Assurance in the Reformed Faith: Stability and Grace

 

Summary

In today's message, I explored the profound assurance that the Reformed Christian faith offers in a world that often feels rootless and uncertain. We live in a time where many are searching for truth and stability, and the Reformed faith provides a deep well of assurance through its rich history, robust theology, and meaningful worship practices. This assurance is not just a theological concept but a lived experience that transforms our understanding of God, ourselves, and our place in the world.

The Reformed faith is often misunderstood as cold or lifeless, but it is deeply rooted in the history of the church and the teachings of the Reformation. It offers a sense of belonging and identity that many are seeking today. This is not about being part of a "cage phase" of zealousness but about welcoming those who are disillusioned or searching for truth with warmth and understanding.

Assurance in the Reformed tradition is multifaceted. It begins with the assurance of our history, reminding us that we are part of a long line of believers who have sought to live faithfully according to God's Word. This historical rootedness gives us a sense of stability and continuity in a rapidly changing world.

The assurance of our theology is centered on the gospel of justification by faith alone. This doctrine provides the foundation for our confidence before God, as it assures us that our standing with Him is based not on our works but on the perfect obedience and satisfaction of Christ. This truth liberates us from the endless cycle of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in His grace.

Our worship, too, is a source of assurance. In Reformed worship, God meets with His people through the means of grace—preaching, sacraments, and prayer. This liturgical structure, though it may seem unfamiliar or even dull to some, is a profound encounter with the living God who speaks to us and assures us of His presence and promises.

Finally, the Reformed faith offers assurance in our Christian life. It acknowledges the struggles and trials we face but points us to the grace of God that empowers us to live with gratitude and joy. Our piety is not about achieving perfection but about responding to God's grace with a life of obedience and service.

Key Takeaways:

- The Reformed faith provides assurance through its historical roots, offering stability and continuity in a world that often feels transient and uncertain. This historical connection reminds us that we are part of a larger story of God's people throughout the ages. [07:43]

- The doctrine of justification by faith alone is central to the Reformed tradition, providing assurance that our standing before God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own efforts. This liberating truth allows us to rest in God's grace rather than striving for acceptance. [11:47]

- Reformed worship, though it may seem unfamiliar, is a profound encounter with God through the means of grace. It assures us of God's presence and promises as we participate in the liturgy, which is designed to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. [13:36]

- The Reformed faith acknowledges the challenges of the Christian life but offers assurance through the grace of God that empowers us to live with gratitude and joy. Our piety is a response to God's grace, not an attempt to earn His favor. [18:35]

- The Reformed tradition emphasizes the importance of community and belonging, offering a sense of identity and purpose in a fragmented world. This assurance of belonging is rooted in our shared faith and commitment to living out the gospel together. [05:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Introduction to Reformed Faith
- [00:57] - Misconceptions About Reformed Churches
- [02:09] - The Cage Phase Explained
- [03:15] - Assurance in Reformed Theology
- [04:19] - Seeking Assurance in Modern Times
- [05:24] - The Search for Belonging
- [06:25] - Assurance of History
- [07:43] - Roots in Reformation
- [08:18] - Assurance of Theology
- [09:31] - Personal Journey to Reformed Faith
- [10:40] - The Gospel of Justification
- [11:47] - Understanding Justification
- [13:02] - Reformed Worship Experience
- [14:55] - The Power of God's Word in Worship
- [16:09] - Assurance in Christian Life
- [18:35] - Living with Gratitude and Joy
- [19:53] - Assurance of Salvation and Doctrine
- [21:36] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
3. Hebrews 10:22 - "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some common misconceptions about Reformed churches mentioned in the sermon? [00:57]
2. How does the sermon describe the "cage phase" and its impact on new believers in the Reformed faith? [02:09]
3. According to the sermon, what role does history play in providing assurance within the Reformed faith? [07:04]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of Reformed worship in experiencing God's presence? [13:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the doctrine of justification by faith alone provide assurance to believers, according to the sermon? [11:47]
2. In what ways does the Reformed tradition offer a sense of belonging and identity in today's fragmented world? [05:55]
3. How does the sermon suggest that Reformed worship differs from other worship experiences, and what assurance does it provide? [13:36]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between Reformed theology and the challenges of the Christian life? [18:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own experience with church communities. Have you ever felt like an outsider, and how did you find a sense of belonging? How can the Reformed tradition help in this regard? [05:55]
2. The sermon emphasizes the assurance found in the doctrine of justification by faith alone. How does this truth impact your daily life and relationship with God? [11:47]
3. Consider your current worship practices. How might participating in Reformed worship deepen your encounter with God? [13:02]
4. The sermon discusses the challenges of the Christian life. What specific struggles are you facing, and how can the assurance of God's grace empower you to live with gratitude and joy? [18:35]
5. Think about the historical roots of your faith. How does understanding the history of the Reformed tradition enhance your sense of stability and continuity in your spiritual journey? [07:04]
6. How can you actively contribute to creating a welcoming and hospitable environment for those seeking truth and assurance in your church community? [02:40]
7. Identify one aspect of Reformed theology that you find particularly assuring. How can you share this assurance with someone who is searching for truth? [04:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance Through Historical Roots
The Reformed faith offers a profound sense of assurance through its deep historical roots. This connection to the past provides stability and continuity in a world that often feels transient and uncertain. By understanding that we are part of a larger story of God's people throughout the ages, we gain a sense of belonging and identity. This historical rootedness is not just about looking back but about drawing strength and wisdom from those who have faithfully walked before us. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and that our faith is part of a grand narrative that God is weaving through history. [07:43]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a historical figure from the Reformed tradition who inspires you. How can their story encourage you to live faithfully today?


