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speratus said:
Self-examination is a good thing. By self-examination we learn how far from the mark of perfect holiness we are. We should never look for our assurance of salvation in the very thing that condemns us.
Let's not fall off the other side of the precipice and deny the reality of the transforming and sanctifying work of God the Holy Spirit in the believer. It is only partially true that one should not look for full assurance through introspection. For it is equally true that justification, being declared righteous on the basis of an alien righteousness by faith alone is not by a faith that is alone. One who has been united to Christ will become a partaker of His divine nature; a new creature which shows forth the fruit of that justification. (Rom 6; Jas 2:26)

If upon self-examination one finds only death and no signs of life, then one has no warrant to believe that Christ's Spirit has imparted life to him. Those who are united to Christ, our justification and sanctification, will have been prior to that union, made alive and given a new nature which must and will be expressed in repentance; a change of life. (Matt 7:21; Lk 6:46; Jh 8:31; Eph 1:4; 2:10)

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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