WCF 18 Assurance Flashcards
Is there such a thing as presumptive assurance?
Yes, we may deceive ourselves with “false hopes and carnal presumptions.”
What is meant by infallible assurance?
Assurance that is not wrong
What are the grounds of assurance?
Assurance is grounded in
- The divine truth of the promises of salvation
- God’s working in the heart
- The inner witness of the Holy Spirit
What are Bible verses on the divine truth of the promises of salvation as a grounds of assurance?
Heb 6:17, 18 (God interposed with an oath so that we may have strong encouragement.)
John 3:16 Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 6:37 The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.
What are Bible verses on the inward working of God in the heart as a grounds of assurance?
Gal. 5:16-24 Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the deeds of the flesh. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
1 John 2:3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
Rest
Mustard seed
What are Bible verses on the inward witness of the Holy Spirit as a grounds of assurance?
Romans 8:16 The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
1 John 2:24 If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you will also abide in the Son and in the Father.
What is the relation of assurance to saving faith?
Assurance is a gift that may be expected but it does not belong to the essence of saving faith. A believer may have to wait for it, making diligent use of the means of grace.
What are the private means of grace?
Personal Bible reading and prayer, and fellowship with believers.
What are the public means of grace?
The Word preached, congregational prayer, the right use of the sacraments, and church discipline.
What are the fruits or benefits of assurance?
Peace, joy, love and thankfulness to God, strength and cheerfulness in obedience.
May a believer lose his assurance?
Yes but not irretrievably.
