Basis of assurance

Assurance is based upon the certain knowledge of God

Assurance comes from knowing God through creation

Romans 1:19–20 NASB95

19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

See also Ac 14:17; Ps 19:1–4

Assurance comes from knowing God through his mighty acts

Ex 6:7; Eze 37:13–14

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

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 NASB95

17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath,

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

Assurance because of God’s promise

Jos 1:9; Ro 4:20–21

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

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

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 NASB95

4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

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

The Holy Spirit assures believers by giving inward conviction

Ro 8:16; 1 Jn 4:13

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

The Holy Spirit assures believers by sealing God’s promise

Ephesians 1:13–14 NASB95

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

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

Assurance based upon the testimony of God’s people

Assurance because of the testimony of eye-witnesses

2 Peter 1:16–19 NASB95

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

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

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 NASB95

3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. 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