Day 237

Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation.

Chapter 18, Paragraph 3.

“…and therefore it is the duty of every one, to give all diligence to make their Calling and Election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this Assurance; so far is it from inclining men to looseness.”

Scripture Lookup

Romans 5:1,2,5, 14:17

Psalm 119:32

Romans 6:1,2

Titus 2:11,12,14

Reflection

Struggling with assurance? What should you do? Is there anything you can do? While we cannot merit our salvation, we can have assurance that we are saved. Through the means that God has provided, the Spirit enables us to know what He has freely given to the believer. Prayer, Scripture, the Lord’s Supper, baptism, worshiping with the saints are such means. Participating in them may feel as if you are rowing against the tide, but as you continue, the load lessens and the joy of assurance is obtained.

When you are hungry yet wish to feel full, you do not reject food given for your nourishment. Likewise, if you are struggling with assurance, do not neglect what is beneficial for your soul. These have been given to enlarge your heart in the joy and peace of the Spirit!

Settled in your assurance? What should you do? Does infallible assurance mean a free pass to sit on the couch and do nothing? Of course not! A result of such assurance is that the believer cheerfully obeys her Lord’s commands. This doesn’t look much different than what the unsure believer is to do, and the result of a heart enlarged in the joy and peace of the Spirit is also the same. Each receive strength to obey, with love and thankfulness to God. Assurance is the wind that pushes our sails onward in Christian obedience.

Resting in Christ, with assurance confirmed with inward evidence of saving graces, does not mean retirement from Christian life. The believer presses on, availing herself of the nourishment He has spread for her. Continue to work out your salvation, then, with fear and trembling, confident that God is working in you.

Questions to Consider

• How diligent are you at making your calling and election sure?