Question 36

Is Assurance possible to be attained in this Life?

Yes; for fome have had it.^a I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine. And all Christians are commanded to strive for it.^b Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure.

How many sorts of assurance are there?

There is an objective Assurance.^c Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And a subjective or personal Assurance.^d Who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Is personal Assurance perfect in this Life?

No, it admits of doubts and fears, which interrupts it, and it is not always at one height.^e When that which is psrfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

On what Testimony is personal Assurance built?

Upon the Testimony of God’s Spirit, witnessing with ours.^f The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Doth the Spirit make use of signs in us to 〈◊〉 us.

Yes, Ordinarily he doth.^g We know that we are passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. And^h Hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the spirit which he hath given us.

How is true assurance discerned from presumption?

True assurance humbles the Soul.ⁱ I 〈◊〉 crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And makes the Soul afraid of Sin.^j ▪ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse 〈◊〉 selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

What is the usual season of Assurance?

The time of greatest sufferings for Christ.^k If ye be reproached▪ for the name of Christ, happy 〈◊〉 ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.

Is personal Assurance absolutely necessary to Salvation?

No; a man may be saved, and in Christ, without it.^l Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.

What is the fruit of Assurance?

Joy unspeakable amidst outward Troubles.^m And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Iesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

What sins usually eclipse our Assurance?

Negligence in duty starves it.ⁿ Give diligence to make your calling and election sure. For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. And sinning against light stabs it.^o Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce.

What is the first Inference from this Doctrine?

That no unregenerate Person can have any Assurance, for it is the fruit of Justification, Adoption and Sanctification.

What is the second inference?

That all the Joys of Heaven are not to come; but some communicated in this life.^p Whom having not seen ye love; in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

What is the third inference?

That assured Believers need to be circumspect persons, that they grieve not the Spirit.^q And grieve not the holy spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.