Studying God’s Word ping
Assurance of salvation is a challenge for all Christians to some degree and at some times. We are sinful and do not always live as God’s children.
But Calvinism, which John MacArthur subscribes to, makes this even harder. Calvinism teaches that God in eternity chose some and not others; that Christ died for some, but not others; and that the Holy Spirit called some, but not others.
So Calvinists cannot look to Christ crucified and know for certain that he died for them, as the Bible teaches. Instead, they must look inward at their own lives as evidence. This ultimately leads to uncertainty, pride, or despair.
On top of this, Calvin introduced the concept of Evanescent Grace. This teaches that God gives some the illusion of being saved, but who really are not of God’s elect.
The Bible teaches that God loves all and wants all to be saved in Christ, trusting in his sacrifice for the world.
Christ died for you. Trust this and live with assurance.
Folks,
A good question for reflection is, “Did God choose you or did you choose God?”
If the power of choosing God resides in you, the power of UNCHOOSING God also resides in you. You cannot have assurance of salvation.
Think about that with your morning coffee or evening beer.
Folks,
In our small minds we think it is one OR the other. There is assurance of salvation or there is not assurance of salvation.
In reality there are some deluded in their assurance of salvation and there are others where it is real. Both are possible.
The question is which one are you?
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. That does not mean you earn your salvation, it means you have been given a gift, excercise it....................