Finding Assurance Through Christ's Objective Reality

Devotional

Day 1: The Balance of Self-Examination and Assurance

Self-examination is a vital practice in the Christian faith, allowing believers to discern the evidence of God's grace in their lives. This involves recognizing new liberty from sin, a fresh affection for God, delight in His word, and courage in witnessing. These signs confirm God's work within us, providing assurance of pardon and salvation. However, for those prone to introspection, this practice can lead to doubt and uncertainty. It is essential to balance self-examination with a focus on the objective truths of the gospel to maintain assurance. [03:53]

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." (James 1:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice self-examination without falling into the trap of doubt? How can you ensure that your focus remains on the grace of God rather than your shortcomings?

Day 2: The Paradox of Assurance Through Christ

Focusing on Jesus Christ, rather than our subjective experiences, provides a more profound assurance. By considering the objective reality of Christ's work, believers find the peace and confidence they seek. This approach is paradoxical because it shifts the focus from personal experiences to the unchanging truth of Christ's atonement. By looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, believers can rest in the assurance of salvation, knowing that it is not dependent on their actions but on Christ's finished work. [05:03]

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your own experiences to the objective truth of Christ's work today? What practical steps can you take to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?

Day 3: Assurance in the Midst of Despair

The story of William Cooper illustrates the power of focusing on Christ's atonement. In his darkest moments, the objective truth of the gospel brought him the assurance he needed. This highlights the importance of grounding one's faith in the unchanging truth of Christ's sacrifice, especially during times of despair and doubt. By anchoring assurance in the gospel, believers can find peace and confidence, even when personal circumstances are challenging. [07:49]

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)

Reflection: When you face moments of despair, how can you remind yourself of the objective truth of the gospel? What specific scripture or truth about Christ can you hold onto during these times?

Day 4: Assurance Rooted in God's Eternal Plan

Ephesians 1:3-4 reminds believers that their salvation is rooted in God's eternal plan. God's choice to save was made before the foundation of the world, emphasizing the invincible nature of His purpose. This assurance is not based on human actions but on God's sovereign choice to redeem through Christ. Understanding this truth provides a profound sense of security, knowing that salvation is part of God's unstoppable and undefeatable plan. [10:06]

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing that your salvation is part of God's eternal plan impact your daily life? In what ways can you live with greater confidence in His sovereign purpose?

Day 5: The Sovereignty of God's Choice

God's election is not based on human actions but on His sovereign choice. Assurance is grounded in His plan of redemption, which is unstoppable and undefeatable. This understanding shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace, providing a solid foundation for faith. Believers can rest in the knowledge that their salvation is secure, not because of their merit, but because of God's unchanging purpose and choice. [10:29]

"But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding of God's sovereign choice influence your view of salvation? What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with this truth?

Sermon Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound concept of assurance in our faith journey. Drawing from the wisdom of Thomas Watson, a Puritan theologian, we considered two primary ways to pursue assurance of salvation. The first involves self-examination, where we look for evidence of grace in our lives—new liberty from sin, a fresh affection for God, delight in His word, and courage in our witness. These are signs that God is at work within us, confirming our pardon and salvation.

However, for those prone to introspection and doubt, constantly examining oneself can lead to uncertainty. Instead, the second and more effective way is to focus on Jesus Christ. Hebrews 3:1 and 12:2 encourage us to "consider Jesus" and "look to Jesus," the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. This approach is paradoxical because, by shifting our focus from our subjective experiences to the objective reality of Christ's work, we find the assurance we seek.

The story of William Cooper, a hymn writer who struggled with depression, illustrates this paradox. In a moment of despair, he found peace and assurance by reading Romans 3:25, which speaks of Christ's atonement. This objective truth brought him the subjective confidence he longed for.

Ephesians 1:3-4 further reinforces this assurance by reminding us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Our salvation is rooted in God's eternal plan, not in our actions. God's choice to save us was made before the foundation of the world, emphasizing the invincible and unstoppable nature of His purpose. This assurance is not based on our ability to choose God but on His sovereign choice to redeem us through Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Assurance of salvation can be pursued through self-examination, looking for evidence of God's grace in our lives. However, this method can lead to doubt if overemphasized. [03:53]
2. Focusing on Jesus Christ, rather than our subjective experiences, provides a more profound assurance. By considering the objective reality of Christ's work, we find the peace and confidence we seek. [05:03]
3. The story of William Cooper illustrates the power of focusing on Christ's atonement. In his darkest moments, the objective truth of the gospel brought him the assurance he needed. [07:49]
4. Ephesians 1:3-4 reminds us that our salvation is rooted in God's eternal plan. His choice to save us was made before the foundation of the world, emphasizing the invincible nature of His purpose. [10:06]
5. God's election is not based on our actions but on His sovereign choice. Our assurance is grounded in His plan of redemption, which is unstoppable and undefeatable. [10:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:16] - Thomas Watson's Insight on Assurance
[04:10] - Evidences of Grace
[04:44] - Consider Jesus
[05:18] - The Paradox of Assurance
[06:09] - Objective Reality of Christ
[07:12] - William Cooper's Story
[08:04] - Assurance Through the Gospel
[09:12] - Ephesians 1:3-4 Explained
[10:06] - God's Eternal Plan
[11:24] - Misinterpretations of Election
[12:35] - The Meaning of God's Choice
[14:07] - The Essential Meaning of "Choose"
[14:51] - Conclusion: Assurance in God's Sovereignty

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Hebrews 3:1 - "Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest."
Hebrews 12:2 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Ephesians 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."

