MAINTAIN ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

“Renew your repentance, as if you had never repented. Put forth fresh acts of faith, as if you had never believed, and you will beat Satan at his own game.

Still another way to fortify yourself against Satan is to preserve the hope of your salvation, which is promised through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Record God's special visits to you in the memory book of your heart. Paste in keepsakes of the occasions when He declared a holiday and came to you in festive robes of mercy, holding forth the scepter of His grace more familiarly than usual. Keep old receipts written in His own hand for the pardon of your sins.

"But," the doubting soul may ask, "what if I cannot grasp this assurance, or vouch for those evidences which I once thought to be true?" Then try the following prescriptions as a tonic for your ailing faith.

First of all, renew your repentance, as if you had never repented. Put forth fresh acts of faith, as if you had never believed, and you will beat Satan at his own game. Let him tell you that your former actions were hypocritical, or that they are old and worthless. What can he say against your present affirmation of faith? In this way, the very accusations he uses to drive you away from God, instead draw you closer to Him.

If he still haunts you with fears of your spiritual condition, then apply to the throne of grace and ask for a new copy of the old evidence, which you have misplaced. The original is in the pardon office in heaven, of which Christ is the Master. And if you are a saint, your name is on record in that court. Appeal to God, and hear the news from heaven, rather than listen to the tales your enemy brings from hell. If you would argue less with Satan and pray more to God about your fears, they would soon be resolved. Can you expect truth from a liar, or comfort from an adversary? Turn your back on him and go to God. Try not to worry. Sooner or later you will receive your certificate of assurance.”

Amazing Good Truth even if it came from 300 years ago!

Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell. http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=53617