Assurance of Faith: The Spirit's Testimony Explained

 

Summary

Romans 8:16 serves as a profound reminder that the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. This assurance is a complex yet beautifully simple truth that is foundational to our faith. The Westminster Confession of Faith outlines three primary sources of assurance: the promises of God, the inward evidences of grace, and the testimony of the Holy Spirit. The testimony of the Holy Spirit is particularly mysterious, as it involves a direct and immediate sense of God's fatherly love, akin to a parent affirming their love for their child. This direct testimony can be a powerful source of comfort and assurance, though it is not experienced by all believers in the same way.

The divines at Westminster had differing views on the nature of the Spirit's testimony. Some saw it as intertwined with the evidences of grace, while others, like Samuel Rutherford, believed in a distinct, direct testimony that brings comfort to the soul. This direct testimony is not reflective but immediate, often coming through a powerful application of Scripture to one's heart. It is crucial, however, to ensure that such experiences are grounded in the Word and corroborated by the fruits of one's life to avoid mysticism and emotionalism.

The Spirit's testimony is not superior to the other forms of assurance but complements them. The activity of the Spirit is essential in all three forms of assurance, as without it, the promises of God can lead to self-deceit, and self-examination can become introspective and legalistic. The Spirit's witness, when divorced from the promises and evidences, can lead to unbiblical mysticism. Therefore, the three forms of assurance reinforce each other when given by the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, while the direct testimony of the Holy Spirit can be a sweet and powerful experience, it should not overshadow the promises of God and the evidences of grace. The Christian life is primarily about walking daily in God's promises and precepts, testing experiences by the Word of God, and ensuring they produce the fruits of the Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- The Spirit's testimony is a profound assurance of our identity as God's children, offering a direct and immediate sense of God's love. This experience, while powerful, is not universal and should not be seen as a second blessing. It is essential to ground such experiences in Scripture to avoid mysticism. [06:49]

- Assurance is multifaceted, involving God's promises, inward evidences of grace, and the Spirit's testimony. These elements are interdependent, and the Spirit's activity is crucial in all. Without the Spirit, promises can lead to presumption, and self-examination can become legalistic. [12:33]

- The direct testimony of the Holy Spirit can come through a powerful application of Scripture, providing comfort and assurance. However, it must be tested by the Word and the fruits of one's life to ensure it is genuine and not a product of emotionalism. [19:07]

- The divines at Westminster recognized the mystery surrounding the Spirit's testimony, with some viewing it as intertwined with evidences of grace and others seeing it as distinct. Regardless, all agreed that it should not overshadow the promises and evidences. [11:57]

- The Christian life is about walking daily in God's promises and precepts, testing experiences by Scripture, and ensuring they produce the fruits of the Spirit. The Spirit's testimony, while sweet, should not be the sole focus of our assurance. [18:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Introduction to Assurance
- [01:15] - The Testimony of the Holy Spirit
- [01:55] - The Mystery of the Spirit
- [02:39] - Differing Views on the Spirit's Testimony
- [03:13] - Direct vs. Reflective Testimony
- [03:56] - Personal Application of Scripture
- [04:42] - Avoiding Mysticism
- [05:26] - The Spirit's Direct Testimony
- [06:04] - J.I. Packer's Description
- [06:49] - Personal Experiences of Assurance
- [07:27] - Assurance in Times of Need
- [08:13] - Isaiah 54:17 and Personal Assurance
- [09:17] - The Sweetness of the Spirit's Testimony
- [10:42] - The Spirit's Pronouncement
- [11:57] - The Three Forms of Assurance
- [12:33] - The Essential Role of the Spirit
- [13:16] - Personal Reflections on Assurance
- [14:35] - A Defining Moment of Assurance
- [15:40] - Richard Sibbes on the Spirit's Presence
- [16:51] - James Boice on the Spirit's Witness
- [18:29] - Conclusions on Spiritual Experiences
- [19:44] - Testing Experiences by the Word
- [20:33] - The Canons of Dort on Assurance
- [21:46] - Final Reflections on Assurance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:16
- Isaiah 54:17

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Romans 8:16 say about the role of the Holy Spirit in our assurance as children of God? [00:34]

2. How does the Westminster Confession of Faith describe the three sources of assurance? [01:15]

3. What are the differing views among the Westminster divines regarding the Spirit's testimony? [02:39]

4. How does the sermon describe the experience of the Holy Spirit's direct testimony? [06:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the direct testimony of the Holy Spirit differ from the inward evidences of grace in providing assurance? [03:13]

