This is where the Bible and the reformed perspective come together perfectly in a definite and real and true confidence, not in ourselves (or you would be right to worry) but in Christ's work on the cross alone.
Christ said He died to pay for the sins of all those who believe in Him as Lord and Savior.
I believe, therefore I have a reasonable certainty that I have been included among His family since faith is the evidence of God's regeneration. If we believe, we have been so blessed.
The truth is proven by our perseverance. All who have been graced with true faith will persevere and be saved.
That's just the way God ordered His universe. Thank God salvation is all of mercy and not debt as Paul tells us in Romans 4.
There really are so many verses of assurance in Scripture it's difficult to choose...
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." -- John 3:36"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." -- Psalm 73:26
It's just not as grey as Rome tells you it is. Like Paul, some of us know whom we have believed...and why.
Amen, dear Dr. E. We don’t have to wait and wonder until we’re dead to know we are eternally saved. What joy it gives us to know that He’s already done the work.
We call that hope,not absolute certainty. It seems this is what you're also saying.
Dr E-””There really are so many verses of assurance in Scripture it's difficult to choose...””
There are also many verses that say we must always be on guard or we can lose our salvation. such as...
“41 And Peter said to him: Lord, dost thou speak this parable to us, or likewise to all? 42 And the Lord said: Who (thinkest thou) is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom when his lord shall come, he shall find so doing. 44 Verily I say to you, he will set him over all that he possesseth. 45 But if that servant shall say in his heart: My lord is long a coming; and shall begin to strike the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and to drink and be drunk:
46 The lord of that servant will come in the day that he hopeth not, and at the hour that he knoweth not, and shall separate him, and shall appoint him his portion with unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew the will of his lord, and prepared not himself, and did not according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required: and to whom they have committed much, of him they will demand the more.”
Luke 12;41-48
In other words...we can start out as a faithful and then fall away and be assigned to a place with the unfaithful.
Good Night!
I wish you both a Blessed evening!