What does the Bible say about assurance for believers?

Assurance for believers is a critical aspect of their faith, as seen in the encounter between God and Jacob in Genesis 35. The Lord assured Jacob by changing his name from Jacob to Israel, reinforcing his identity as a prince with God. This affirmation is crucial because believers are prone to forget their standing before God, thus needing regular reminders of God’s promises and their identity in Christ. As Paul writes, believers can find comfort in knowing they are known by God and that He dwells within them (Colossians 1:27). Ultimately, God meets His people in community and through the Word to provide that needed assurance.