2. Why is it important to test spiritual experiences by the Word of God, according to the sermon? [18:29]

3. How do the three forms of assurance (promises of God, inward evidences, and the Spirit's testimony) complement each other in the Christian life? [12:33]

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in preventing self-deceit and legalism in the believer's life? [12:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of God's love. How did that experience impact your faith journey? [06:49]

2. How can you ensure that your spiritual experiences are grounded in Scripture and not merely emotional? What steps can you take this week to test your experiences by the Word of God? [18:29]

3. In what ways can you cultivate a balance between relying on God's promises, evidences of grace, and the Spirit's testimony for assurance in your daily life? [11:57]

4. Consider a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you seek assurance from God during that time? What role did the Holy Spirit play in providing comfort and assurance? [07:27]

5. How can you actively pursue the fruits of the Spirit in your life to reinforce the assurance of your faith? Identify one specific fruit to focus on this week. [19:07]

6. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. How did you respond, and what can you do differently in the future to seek the Spirit's assurance? [06:49]

7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with assurance of their faith? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? [13:16]

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit's Testimony as Assurance of God's Love
The Spirit's testimony provides a profound assurance of our identity as God's children, offering a direct and immediate sense of God's love. This experience, while powerful, is not universal and should not be seen as a second blessing. It is essential to ground such experiences in Scripture to avoid mysticism. The Spirit's testimony is akin to a parent affirming their love for their child, providing comfort and assurance. However, it is crucial to ensure that such experiences are grounded in the Word and corroborated by the fruits of one's life to avoid mysticism and emotionalism. [06:49]

Romans 5:5 (ESV): "And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt God's love deeply. How can you ground that experience in Scripture today to ensure it aligns with His Word?


Day 2: Assurance Through Interdependent Elements
Assurance is multifaceted, involving God's promises, inward evidences of grace, and the Spirit's testimony. These elements are interdependent, and the Spirit's activity is crucial in all. Without the Spirit, promises can lead to presumption, and self-examination can become legalistic. The Spirit's testimony complements the other forms of assurance, reinforcing them when given by the Holy Spirit. This multifaceted approach ensures a balanced and holistic understanding of assurance, preventing any single element from overshadowing the others. [12:33]

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."

Reflection: Consider the promises of God you hold dear. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to reinforce these promises in your heart today?


Day 3: The Spirit's Direct Testimony Through Scripture
The direct testimony of the Holy Spirit can come through a powerful application of Scripture, providing comfort and assurance. However, it must be tested by the Word and the fruits of one's life to ensure it is genuine and not a product of emotionalism. This direct testimony is not reflective but immediate, often coming through a powerful application of Scripture to one's heart. It is crucial to ensure that such experiences are grounded in the Word and corroborated by the fruits of one's life to avoid mysticism and emotionalism. [19:07]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: Reflect on a Scripture that has recently spoken to you. How can you test this experience by the Word and the fruits of your life today?


Day 4: The Mystery of the Spirit's Testimony
The divines at Westminster recognized the mystery surrounding the Spirit's testimony, with some viewing it as intertwined with evidences of grace and others seeing it as distinct. Regardless, all agreed that it should not overshadow the promises and evidences. The Spirit's testimony is a profound assurance of our identity as God's children, offering a direct and immediate sense of God's love. This experience, while powerful, is not universal and should not be seen as a second blessing. [11:57]

1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."

Reflection: How can you embrace the mystery of the Spirit's testimony in your life without letting it overshadow the promises and evidences of God's grace?


Day 5: Walking Daily in God's Promises
The Christian life is about walking daily in God's promises and precepts, testing experiences by Scripture, and ensuring they produce the fruits of the Spirit. The Spirit's testimony, while sweet, should not be the sole focus of our assurance. It is essential to ground such experiences in Scripture to avoid mysticism. The Spirit's testimony is akin to a parent affirming their love for their child, providing comfort and assurance. [18:29]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What is one promise of God you can focus on today to ensure your walk is aligned with His will and produces the fruits of the Spirit?

