Overcoming the Agonizing Problem of Assurance: Finding Peace in Salvation

The Assurance of Salvation: Overcoming the Agonizing Problem

For many Christians, the assurance of salvation is a great source of comfort and joy. They have a deep sense of peace and security knowing that they belong to God and that their eternal destiny is secure. However, for others, the assurance of salvation is a source of great anxiety and uncertainty. They struggle with doubts and fears, wondering if they are truly saved or if they will be cast away on the day of judgment.

The agonizing problem of the assurance of salvation is not whether the objective facts of Christianity are true, such as the existence of God, the deity of Christ, His death and resurrection, and His ability to save sinners. These are the foundational truths that underlie our faith, and they are unchangeable. The real problem is whether we personally have saving faith, whether we have truly trusted in Christ and His finished work on the cross for our salvation.

What is Saving Faith?

Saving faith is more than just intellectual assent to the facts of Christianity. It is a heartfelt trust in Christ as Savior and Lord, a surrender of the will to His authority, and a commitment to follow Him in obedience. It involves repentance, which is a turning away from sin and a turning towards God, and a belief that Christ's death on the cross was sufficient to atone for our sins and reconcile us to God.

The apostle Paul describes saving faith in Romans 10:9-10, saying, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." John also emphasizes the importance of faith in his gospel, saying, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The Importance of Assurance

Assurance of salvation is important for several reasons. First, it provides a firm foundation for our faith and enables us to live in confidence and joy. When we know that we belong to God and that our eternity is secure, we can face the challenges of life with hope and courage. Second, assurance is necessary for our spiritual growth and development. When we are uncertain of our salvation, our spiritual lives can become stagnant, and we may struggle to grow in our relationship with God. Finally, assurance is essential for our witness to the world. When we have a deep sense of peace and security in Christ, we can share the gospel with others from a position of strength and conviction.

Why Do Some Christians Struggle with Assurance?

There are several reasons why some Christians struggle with assurance. One of the most common is a misunderstanding of the nature of salvation. Some people think that salvation is something that they must earn or maintain through their own efforts. They believe that they must do good works, avoid sin, and perform religious duties in order to be saved. This view of salvation is not biblical and can lead to anxiety and doubt.

Another reason why some Christians struggle with assurance is because of sin in their lives. When we sin, we may feel unworthy or guilty, and this can lead to doubts about our salvation. However, it is important to remember that salvation is based on Christ's work, not ours. We are saved by grace through faith, and our sin cannot separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).

Finally, some Christians struggle with assurance because of false teaching or spiritual abuse. They may have been taught that they must meet certain standards or adhere to certain doctrines in order to be saved. Or they may have been made to feel guilty or ashamed for their doubts and struggles. In these cases, it is important to seek out sound biblical teaching and to find a community of believers who can offer support and encouragement.

How Can We Overcome the Agonizing Problem of Assurance?

The good news is that the agonizing problem of assurance can be overcome. Here are some practical steps that can help:

1. Examine your heart and life

Take some time to reflect on your relationship with God. Ask yourself if you have truly trusted in Christ for your salvation and if you are seeking to follow Him in obedience. Confess any sin in your life and seek God's forgiveness. Spend time in prayer and Bible study, asking God to reveal His truth to you.

2. Seek out wise counsel

Find a pastor, mentor, or trusted friend who can provide biblical guidance and support. Share your struggles and doubts with them, and ask for their help in understanding the nature of salvation and the assurance of faith.

3. Meditate on God's Word

Spend time reading and meditating on passages of Scripture that speak to the assurance of salvation. Some helpful verses include Romans 8:1, John 10:27-29, and 1 John 5:11-13. Memorize these verses and recite them to yourself when you are struggling with doubts.

4. Focus on Christ

Keep your focus on Christ and His finished work on the cross. Remember that salvation is based on His grace, not our works. When you are struggling with doubts, turn your eyes to Jesus and rest in His love and mercy.

5. Live in obedience

Seek to live a life of obedience to Christ, not out of a sense of obligation or fear, but out of love and gratitude for what He has done for you. When you are living in obedience, you will experience the joy and peace that come from knowing that you are walking in His will.

Conclusion

The assurance of salvation is a precious gift that God has given to His children. It is not something that we can earn or maintain through our own efforts, but it is a free gift that is based on Christ's finished work on the cross. If you are struggling with doubts and fears about your salvation, take heart. God's love for you is unchanging, and His grace is more than sufficient to cover your sins. Seek out wise counsel, meditate on God's Word, and keep your focus on Christ. When you do, you will find the peace and security that come from knowing that you belong to Him.