The Linked Bible

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

  • Carter Conlon
    Engraved In God's Heart
    Carter Conlon · 2:46

    Carter 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.

  • Dennis Kinlaw
    When God Becomes Friend - Assurance
    Dennis Kinlaw · 33:40

    Christian 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.

  • Edgar Reich
    Seven Evidences of Being a Christian
    Edgar Reich · 59:19

    The 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.

  • Emanuel Esh
    Assurance of Salvation
    Emanuel Esh · 1:17:26

    The 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.

  • Ernest C. Reisinger
    Assurance
    Ernest C. Reisinger · 57:54

    Ernest C. Reisinger's sermon on assurance emphasizes the importance of understanding and attaining true Christian assurance through the Holy Spirit and biblical teachings.

  • Hans R. Waldvogel
    The Test (A Wise Builder Digs Down to the Rock)
    Hans R. Waldvogel · 27:34

    The 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.

  • J. Glyn Owen
    Christian Assurance: Its Author and Behaviour
    J. Glyn Owen · 57:19

    Christian 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.

  • Jacob Prasch
    Once Saved, Always Saved 1
    Jacob Prasch · 1:15:43

    Jacob Prasch explores the theological debate between 'Once Saved, Always Saved' and differing views on salvation, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture in context.

  • Jacob Prasch
    Once Saved, Always Saved 2
    Jacob Prasch · 55:50

    The sermon explores the complexities of salvation, the dangers of falling away, and the importance of maintaining faith through fellowship and spiritual growth.

  • James MacDonald
    Are You Saved?
    James MacDonald · 49:58

    The 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.

  • Keith Daniel
    Assurance of True Salvation
    Keith Daniel · 1:43:39

    The 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.

  • Oswald J. Smith
    Assurance of Salvation
    Oswald J. Smith · 1:00:02

    The 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.

  • Paul Washer
    Assurance: Tests of True Faith
    Paul Washer · 1:09:03

    Paul Washer emphasizes the importance of true assurance of salvation through self-examination and a genuine relationship with Christ.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance 1 - Austin, Tx
    Paul Washer · 43:16

    Paul Washer emphasizes the critical need for self-examination and understanding of true faith to ensure genuine assurance of salvation.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance 2 - Austin, Tx
    Paul Washer · 32:39

    A true Christian is sensitive to sin, leads to confession, and is forgiven and cleansed by God's faithfulness and righteousness.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance 3 - Austin, Tx
    Paul Washer · 35:21

    To 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.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance 4 - Austin, Tx
    Paul Washer · 35:09

    The 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.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance 5 - Austin, Tx
    Paul Washer · 57:24

    The 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.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance (Part 1)
    Paul Washer · 52:31

    Paul Washer emphasizes the critical importance of self-examination and understanding the difference between security and assurance in one's faith.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance (Part 2)
    Paul Washer · 39:27

    A 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.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance (Part 3)
    Paul Washer · 36:14

    The 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.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance (Part 4)
    Paul Washer · 34:50

    True 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.

  • Paul Washer
    Biblical Assurance (Part 5)
    Paul Washer · 57:03

    The 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.

  • Paul Washer
    College Conference - 2 Cor. 13:5 & 1 Jn.
    Paul Washer · 50:31

    Paul Washer emphasizes the need for genuine faith and transformation in the Christian life, critiquing modern reductionist approaches to the gospel.

  • Paul Washer
    (Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 4
    Paul Washer · 1:14:20

    The 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.

  • Rolfe Barnard
    How Can a Man Know That He Is Saved?
    Rolfe Barnard · 52:30

    Salvation 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.

  • Rolfe Barnard
    How Can I Know Christ Died for Me?
    Rolfe Barnard · 59:00

    The 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

  • A.W. Pink
    THE HOLY SPIRIT Chapter 22 The Spirit Assuring
    A.W. Pink

    A.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.

  • J.C. Ryle
    Faith and Assurance
    J.C. Ryle

    Faith is necessary for salvation, but assurance is a sign of a strong faith and brings peace and confidence in salvation.

  • J.R. Miller
    July 25. A Welcome for All
    J.R. Miller

    J.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.