The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum What is meant by objective assurance, and that is

Baptism.

How can baptism be objective assurance. It appears as if the only thing objective is Christ Jesus Himself?

People are throwing out terms that I have not heard of before.

John,

I've not heard the term "objective assurance" before but I presume it is used in contrast to "subjective" assurance. Subjective assurance would be the kind that depends on feelings, circumstance, etc, whereas "objective assurance" puts the emphasis on something outside of ourselves. Such as Christ's finished work!

I would think that subjective assurance would be more synergistic but objective assurance would be more monergistic.

Wes

John,

My first thought would be to consult the source from which you were exposed to that term. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Now, this is only a guess and nothing more, because I have not come across that term in anything I've read so far. However, there is much to link such a term to groups such as the Lutherans, and "hyper-covenantalists" (FV, NPP, et al who hold to presumptive regeneration). Since they hold that "grace", albeit temporary and conditional, is actually imparted at baptism, then one who has been baptized can therefore "look back" on their baptism and find assurance.

Perhaps someone else has something more factual to add in answering your question. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,

Jeff,

I think you are right-on regarding your suspicions of what it is about. Yet, they do claim to represent the views of the reformers, starting with Luther.

Here is a tidbit of the argument.

There is a need for its being objective but Wes hits it as being the finished work of Christ Jesus, and not baptism.

Its assuring that neither you nor Wes had heard the term before. If I may give a pun.

John,

They lie! That was NOT the view of the Reformers. Not only do we have many fine articles on The Highway re: "Assurance", but I would also recommend to you probably the best book on assurance ever written by Dr. Joel Beeke, The Quest for Full Assurance, published by Banner of Truth! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His grace,