Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

18.1. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

Although hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes, and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God, and estate of salvation; which hope of theirs shall perish: yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love Him in sincerity, endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before Him, may, in this life, be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace, and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, which hope shall never make them ashamed.

Proof texts

Job 8:13, 14 — [13] Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish. [14] His confidence is severed, and his trust is a spider's web.
Mic. 3:11 — [11] Its heads give judgment for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the LORD and say, “Is not the LORD in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.”
Deut. 29:19 — [19] one who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of moist and dry alike.
John 8:41 — [41] You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father — even God.”
Matt. 7:22, 23 — [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
1 John 2:3 — [3] And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 3:14, 18, 19, 21, 24 — [14] We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. [18] Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. [19] By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; [21] Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; [24] Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
1 John 5:13 — [13] I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
Rom. 5:2, 5 — [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Job 8:13, 14 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WLC Q79 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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 · CD 4.1 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · IAR 5.6 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach the following propositions : 1st. There is a false assurance of salvation which unregenerate men sometimes indulge, in which they are deceived and which shall be finally disappointed. 2d. There is, on the other hand, a true assurance, amounting to ?ji infallible certainty, which sincere believers may entertain as to their own personal salvation, which shall not be confounded. 3d. This infallible assurance of faith rests — (1.) Upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation. (2.) Upon the inward evidence of those graces unto which those promises are made. (3.) The testimony of the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God. 1st. That unregenerate men, beguiled by the…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): By the " assurance of grace and salvation," treated of in this chapter, is meant the believer's assurance that he is *' in the state of grace," and has a personal interest in the salvation of Christ. The statements on this subject are directed against certain errors of the Church of Rome, and of the Arminians. The Church of Rome deny that it ia possible for any man in this life to attain more than a conjectural and probable persuasion of salvation, except by extraordinary revelation ; and they build some of the most gainful parts of their traffic upon that perpetual doubt and uncertainty, with respect to their final salvation, in which they keep their votaries, and which they…

18.2. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope; but an infallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation, the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made, the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God: which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.

Proof texts

Heb. 6:11, 19 — [11] And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, [19] We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Heb. 6:17, 18 — [17] So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, [18] so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
2 Pet. 1:4, 5, 10, 11 — [4] by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. [5] For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. [11] For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:3 — [3] And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 3:14 — [14] We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.
2 Cor. 1:12 — [12] For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.
Rom. 8:15, 16 — [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
Eph. 1:13, 14 — [13] In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Eph. 4:30 — [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
2 Cor. 1:21, 22 — [21] And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, [22] and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Heb. 6:11, 19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
10 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WLC Q79 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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 · CD 4.1 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · IAR 5.6 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach the following propositions : 1st. There is a false assurance of salvation which unregenerate men sometimes indulge, in which they are deceived and which shall be finally disappointed. 2d. There is, on the other hand, a true assurance, amounting to ?ji infallible certainty, which sincere believers may entertain as to their own personal salvation, which shall not be confounded. 3d. This infallible assurance of faith rests — (1.) Upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation. (2.) Upon the inward evidence of those graces unto which those promises are made. (3.) The testimony of the Spirit of adoption, witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God. 1st. That unregenerate men, beguiled by the…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): By the " assurance of grace and salvation," treated of in this chapter, is meant the believer's assurance that he is *' in the state of grace," and has a personal interest in the salvation of Christ. The statements on this subject are directed against certain errors of the Church of Rome, and of the Arminians. The Church of Rome deny that it ia possible for any man in this life to attain more than a conjectural and probable persuasion of salvation, except by extraordinary revelation ; and they build some of the most gainful parts of their traffic upon that perpetual doubt and uncertainty, with respect to their final salvation, in which they keep their votaries, and which they…

18.3. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it: yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto. And therefore it is the duty of everyone to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure; that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, 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.

