The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum On the matter of Total Depravity

Perhaps I am not grasping what you mean as you intended?

What I am having trouble with is how one can have PERSONAL assurance, versus OBJECTIVE assurance, i.e., that Christ's substitutionary atonement infallibly secures the salvation of those whom He came to redeem. Put another way, a person can affirm that Christ's sacrifice is wholly sufficient to save all those who believe. But, was "I" included in that sacrifice? Perhaps my 'rest, faith and hope' is spurious, e.g., just my upbringing, or self-deception. Thus, there must be a connection between the object of faith and the individual's personal trust, faith and hope, yes?

That's why I made the comment I did and listed the three-fold elements which I believe bring assurance to a professing believer. For example, one should not look at their changed life and conclude that God is pleased with him and thus be assured that he is of Christ. That is antithetical to justification by grace through faith alone. However, one can and should examine themselves to see if the "marks of grace" are evident in their life and if they are, then they may have confidence that the Holy Spirit has done a work in them. The assurance in this case doesn't come from the works themselves (meritorious) but in the evidence of a supernatural work wrought by the Spirit. I do think that all three must be taken together and not be used separately. As I wrote, I see them as a "check & balance" which can expose a false assurance.

Lastly, I do not hold that anyone can have an "infallible" assurance in this life. Because of the remnants of sin that remain in us, there will always be some doubt, albeit variable depending upon our present state at any given moment. Thus, we must always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as our sure hope to be sure but not in extract apart from Christ's Spirit working in us and the estimation of Christ's true Church. As you are more than aware, a morbid introspection which seeks to find evidence of salvation WITHIN only brings death and in the end is an indictment against God. There have been individuals with whom I have spoken with who suffered great anguish over the lack of assurance. Most common was their admission that they truly wanted to believe but they were yet to receive a 'new heart' so they could believe. I pointed out to them the dishonor they cast upon God and that they are casting blame for their probable damnation upon Him. For, at the judgment, what would they say?... "Oh LORD, I truly wanted to believe upon Christ, but YOU wouldn't grant me the ability to do so. Thus, it's YOUR fault I am facing eternal damnation!" There is no injunction for a sinner to seek regeneration and thereafter believe, but only "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved." It's an entirely different matter with an individual who admits they have no interest in God, Christ or the need for salvation in Him. To those, it would be appropriate to pray unto God to change their hearts and draw them to Christ.

Okay.... rambling now... enough!