Basis of assurance

Assurance is based upon the certain knowledge of God

Assurance comes from knowing God through creation

Romans 1:19–20 NKJV

because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

See also Ps 19:1–4; Ac 14:17

Assurance comes from knowing God through his mighty acts

Ex 6:7; Eze 37:13–14

See also Ex 16:12; Ex 29:46; Jos 3:10–13; 1 Ki 20:13; Is 49:23; Is 60:16; Eze 20:42; Eze 28:26

Assurance is based upon the certainty of God’s word

Jn 17:8; 1 Jn 5:9–10

Assurance because of God’s oath

Hebrews 6:17 NKJV

Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath,

See also Ge 50:24; Dt 4:31; Dt 7:7–9; Ac 2:30; Heb 7:21

Assurance because of God’s promise

Jos 1:9; Ro 4:20–21

See also Jos 23:10; Jos 23:14; 2 Sa 7:25–26; 1 Ki 8:56; Ps 145:13; Is 33:6; Heb 13:5; Jas 1:12; Jas 2:5

Assurance is based upon God’s vindication of his Son

Assurance because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Ac 2:32; Ac 17:31

See also Ac 1:3; Ac 1:22; Ac 10:39–41; Ac 13:30–31; Ro 1:4; 1 Co 15:3–7; 1 Pe 1:3

Assurance because of the miracles of Jesus Christ

Mt 11:2–6; Jn 4:48; Jn 10:38; Jn 14:11; Jn 20:30–31

Assurance comes through the work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit assures believers by enabling outward demonstrations of God’s power

Hebrews 2:4 NKJV

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

See also Mk 16:17–18; 2 Co 3:2–3; 1 Th 1:5

The Holy Spirit assures believers by giving inward conviction

Ro 8:16; 1 Jn 4:13

See also Jn 15:26; Jn 16:8–11; Ac 5:32; Ga 4:6

The Holy Spirit assures believers by sealing God’s promise

Ephesians 1:13–14 NKJV

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

See also Ac 15:8; Ro 5:5; 2 Co 1:22; 2 Co 5:5; Eph 4:30; 1 Jn 3:24

Assurance based upon the testimony of God’s people

Assurance because of the testimony of eye-witnesses

2 Peter 1:16–19 NKJV

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

See also Ex 10:2; Lk 1:2–4; Jn 1:32–34; Jn 15:27; Jn 19:35; Ac 1:22; Ac 4:20; 1 Pe 5:1

Assurance because of the testimony of the apostles

Ac 22:14–15; 1 Co 1:6; 1 Co 2:1; 1 Th 2:13; 1 Ti 2:5–7; Re 1:2

Assurance is based upon godly living

1 John 2:3–5 NKJV

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

See also 1 Jn 2:23 right belief about Jesus Christ; 1 Jn 2:29 righteousness

Not continuing in sin:

1 Jn 3:9; 1 Jn 5:18

1 Jn 3:14–20 love for fellow believers; 1 Jn 5:1 love for God the Father and God the Son