Observation Questions:

What are the signs of grace in our lives that Thomas Watson suggests we look for as evidence of our salvation? [03:53]
How does Hebrews 3:1 and 12:2 guide us in finding assurance of our faith? [04:44]
What was the turning point for William Cooper in his struggle with assurance, and what scripture did he read that brought him peace? [07:49]
According to Ephesians 1:3-4, what is the basis of our spiritual blessings and assurance of salvation? [09:12]

Interpretation Questions:

Why might self-examination lead to doubt for some individuals, and how does the sermon suggest overcoming this? [04:27]
How does focusing on the objective reality of Christ's work provide a deeper assurance than relying on subjective experiences? [06:09]
In what way does the story of William Cooper illustrate the paradox of assurance discussed in the sermon? [07:49]
How does the concept of God's sovereign choice in Ephesians 1:3-4 challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation? [10:06]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Are there signs of grace that you can identify? How do these signs impact your assurance of salvation? [03:53]
When you face doubts about your faith, how can you practically "consider Jesus" as Hebrews 3:1 suggests? What steps can you take this week to focus more on Christ? [04:44]
William Cooper found peace in a moment of despair by reading Romans 3:25. Is there a specific scripture that has brought you comfort in difficult times? How can you use scripture to find assurance in your daily life? [07:49]
Ephesians 1:3-4 speaks of being blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. How can you remind yourself of these blessings when you feel spiritually dry or distant from God? [09:12]
The sermon emphasizes God's eternal plan and sovereign choice. How does this understanding of God's sovereignty affect your view of your own salvation and daily walk with God? [10:06]
Are there areas in your life where you tend to focus too much on your subjective experiences rather than the objective truth of the gospel? How can you shift your focus this week? [06:09]
How can you support someone in your life who struggles with assurance of salvation? What practical steps can you take to encourage them to focus on Christ's work? [08:37]

Sermon Clips

If a mfactor be in prison, how shall he know that his Prince hath pardoned him? Why, if a Jailer come and knock off his chains and Fetters and lets him out of prison, then he may know that he is pardoned. So how shall we know that God hath pardoned us? Why, if the Fetters of sin be broken off and we walk at Liberty in the ways of God, this is a blessed sign of our pardon. [00:03:19]

The first way to pursue the Assurance of faith is to examine yourself and to note the evidences of Grace, evidences of New Liberty from sin, evidences of new affection for God, evidences of new Delight in his word, evidences of new courage in witness, evidences that God is real in you, you have been born of God, the holy spirit is there. [00:03:53]

There is another way, a vastly, I believe, more important way, especially for people given to over much introspection and Melancholy and despair and questioning and doubting. Such people probably ought not too often be told to examine themselves. There is something else that they should examine. Hebrews 3:1 puts it like this very simply in two words: consider Jesus. [00:04:44]

The Paradox is that the more you look in to examine how good it is to examine if it's all right to examine if it's there to examine if you are confirming it enough in the way you live and the attitudes you have, the more unsure a more unsure you can become that it's there. [00:05:18]

The most effective way is to stop spending too much time examining whether it's being confirmed by your subjective experiences and begin to consider Jesus, to begin to get on the objective things of the world, Christ, God, salvation, and what he has done. [00:05:49]

William Cooper, you remember a few weeks ago we talked about the hymn writer William Cooper. He was a very Melancholy Man and despairing of his own salvation much of the time. He is an example of this Paradox. He went so deep into a depression that he had to be institutionalized. [00:06:57]

He read a very objective verse went like this: God put Christ forward as a propitiation by his blood to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness because in his Divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. In other words, he read Romans 3:25. [00:07:29]

Immediately I received the strength to believe it, and the full beams of the son of righteousness Shone upon me. I saw the sufficiency of the atonement he had made, my pardon sealed with his blood and all the fullness and completeness of his justification. In a moment I believed and received the gospel. [00:07:49]

The second way of pursuing Assurance is the way we should spend most time on our belief. It is a looking outside of ourselves to the objective reality of God and Christ and Redemption and all that God has done from eternity past and will do to Eternity future for his people. [00:08:26]

Ephesians 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, so Paul begins with worship, he's blessing God, and then he gives his reason why. This God has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly places. Now that is an awesome statement. [00:09:02]

God's purpose of salvation for his people is Invincible, Unstoppable, undefeatable because it begins in God's election, God's choosing of his people to be saved before the world was even created. Your salvation did not begin with your choice of God; it began with God's Plan of Redemption. [00:10:06]

God chose us in Christ. The meaning is fully Satisfied by saying he chose us in relation to Christ. He did not choose us to do an in Run Around Jesus. I'll save you around Jesus. I'll save you in Jesus. I'll save you through Jesus. I'll save you by means of Jesus. Jesus is the way I save people whom I choose. [00:13:10]

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Finding Assurance Through Christ's Objective Reality

Devotional

Day 1: The Balance of Self-Examination and Assurance

Day 2: The Paradox of Assurance Through Christ

Day 3: Assurance in the Midst of Despair

Day 4: Assurance Rooted in God's Eternal Plan

Day 5: The Sovereignty of God's Choice

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Finding Assurance Through Christ's Objective Reality

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