The article "A True Heart in Full Assurance" by Don Fortner addresses the theological doctrine of assurance of faith, emphasizing the believer's ability to approach God with confidence rooted in Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest. Fortner argues that true worship must arise from a sincere heart cleansed by Christ's blood, highlighting the significance of having a "true heart" that is aligned with God's will. He provides support from Hebrews 10:22-23, which calls believers to draw near with assurance and to hold fast to their faith without wavering. Beyond theological implications, this understanding of assurance reinforces the believer's relationship with God, encouraging them to trust in His faithfulness and the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice for their acceptance before God.
Key Quotes
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
“Everything in the worship and service of our God must arise from and be done with a true heart.”
“Once the blood of Christ is sprinkled on the conscience by the Spirit of God, it is thereby purged from dead works, cleansed from all sin...”
“He will bring us safely home to heaven at last.”
What does the Bible say about a true heart in faith?
The Bible teaches that we must draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith, as noted in Hebrews 10:22.
Hebrews 10:22
How do we know our faith is true?
True faith is evidenced by its unwavering nature and the believer’s reliance on God's faithfulness, as seen in Hebrews 10:23.
Hebrews 10:23
Why is assurance important for Christians?
Assurance offers believers confidence and peace in their relationship with God, based on Christ’s sacrifice and intercession.
Hebrews 10:22
What does it mean to have our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience?
Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience refers to the cleansing that comes from faith in Christ, which provides peace and forgiveness.
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) - Hebrews 10:22-23“A True Heart In Full Assurance”
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).” Hebrews 10:22-23
Draw Near
Because we have such a great High Priest seated in heaven, because his blood has been forever accepted upon the mercy-seat, because he lives to make intercession for us, we have every reason to come to God by him. Christ has opened the way, Christ is the way, and every sinner who comes to God by this way is welcome in the holiest! Let us therefore draw near to God.
A True Heart
“With a true heart" – We come to God with our hearts, not with mere bodily religious exercise, but in true godliness, with the heart, with a new heart, one that is right with God, and is single, sincere, is hearty in its desires, and upright in its ends. Everything in the worship and service of our God must arise from and be done with a true heart.
Full Assurance
“In full assurance of faith” – If we believe God, if we have faith in and toward the triune God, if we trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone for the whole of our acceptance with God, we may come to him, being fully assured of our acceptance by the blood, righteousness, and mediation of Christ. We cannot draw near to God in any other way. God is seen by faith, known by faith, honored by faith, and worshipped by faith in Christ.
“Blessed assurance! Jesus is mine!
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, I’m purchased of God,
Born of His Spirit, and washed in His blood!”
A Clear Conscience
“Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience” -- Our consciences are by nature evil, blind, perverse, corrupt, and pronounce us guilty before God. Once the blood of Christ is sprinkled on the conscience by the Spirit of God it is thereby purged from dead works, cleansed from all sin, and granted the blessed peace of full pardon and forgiveness upon the ground of justice satisfied. It is this that gives the believing sinner boldness to draw near to God.
Cleansed Life
“And our bodies washed with pure water” – This is not talking about the water of baptism, but about the grace of God the Holy Spirit, often compared to water in Scripture (John 7:37-39). The body as well as the soul needs washing and renewing. Grace in the heart cleanses the life and sanctifies the whole man. “The allusion,” Gill tells us, “is to a custom of the Jews, who were obliged to wash their bodies, and make them clean, when they prayed, worshipped, and offered sacrifice to God.”
Hold Fast
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)" (v. 23).
Yes, we are kept in grace and kept in faith by the power of God’s grace, the blood of Christ, and the seal of the Spirit. Did he not hold us by his grace, we could not and would not hold him; but true faith holds him and holds him fast. Faith holds Christ to the end. He will not let us go; and we will not let him go.
Let us ever hold fast the doctrine of our profession, the gospel of God’s grace and glory in Christ, our crucified, risen, exalted Substitute, the Object of our profession. Here is our encouragement to do so: -- “He is faithful that promised!” God is faithful (Lam. 3:21-26).
Our faithful God has promised us eternal life and salvation in Christ to all who seek him. Truly, his faithfulness is great! His compassions never fail! His mercy, love and grace are immutable. His gifts and callings are without repentance. He will bring us safely home to heaven at last!
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