THE BIBLE DOCTRINE OF ASSURANCE

                                  8/1/04

 

Intro: I John 5:10-13- assurance is a solace to the

fearful and encourages our faith.

 

I. ASSURANCE IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE

BELIEVER’S EXPERIENCE OF BIBLICAL TRUTH.

1) It is fundamental to other blessings.

  Personal faith in Christ must precede assurance!

2) Assurance is our experience of certainty, but

certainty of His Word is not dependent on us, but

on Him.

3) Until assurance is gained, little will be the further

experiences of Biblical truth.

 

II. THERE ARE DIFFERENT MATTERS CONCERNING

WHICH WE GAIN ASSURANCE.

1) Salvation- from guilt of sin

2) Security- that we are kept in Christ

3) Supplication—He does hear/answer prayer

4) Self-judgment- that we are in fellowship with Him

5) Sovereignty- He knows/controls all things.

 

III.ASSURANCE IS AN INWARD CONFIDENCE

DISCERNED BY THE MIND THRU BELIEVING GOD’S

WORD.-   see “know” in I John

It manifests itself--->Quieted conscience

   > Renewed Mind             >Restful heart

   > Positive emotions

 

IV. ASSURANCE PROVIDES US AN ATTITUDE OF…

1) Boldness, not fearfulness

2) Deliberateness, not indecision

3) Optimism, not defeatism