STUDY GUIDE ON ASSURANCE

           STUDY GUIDE ON ASSURANCE

Virgil Warren, PhD

I. A study of assurance requires an understanding of the relationship between four sets of variables:

        (1)   Objective-subjective evidence. Objective refers to the real basis upon which our assurance rests; subjective refers to whether we feel assured of salvation.

        (2)   Primary-confirmatory evidence. Primary evidence fits only with one conclusion; confirmatory evidence fits with the correct conclusion, but it might fit with other possibilities as well.

        (3)   Absolute-relative. Absolute certainty means there is no possibility of doubt; relative certainty is the kind that is sufficient for practical purposes.

        (4)   Now-later. Our assurance about our present state of salvation and our present assurance about our salvation later in life

               Passages relative to the question of assurance are Hebrews 9:11ff; 10:1ff; 6:13-20; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 19:26; John 10:29; 3:16; Hebrews 10:19-22; Acts 26:19; 1 Timothy 1:13; 1 John 3:17-22; Judges 16:20; 1 Corinthians 10:22; John 16:2; Romans 10:1-2; Ezekiel 3:20; 18:24, 26; 33:12-13; Romans 11:19-22;      1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 6:4-8; 10:26-29; 2 Peter 2:21-22; Revelation 3:5; 21:27; 22:19.

        From cross references or a concordance, add to these passages other citations of similar import as well as any that add to the thought expressed in them.

II. What does assurance of salvation not depend on?

        (1)   Acts 17:30; Romans 2; 5:13; etc.

        (2)   1 John 1:8-10; etc.

        What does assurance of salvation depend on?

        (1)   1 John 3:24b; 5:2; etc.

        (2)   1 John 5:18; 2:24, 3-6; 1:10; 1 John 3:14, 18-19; 2:9-11; 4:8, 16.

        What are some indications of sincerity to do God’s will? Explain why you would or would not defend the statement “sincerity will save you.”

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