Question 80. Can true believers be absolutely certain that they are in the state of grace, and that they will persevere in it unto salvation?

 

Question 80. Can true believers be absolutely certain that they are in the state of grace, and that they will persevere in it unto salvation?

Answer. Those who truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him, may be assured, without special revelation, that they are in the state of grace, and that they will persevere in it unto salvation, by the Holy Spirit bearing witness with their spirit that they are the children of God, and by the faith which is based on the true promises of God, and by the Holy Spirit enabling them to discern the grace which is promised.

Assurance of salvation and faith have different meanings. Assurance of salvation means that the believer fully understands the words of the Bible and is certain of salvation based on his thoughts and experiences. However, faith means becoming one with the object. Faith is Jesus Christ, and it means entering into Jesus Christ, so it has a different meaning from one's own thoughts. In other words, it means denying one's thoughts, knowledge, and experiences and entrusting everything completely to Christ.

This is not conditional on any action or effort, but it is about looking back on one’s own condition, repenting to God, hoping for God’s promise that is humanly impossible to hope for, receiving the word of salvation, and being thankful for it solely as grace. Therefore, the saints reach salvation, and the Holy Spirit guides their lives, and they have the heart to share this heavenly blessing with others.