“…if we look only upon the law, we can only be despondent, confused, and despairing in mind, since from it all of us are condemned and accursed [Gal. 3:10]… for the promises of the law, in so far as they are conditional, depend upon perfect obedience to the law – which can nowhere be found… (but rather) by the gospel he causes us to receive the benefit of the promises of the law as if we had fulfilled their condition.” – John Calvin
I once bought a shaver that was supposed to last five plus years, money back guaranteed and everything. Of course, whenever we find a great deal like this or similar, we assess the risks. We then evaluate the rewards, and make an informed decision (I know, I know, a shaver is not that serious). You may have heard it said that the only guarantees in life are death and taxes. But I won’t get into all that right now. Discussing the weightier matters of life and faith requires investigation. And it is always wise to filter them through God’s Word (the Bible). When we do so, we come to some conclusions that God certainly guarantees about life. Since God is all-knowing, and the fact he is never wrong about anything, we have to take him at his word. One of these great truths he reveals to us is the assurance of the believer. God’s intention is that His people will enjoy the assurance and joy of their salvation. The work of the Spirit in our lives, and the promises of the gospel are given so the believer can know that they are fully and forever accepted in Christ (Romans 8:15-17, Ephesians 1:3-10). There are theological debates about the concept of a person possibly losing their salvation. In my estimation, I do not see anywhere in scripture that teaches this. Does this mean that you and I might not have doubts about the assurance of our salvation at times? Of course not! The question is what do we do when we experience this? Look at Judas and Peter, for example. They both betrayed Jesus, but one committed suicide and the other turned to Christ, was forgiven and restored.
The primary purpose for the gospel of Jesus Christ is the salvation of all people (John 3:16-17, Acts 16:31, Romans 1:16). This offer is made to all but like any invitation, only those who accept it are welcome. So, what if you accept it but then you question it because you don’t feel it? You’re in great company. There have been many faithful believers in the past who have struggled with assurance. They have even doubted their salvation. Our problem is that we tend to look for the assurance of our salvation in the wrong places. It might be in the things we believe God is doing in our lives, in our spiritual growth, in our good works and even our obedience to God’s Word. While these things can be evidences of salvation, they are not what we should base the assurance of our salvation on. Rather, we should find the assurance of our salvation in the objective truth of God’s Word. We should have confident trust that we are saved based on the promises God has declared, not because of our subjective experiences. It is helpful to remember that assurance of salvation and eternal security are two different things. The doctrine of eternal security teaches us that God eternally justifies, saves, and keeps those who are His children (John 3:16; 5:24; 10:27-30; Rom 8:38-39; Jude 1:24; I John 5:13, etc.). This truth is a fixed, factual, and unchanging reality. Assurance, however, is internal, subjective, and thus susceptible to change. The apostles Paul and Peter both remind us of ways to test this in our own lives (2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Peter 1:10-11).
God, in his wise plan for salvation, gives us his Spirit as a guarantee when we believe in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Ephesians 1:13-14). He also gives us His infallible Word as a means of grace for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And His Word teaches us to not ground our assurance of salvation on anything other than Jesus Christ and his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Whenever we go through seasons of doubts, may we take time to seek the Lord and prayerfully discern the reason(s) why we are wrestling with doubts. As we do so, may we also invite the counsel of other mature, gospel-rooted believers who will faithfully minister truth to our souls and point us to Christ. God’s word informs us that our assurance is based on the perfect and complete salvation God has provided for us through Jesus Christ. Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior? If the answer is “yes,” rest assured, you are saved.
Did I mention that the shaver I bought only lasted a couple months? Clearly, that was a bogus guarantee. When it comes to the assurance of my salvation, I know one thing; Nobody else can guarantee it for me. Only Christ can provide that assurance (John 1:12, 1 John 5:11-13). Regardless of my feelings or struggles, I can trust the truth it reveals, reminding me of my security in Christ. Friend, if you’re wrestling with assurance, look to Christ! Drink from The Well that never runs dry! Freshly meditate on the life-giving truths and promises of the gospel. Look to Him, whose sinless life and death fully satisfied God’s wrath against you. He is your substitute, your righteousness, your hope, your life! Go in faith and lean on Christ to keep you!
Drink from The Well 
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