Gerry,

Yes I am in full agreement with what you wrote before and thereafter! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In regard to the quote from Joel Beeke, where he wrote:

Quote
Today many, even in the Reformed tradition, suggest that this doctrine is no longer relevant since "nearly all Christians posses assurance". But we are convinced that the doctrine of assurance is relevant precisely because we live in a day of minimal assurance. Sadly, the church, for the most part, is scarcely aware that it is crippled by a comparative absence of strong, full assurance.
I would say that the churches today are full of people with assurance. However, once again, this assurance is not that which flows from a regenerate heart by from a fatal deception of the Evil One. The assurance that has permeated so many churches today is one which comes from without; i.e., because some pastor, evangelist, some so-called "soul-winner" has said so, or from what some tract. The biblical teaching on assurance, as you well know, flows from BOTH the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit, Who first brings a conviction of sin and a desire to flee to Christ for the remission of that sin. Thereafter, the Spirit's working also brings forth the "fruit of the Spirit", which can be seen with the eyes and testified to by the individual and others. Assurance does not result simply from a minimalist "confession of faith", e.g., "I asked Jesus into my heart and therefore I am saved." But now, I'm preaching to the choir! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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