In "Advantages of Assurance," Philip Henry examines the theological importance of making one’s calling and election sure, emphasizing that while an individual's election may be secure in itself, personal assurance of this truth significantly enhances one’s spiritual life. Henry argues that assurance glorifies God, provides peace and comfort, fosters holiness, and positively impacts others. To support his claims, he references Hebrews 10:34, John 14:1-3, and 2 Corinthians 5:8, illustrating how confidence in salvation leads to genuine gratitude and joy. The practical significance of this doctrine lies in its ability to equip believers for a Christ-centered life, fostering both personal sanctification and a compelling witness to the faith.
Key Quotes
“The more sure a man is of it the more thankful is he for it.”
“He that knows his election how can he choose but rejoice with joy unspeakable.”
“None walk more closely with God than those that have the clearest evidences for heaven.”
“The example of those that are assured is shining and stirs up others to labor after it.”
What does the Bible say about assurance of salvation?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of making our calling and election sure, as it brings glory to God and comfort to believers.
2 Peter 1:10, John 14:1-3
How do we know assurance of salvation is true?
Assurance is grounded in the promises of God and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.
Romans 8:16, Romans 8:30
Why is assurance of salvation important for Christians?
Assurance fosters gratitude, peace, holiness, and positively influences others in their faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:7, 1 John 3:2-3
There are many things that should move us "the rather" to make our "calling and election sure." Time, and opportunity for doing it, is very uncertain. You can make nothing else sure; but this you may make sure. And how much depends upon it. It is a matter of great concernment.
I know a man's election, calling, and salvation may be sure in itself, though he be never assured of it. Many a one goes to heaven who lives and dies in uncertainties. But I know their condition is better that have made it sure to themselves. There are four great advantages to be gotten by it.
1. It is much for the praise and glory of God. The more sure a man is of it, the more thankful is he for it. Will any man give thanks for the bestowing of that benefit which he is not assured he hath? Were we assured—instead of complainings and fears, there would be praises and thanksgivings. You little think what a loser God is in his glory by our doubtings.
2. It would be much for our peace and comfort. He that knows his election, how can he choose but rejoice with joy unspeakable? He has a heaven upon earth. The more clear sight a man has of his title to heaven, the more content he is in every condition. Having made that sure, all other things are as nothing: "Ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance." Christ sends his disciples to heaven for comfort: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." How can we go to heaven for comfort, if we do not know our interest in it?
3. It would be much for our proficiency and progress in holiness. It is a special bridle to keep from sin: it is a special spur to duty. Moses had respect to the recompence of reward, and that carried him through temptation. They are mightily out that think assurance makes people careless and presumptuous. None walk more closely with God than those that have the clearest evidences for heaven: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him." He labored to be accepted and go to heaven, because he knew he was accepted, and should go to heaven.
4. It would be much for our profiting others. It brings a good report upon the ways of God. It invites men. It encourages them. Droopings discourage. The example of those that are assured is shining, and stirs up others to labor after it: "Therefore, the rather, give diligence to make your calling and election sure."
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