Basis of assurance

Assurance is based upon the certain knowledge of God

Assurance comes from knowing God through creation

Romans 1:19–20 NIV84

since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men 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 NIV84

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with 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 NIV84

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his 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 NIV84

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s 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 NIV84

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining 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 NIV84

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know 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