The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum "Conviction for Sin" by Gardiner Spring

I don't believe so in this particular situation. What Spring was writing about was a person who had false assurance based upon a lack of genuine repentance which is wrought in the soul only by the work of the Holy Spirit. Thus there was no "first love" to begin with and that is the emphasis upon which the person must focus upon.

There are those, however, who are weak in the faith and thus lack assurance. And, only by speaking with those types of individuals can another discern what the cause of that lack of assurance is. It may well be that they are simply weak in faith and to them one will counsel them to rest in the finished work of Christ and the eternal love of God for them. For those who lack genuine faith, they should be counseled to better understand the nature of genuine repentance and saving faith and to therefore to get right before God by repenting of their sins and trusting in Christ for the remission of their sins and reconciliation with God.

In His Grace,