How do we know God's elect are truly alive in Christ?

The true marks of life in a believer include the deep spiritual groanings, sighings, and cries that emerge when one is under the weight of oppression. This notion is founded on the idea that those who are dead in sin and those who claim faith without genuine transformation do not experience these inward struggles. In contrast, the elect, those chosen by God, feel the weight of their oppression and their need for divine mercy profoundly. This is reflected in the desire to cry out to God for assistance, showcasing a heartfelt petition for grace and peace.

Furthermore, the presence of these struggles is attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit, who effectively helps the believer in their infirmities. As Romans 8:26 suggests, the Spirit intercedes with groanings which cannot be articulated, assuring Christians that their pleas for help are understood and recognized by God. Therefore, the experience of such emotional and spiritual anguish rooted in reliance on divine assistance affirms the authenticity of their relationship with Christ.