Listen not for a moment to those who tell you that in this life we can never be sure of our own spiritual state, and must always be in doubt. The Roman Catholics say so.
The ignorant world says so. The devil says so. But the Bible says nothing of the kind. There issuch a thing as strong assurance of our acceptance in Christ, and a Christian should never rest till he has obtained it. That a man may be saved without this strong assurance I do not deny. But without it, he misses a great privilege and much comfort, I am quite sure.
The ignorant world says so. The devil says so. But the Bible says nothing of the kind. There issuch a thing as strong assurance of our acceptance in Christ, and a Christian should never rest till he has obtained it. That a man may be saved without this strong assurance I do not deny. But without it, he misses a great privilege and much comfort, I am quite sure.
Strive, then, with all diligence, “to make your calling and Election sure.” [2 Peter 1:10] and “Lay aside every weight and the sins that most easily beset you.” [Hebrews 12:1] Be ready to cut off the right hand and pluck out the right eye, if need be. Settle it firmly in your mind, that it is the highest privilege on this side of the grave, to know that you are one of the children of God.
~ J.C. Ryle
Old Paths, “Election”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1999], 475.