Quotes

"The Westminster Confession of Faith 18.2 says we get our basic assurance from the promises of God that is buttressed by inward evidences of grace or faith. And then, we also have this thing that's called the testimony of the Holy Spirit. The testimony of the Holy Spirit. And, this is worded in a particular way, as follows, 'The testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our Spirits that we are the children of God,' just quoting Romans 8:16, 'which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance,' that's our down payment for what's going to come, 'whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.'" [00:39:04]

"Now this is the most difficult part of assurance in the Westminster Confession. And, the divines knew that there was a vast amount of mystery surrounding this subject because whenever you talk about the Holy Spirit, it is a bit mysterious, isn’t it? Because we can't see the Spirit the way we can see Jesus in our human flesh. And, there's so much about the Spirit that is mysterious to us. He's like the wind who comes and blows, when and where He will." [01:40:38]

"So the other group of divines, people like Samuel Rutherford and others that were there at Westminster said, 'Yes it's true, the Spirit's testimony is needed here, but we want to talk about something else, a direct testimony of the Holy Spirit that comes with power to comfort the soul.' And so, they had in mind, not something reflective, but something direct, they called it an immediate act of faith, a direct act of faith, rather than immediate act of faith, through the means, through the means of reflection." [03:13:09]

"J. I. Packer describes it this way, 'This is a direct and immediate sense of God's fatherly love given, as kind of an immediate communication, like God saying, 'I love you,' directly, immediately, to the soul through His Word, or like a father saying to his child, 'I love you,' as a good parent sometimes does. So, with God and His children, the Spirit who comes in as a Spirit of adoption mediates to us, these high moments. This thrilling realization that God is, as it were saying to my soul, 'I am thy salvation, I am your Father. I love you.'" [05:58:50]

"Now, if you've never experienced anything like this, this should not bring you to despair. It doesn't mean you're an inferior Christian any way; this is no second blessing. But, if you have experienced it, you know what it's like. It overwhelms you. It, it masters you. It makes you bow in submission before the Triune God. The fruit, 'By their fruits you shall know them,' the fruit when it's a genuine work of the Spirit in your soul, is it humbles you before God. It makes you smaller and makes Christ bigger in your life." [06:42:24]

"Now, the important thing is that all the divines were agreed that if this was true, the direct testimony of the Holy Spirit, it was in no way superior to the other two. All would say that except for Thomas Goodwin. I won't get into that detail. Goodwin actually did think it was superior. But that's why I said these two are like your meat and potatoes, the promises and evidences, and the testimony of the Holy Spirit is like a, a sweet dessert after, after the meal." [11:05:56]

"The important thing also that they all agreed on, is that the activity of the Spirit is essential in all three kinds of assurance. Without the Holy Spirit, you don't have, according to Paul, according to the Puritans, any assurance. As Burgess said, 'As a man by the power of free will is not able to do any supernatural good thing, so neither by the strength of natural light, can he discern the gracious privileges God bestows upon him.'" [12:09:17]

"Without the application of the Spirit, the promises of God will lead to self-deceit, carnal presumption and fruitless lives. Without the illumination of the Spirit, self-examination, number 2 of the evidences, tends to introspection, bondage and legalism. The witness of the Spirit divorced from the promises of God and from scriptural inward evidences, will probably lead to unbiblical mysticism and excessive emotionalism. So, the three reinforce each other when they are given by the Holy Spirit." [12:40:57]

"Well, I want to read a quote to you. It's a bit lengthy, but it's from James Boice, who is well-respected in Reformed circles, as you know. It's taken from his exposition of Romans, where he works with this text. This is what he says, 'I'm convinced that Romans 8:16 teaches that there is such a thing as a direct witness of the Holy Spirit to believers that they are sons or daughters of God, even apart from the other proofs, I have mentioned.'" [16:36:78]

"Do not make too much of these experiences. The main thing in the Christian life is to walk every day in God's promises and precepts. Number 2, such experiences must be tested by the Word of God to avoid false mysticism, as such experiences are merely emotional, they will not be grounded in the truths of God's Word. Three, such experiences must be tested by the fruits of our lives to avoid antinomianism." [18:29:13]

"If these kinds of experiences produce the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control, the fruits of the Beatitudes, etc., you may know by their fruits that they were genuine testimonies of the Holy Spirit. If, however, the fruit of such experiences is that you become puffed up with your experiences, and you end up living a careless and presumptive lifestyle, a kind of high-minded attitude of superiority over other Christians, you can be absolutely sure, these experiences are of the devil, and not the Holy Spirit." [19:07:52]

"All Spirit-worked experiences bear God-honoring fruits. And finally, such experiences also involve the testimony of the Holy Spirit witnessing with our spirit that we are the children of God. That is made abundantly clear also by the Canons of Dort, written 30 years earlier before the Westminster Confession. Though using slightly different language, it's interesting, the Canons, Fifth Head: Article 10, provide the same primary ground of assurance and the same two secondary grounds of assurance that Westminster does." [19:57:76]

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Transcript
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