How do we know striving lawfully is true?

The assurance that striving lawfully is true comes from its foundation in Scripture. In 2 Timothy 2:5, Paul clearly states that a participant in a competition must strive lawfully to receive a crown. This illustrates that there are not only external rules to follow but also an inner condition of the heart, where love fulfills the law, confirmed by Romans 5:5. Knowing that this is a divine instruction gives believers the assurance that their struggles have purpose and meaning.

Additionally, the concept of lawful striving is further supported by the many exhortations in the New Testament for believers to contend for their faith and to engage in spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Timothy 6:12). These exhortations indicate that Christians are called to actively participate in their salvation, which is accomplished through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the affirmation of lawful striving is deeply rooted in the Reformed understanding of a believer's active role in the faith while relying on God's grace.