Day 2: Justification by Faith Alone
Central to the Reformed tradition is the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which provides assurance that our standing before God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our own efforts. This liberating truth allows us to rest in God's grace rather than striving for acceptance. It frees us from the endless cycle of trying to earn God's favor and assures us that our relationship with Him is secure because of what Christ has done. This assurance transforms our understanding of grace, leading us to live with gratitude and confidence in God's promises. [11:47]

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving for acceptance? How can you remind yourself of the assurance that comes from being justified by faith alone?


Day 3: Encountering God in Worship
Reformed worship, though it may seem unfamiliar, is a profound encounter with God through the means of grace. It assures us of God's presence and promises as we participate in the liturgy, which is designed to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. Through preaching, sacraments, and prayer, we meet with the living God who speaks to us and assures us of His love and faithfulness. This structured worship is not about ritual for its own sake but about creating space for a genuine encounter with God that transforms our hearts and minds. [13:36]

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand." (Psalm 95:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prepare your heart to encounter God more deeply in worship this week? What specific steps can you take to engage more fully in the liturgy?


Day 4: Assurance in the Christian Life
The Reformed faith acknowledges the challenges of the Christian life but offers assurance through the grace of God that empowers us to live with gratitude and joy. Our piety is a response to God's grace, not an attempt to earn His favor. This perspective allows us to face struggles and trials with the confidence that God's grace is sufficient for us. It encourages us to live out our faith with a sense of purpose and joy, knowing that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve and obey God in all aspects of life. [18:35]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to rely more on God's grace? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy in that area?


Day 5: Belonging and Community in the Reformed Tradition
The Reformed tradition emphasizes the importance of community and belonging, offering a sense of identity and purpose in a fragmented world. This assurance of belonging is rooted in our shared faith and commitment to living out the gospel together. Being part of a community of believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability as we seek to follow Christ. It reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but part of a body that is called to love and serve one another in unity and grace. [05:55]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your faith community this week? What steps can you take to foster a deeper sense of belonging and connection with others?

Quotes

"Well, while we do live in a time of Christless Christianity and as this conference is seeking to diagnose that problem as well as to prescribe a cure for it, I believe very strongly that the Reformed Christian faith is that cure to the ills of our time, and I hope that this little book, which I will give you a brief intro to, plays a small part in that cure." [00:00:32]

"Michael Horton was one of my professors in seminary. I won’t tell you how bad he was in his first couple of years. But he was one of my professors in seminary, and he described that sort of attitude to a visitor to a Reformed church as the cage phase. Have you heard that slogan before, the cage phase? The cage phase is basically the guy or the girl, mostly the guy, young guy with spiky hair and a goatee who becomes Reformed and is so excited about it that you have to put him in a cage for a year just to calm him down and to tame him a little bit." [00:02:12]

