Basis of confidence

Confidence originates with God

In his unchanging and faithful nature

Nu 23:19; Tt 1:1–2

See also 1 Sa 15:29; Ps 33:11; Ps 102:27; Pr 3:26; Is 49:23; Mal 3:6; 2 Ti 1:12; Jas 1:17

In his covenant

Je 32:40; Heb 9:15

See also Ge 9:16 with all living creatures; Ge 17:7 with Abraham; 2 Sa 7:13 with the house of David; 2 Sa 23:5; Ps 89:34; Is 54:10; Is 55:3; Eze 16:60; Ac 3:25

In election

Dt 7:6; Ro 8:28

See also Is 41:9–10; Je 31:3; Ro 8:33; 1 Co 1:9; 1 Th 5:24; 2 Ti 2:19

In his past deliverances

Ps 22:4–5; Ro 8:31–32

See also Dt 7:18; Dt 20:1; Jos 1:5; 1 Sa 17:37; 1 Ki 8:57; Ps 44:1–5; Ps 78:2–4; 2 Co 1:10

In his word

Isaiah 55:10–11 ESV

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

See also Ps 89:34; Ps 119:74; Ps 130:5; Ro 15:4; 1 Pe 1:25; 2 Pe 1:19

In his promises

Jos 23:14; Heb 10:23

See also 1 Ki 8:20; Ps 119:140; 2 Pe 1:4

Confidence is centred on Jesus Christ

Romans 8:38–39 ESV

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

See also Ac 17:31; Ro 8:1; 2 Co 1:20; Col 1:27; 1 Ti 3:13; Heb 7:22; Heb 7:25; Heb 9:15; 1 Pe 2:6; Is 28:16

Confidence is mediated by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:16 ESV

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

See also 2 Co 1:21–22; 2 Co 5:5; Eph 1:13–14