The True Position of Assurance | John Piper

Deep Dive into Assurance by Charles Spurgeon - The True Position of AssuranceFaith is fundamentally trusting Christ and is the essential act for salvation. It involves leaning on Him with one's whole heart and giving Him all confidence. This saving faith is primarily gained through a process initiated by hearing "the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation." This message, which is "good news" about Jesus Christ coming to seek and save sinners, is God's "soul-saving ordinance" and typically enters "through ear-gate," not through rituals or symbols.While believing is the act of man, the power to believe is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit quickens and illuminates understanding, removing natural unbelief and leading individuals to perceive Christ's perfect truthfulness, often by prompting meditation on Christ's work and considering evidence. Faith is not about trying to believe, but about conviction based on truth. Saving faith is not required in any particular degree; even "little faith," if it is genuine trust, is sufficient for salvation. Though its strength can vary, true faith is imperishable.Assurance, also known as "sealing," is a distinct experience that follows faith. It is the witness of the Holy Spirit with a believer's spirit, confirming they are born of God. Unlike faith, which is an active exercise and a duty, assurance is a passive reception and a privilege only, not a command. Crucially, assurance is not essential for salvation; a person can reach heaven with doubts and fears, but not without the life-giving grace of faith. While faith connects the soul to Christ for salvation, assurance provides profound spiritual comfort and a "heaven upon earth," serving as an "earnest of the inheritance"—a foretaste of future bliss. The Holy Spirit grants assurance through various means, including experience, confirmed hearing of the Word, and a special supernatural witness. Believers are encouraged to seek assurance as a desirable blessing, while remembering that faith itself is what saves.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730