"Well, I want to think a little bit about that, give you some of the… the contours, the background of this little book by thinking about the idea of assurance. And I’ll come back to why I mention assurance in just a moment. It was a great 17th century Catholic apologist, polemicist, Robert Bellarmine, who said that the greatest heresy of the Protestant religion was the assurance of salvation. He said that because, of course, in the Medieval church and in the Reformation, the people were amidst a Christendom sort of society." [00:03:10]

"We do live in a post-everything sort of culture. Everyone seems to be in our time and place different than the Medieval and the Reformation period where Bellarmine did say that assurance was the height of the Protestant heresy. We don’t live in that sort of a time of assurance, but people are looking for assurance not for their own particular personal angst necessarily, but really larger questions of, how can we know anything is true, how can we find anything with roots and stability? People are looking for community and looking for assurance of that." [00:05:04]

"Well, what is this little book all about? Well, first of all, just speaking of that idea of assurance, the Reformed faith seeks to give the assurance of our history. It was Lewis, C. S. Lewis, who described us as a chronologically arrogant people. His time, of course, he said that in the mid-twentieth century. It can’t be any truer than today. We’re slaves to sound bites. We’re slaves to the tyranny of news cycles, which so sadly have a cycle of a girl who’s gone missing, and only to be trumped by the next celebrity and his or her faux pas." [00:06:21]

"Well, secondly, the Reformed faith seeks to give, and this little book seeks to give the assurance of our theology, not just history for history’s sake but the substance of what is found in that great movement of history in the Reformation. Tomorrow, I want you to think, for those of you who are in Reformed churches or those of you who are in churches that are becoming maybe more and more Reformed in its theology, stop and think about the person who walks into the doors of wherever you might meet, and especially anyone who might be there for the first time." [00:08:04]

"You see, our assurance doesn’t come as my own experience does testify and yours might testify, we can’t find our assurance in the emotions of ourselves and the churches in which we may have been in. I certainly didn’t find it in the emotionalism of Pentecostalism or in the works righteousness of my mother’s faith in the Roman Catholic Church. I didn’t find it in my intellectual seeking as I searched other religions and attended mosques and Buddhist temples, Jewish synagogues, and even nothing at all." [00:10:47]

"But the assurance came in these wonderful words. Maybe you’ve heard them as well. “What is justification? Justification is an act of God’s free grace unto sinners, in which He pardoneth all our sins, accepteth, and accounteth their persons righteous in His sight, not for anything wrought in them or done by them, but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ by God imputed to them and received by faith alone.” The Westminster Larger Catechism, Q&A 70." [00:11:22]

"Reformed worship is a strange, strange world, but yet it’s a world in which we find a meeting with our most amazing and gracious Triune God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And it’s an idea that’s not thought of much these days, worship and the means of grace as we call them, preaching and the Lord’s Supper and baptism. But these earthly means paper and ink and words and ears and tangible things like water, bread, and wine, that God Himself uses, through which to communicate His grace." [00:15:33]

"Maybe you’ve walked into a Christian bookstore lately and no doubt you’ve seen the so-called Christian doctrine section was about a half of a shelf. What are the rest of the shelves filled with? Christian living, right? And what does that Christian living consist of? Well, there are books on Christian dieting. There are women’s issues, and there are men’s issues, and teen issues, and books on how to get over the issues that you have, and then how to get over those issues, and to live a triumphant here and now life. Well, the Reformed faith is – sorry to burst any bubbles or any grand ideas or dreams – the Reformed faith doesn’t offer that." [00:16:19]

"The Reformed faith is not merely a religion of head knowledge. It’s not merely that we show up on Sunday morning, that we plug in our USB, and we have a download of information. As one of my mentors, Joel Beeke says, the Reformed faith is a religion of head and heart and hands. It’s a life that is wonderfully described by the two grand and opening questions of the two great Reformation catechisms. The Heidelberg Catechism: What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I with body and soul, in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ." [00:18:29]

"And people walk into a Reformed church, they feel beat down. They do feel depressed, defeated, ashamed of their sins. We get to say to them, and I hope this little book says this to them, we get to say to them that God makes dead people alive, and He raises us up from the ash heap of sin. He puts our feet upon a rock from the miry clay, and He gives us His Spirit that we might live with joy and gratitude, knowing our sins, but yet knowing the wonder of grace." [00:19:46]

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Transcript
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