Psalm 116:1-8
Heartfelt Assurance
Assurance is more than something cerebral. Matthew 22:35-40;1 Thessalonians 5:23 Man is not merely cerebral, but body and spirit: he is a soul. Assurance is holistic in that the mind apprehends the truth, the heart believes, and both obey in the flesh. Likewise our minds and hearts respond to the truth, laying hold upon the very valuable and joy-giving truth of Christ, and therefore rejoice. Sometimes this produces certain fleshly feelings. The feelings are not the thing that we seek, but are to be measured by the Word; and that being done, they can assist in our assurance.
The Glorious Change
Psalm 116:1-8 Conversion brings with it the glorious soul rest of being free from the fear of death and hell.
Matthew 11:28-30 Rest unto the soul is given to those who struggled under the load of sin and self-righteousness.
John 5:24 No longer under condemnation, the sinner can ask “Who is he that condemneth?” (Romans 8:33-34)
John 7:17 As we walk with the Lord in faithful obedience, we find ourselves learning more and becoming more assured of the truthfulness of His claims. Cf John 14:15-24 By means of the indwelling Spirit of God, He makes Himself known to the believer; and the believer learns and experiences God’s love in His life. Luke 24:32 “Did not our hearts burn..?”
Romans 8:5-14 The Spirit bears witness by reminding us of truth, showing us how grace has subdued our rebellious hearts unto faithful obedience, and is leading us into holiness. 1 John 3:14,24 cf Romans 5:5
1 Peter 1:6-8 Rejoicing with unspeakable joy.
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