Posted on 11/28/2016 3:06:17 AM PST by Gamecock
Rejecting False Assurances
If we think the Bible teaches universal salvation, we may arrive at a false sense of assurance by reasoning as follows: Everybody is saved. I am a body. Therefore, I am saved.
Or, if we think salvation is gained by our own good works and we are further deluded into believing that we possess good works, we will have a false assurance of salvation.
To have sound assurance, we must understand that our salvation rests on the merit of Christ alone, which is appropriated to us when we embrace Him by genuine faith. If we understand that, the remaining question is, “Do I have the genuine faith necessary for salvation?”
Again, two more things must be understood and analyzed properly. The first is doctrinal. We need a clear understanding of what constitutes genuine saving faith. If we conceive of saving faith as existing in a vacuum, never yielding the fruit of works of obedience, we have confused saving faith with dead faith, which cannot save anyone.
The second requirement involves a sober analysis of our own lives. We must examine ourselves to see whether the fruit of regeneration is apparent in our lives. Do we have a real affection for the biblical Christ? Only the regenerate person possesses real love for the real Jesus. Next we must ask the tough question, “Does my life manifest the fruit of sanctification?” I test my faith by my works.
Coram Deo
What is your response to the questions posed in this reading: Do you have the genuine faith necessary for salvation? Do you have a real affection for the biblical Christ? Does your life manifest the fruit of salvation?
Passages for Further Study
Psalm 9:14 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
Psalm 20:5 May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
Ping
I don’t think the argument quite holds up. There is a sequence: Faith (which is not a work) => Salvation => Works (through Christ)
If you say that faith without works does not save, then salvation IS by works. The thief on the cross who had faith had no opportunity for works yet was promised salvation.
Instead, I posit that the purposes of works are to manifest a salvation that already exists, to one’s self as well as to others to bring them to Christ. Works are a confirmation of faith for certainty that one is saved when Christ is not available in the flesh to tell you so. Without works, only God knows for sure.
Ephesians 2.8 ping
James sees it a little differently, USOTOS. Works do not save, but they are the evidence of salvation. In other words, he says someone can claim to have faith all day long, but if they have no works, they don’t really have faith, either.
James 2:14-20
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
The James example shows that you really have to work at it - or be destitute yourself - to have NO works.
Coram Deo-—Amen explains it all.
Great piece. Thank you for posting.
Also, I think another response might be, do I have a genuine sorrow and remorse for my sins in the past and am I conscious of any sin currently in my life and resolving with the help of the Lord to flee from them?
Amen.
The mark of maturity in our walk. By God’s Grace.
So true. I really don't think the lost have genuine sorrow over their sins. Maybe remorse, shame, regret, their "conscience" gets to them or they regret the consequences or the harm done to others. But the sorrow for our sins against God is what I mean. Realizing what our rebellion against Him costs and the amazing grace and mercy He offers us because He loves us. It IS a part of our maturing faith walk with Him and is a very good sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit within. Those still at enmity with God don't feel that way.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.