CD 4.10

4.10. Fifth Head of Doctrine, Article 10

This assurance, however, is not produced by any peculiar revelation contrary to, or independent of the Word of God; but springs from faith in God's promises, which he has most abundantly revealed in his Word for our comfort; from the testimony of the Holy Spirit, witnessing with our spirit, that we are children and heirs of God, Romans 8:16; and lastly, from a serious and holy desire to preserve a good conscience, and to perform good works. And if the elect of God were deprived of this solid comfort, that they shall finally obtain the victory, and of this infallible pledge or earnest of eternal glory, they would be of all men the most miserable.

Proof texts

• Rom. 8:16-17 — [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Rom. 8:16-17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. WLC Q79 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
3. WLC Q80 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WLC Q79 · WLC Q80 · WLC Q81 · WCF 17.1 · 1689 17.1 · 1689 17.2 · 1689 17.3 · 1689 18.1 · 1689 18.2 · 1689 18.3 · 1689 18.4