amidst trials

False teaching weakens assurance 2Th 2:2; 2Ti 2:18

The delusion of false assurance

The danger of self-assurance Lk 18:9-14; 2Co 10:12; Php 3:3-4

Such assurance proved false by conduct 1Jn 1:6 See also 1Jn 2:9-11; 1Jn 3:6; 1Jn 4:20; 2Jn 9; 3Jn 11

See also