Proof texts

1 John 5:13 — [13] I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
Isa. 50:10 — [10] Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
Mark 9:24 — [24] Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Ps. 88 throughout
Ps. 77:1–12 — [1] I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. [2] In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. [3] When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah [4] You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. [5] I consider the days of old, the years long ago. [6] I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: [7] “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? [8] Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? [9] Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah [10] Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” [11] I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. [12] I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. [13] Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? [14] You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. [15] You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah [16] When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. [17] The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. [18] The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. [19] Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. [20] You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
1 Cor. 2:12 — [12] Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
1 John 4:13 — [13] By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
Heb. 6:11, 12 — [11] And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Eph. 3:17, 18, 19 — [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
2 Pet. 1:10 — [10] Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
Rom. 5:1, 2, 5 — [1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [5] and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rom. 14:17 — [17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Rom. 15:13 — [13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Eph. 1:3, 4 — [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
Ps. 4:6, 7 — [6] There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” [7] You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
Ps. 119:32 — [32] I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!
1 John 2:1, 2 — [1] My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. [2] He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Rom. 6:1, 2 — [1] What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? [2] By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Tit. 2:11, 12, 14
2 Cor. 7:1 — [1] Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Rom. 8:1, 12 — [1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [12] So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
1 John 3:2, 3 — [2] Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3] And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Ps. 130:4 — [4] But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
1 John 1:6, 7 — [6] If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 John 5:13 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
24 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WLC Q79 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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 · CD 4.1 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · IAR 5.6 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 1st. That this infallible assurance is not of the essence of faith — that on the contrary a man may be a true believer and yet destitute of this assurance. 2d. That being, nevertheless, as taught in the preceding Sections, attainable in this life in the use of ordinary means, without extraordinary revelation, it is consequently the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure, because this assurance, instead of inclining men to negligence, tends properly to increase (a) spiritual peace and joy, (6) love and thankfulness to God, and (c) strength and cheerfulness in the works of obedience. 3d. True believers after having attained this assurance may have…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): That the assurance that one is in a gracious state does not belong to the essence of faith, requires no proof. This assurance arises from the perception of the fruits and evidences of faith; and it is manifest that faith must exist before its evidences can be discerned. All faith is founded on testimony; but there is no testimony in the Scriptures declaring to any man that he is in a state of grace; this, therefore, cannot be object of faith. This kind of assurance, as has been already shown, is ordinarily obtained by reflection, or by a process of reasoning. But, although the assurance described in this chapter is not essential to faith, yet there is an assurance which…

18.4. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation

True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in preserving of it, by falling into some special sin, which woundeth the conscience and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation, by God’s withdrawing the light of His countenance, and suffering even such as fear Him to walk in darkness and to have no light: yet are they never so utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart, and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may, in due time, be revived; and by the which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair.

Proof texts

Song. 5:2, 3, 6 — [2] I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking. “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one, for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the drops of the night.” [3] I had put off my garment; how could I put it on? I had bathed my feet; how could I soil them? [6] I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone. My soul failed me when he spoke. I sought him, but found him not; I called him, but he gave no answer.
Ps. 51:8, 12, 14 — [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. [14] Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
Eph. 4:30, 31 — [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Ps. 77:1–10 — [1] I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. [2] In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. [3] When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah [4] You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. [5] I consider the days of old, the years long ago. [6] I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: [7] “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? [8] Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? [9] Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah [10] Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” [11] I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. [12] I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. [13] Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? [14] You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. [15] You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah [16] When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. [17] The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. [18] The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. [19] Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. [20] You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Matt. 26:69, 70, 71, 72 — [69] Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” [70] But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.” [71] And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” [72] And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.”
Ps. 31:22 — [22] I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.
Ps. 88 throughout
Isa. 50:10 — [10] Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
1 John 3:9 — [9] No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
Luke 22:32 — [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Job 13:15 — [15] Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.
Ps. 73:15 — [15] If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
Ps. 51:8, 12 — [8] Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. [12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Isa. 50:10 — [10] Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.
Mic. 7:7, 8, 9 — [7] But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. [8] Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. [9] I will bear the indignation of the LORD because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication.
Jer. 32:40 — [40] I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.
Isa. 54:7, 8, 9, 10 — [7] For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. [8] In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer. [9] “This is like the days of Noah to me: as I swore that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you, and will not rebuke you. [10] For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Ps. 22:1 — [1] My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
Ps. 88 throughout

For discussion

The Assembly cited Song. 5:2, 3, 6 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
19 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WLC Q79 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
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 · CD 4.1 · SC60 5.1 · SC60 5.2 · SC60 5.3 · SC60 5.4 · IAR 5.6 · SHC 5.1 · SHC 5.2 · SHC 5.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 1st. That this infallible assurance is not of the essence of faith — that on the contrary a man may be a true believer and yet destitute of this assurance. 2d. That being, nevertheless, as taught in the preceding Sections, attainable in this life in the use of ordinary means, without extraordinary revelation, it is consequently the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure, because this assurance, instead of inclining men to negligence, tends properly to increase (a) spiritual peace and joy, (6) love and thankfulness to God, and (c) strength and cheerfulness in the works of obedience. 3d. True believers after having attained this assurance may have…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): That the assurance that one is in a gracious state does not belong to the essence of faith, requires no proof. This assurance arises from the perception of the fruits and evidences of faith; and it is manifest that faith must exist before its evidences can be discerned. All faith is founded on testimony; but there is no testimony in the Scriptures declaring to any man that he is in a state of grace; this, therefore, cannot be object of faith. This kind of assurance, as has been already shown, is ordinarily obtained by reflection, or by a process of reasoning. But, although the assurance described in this chapter is not essential to faith, yet there is an assurance which…