Quote
Wes said:
You will note that this position didn’t go uncontested and the Westminster Larger Confession addresses this in Question and Answer 80 and 81. The significance of the witness of the Holy Spirit is sighted in opposition to the assumption that all who are baptised are regenerate.
For those who don't have ready access to the "Westminster Larger Catechism", below is Q&A 80 and 81:


Q80: Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and that they shall persevere therein unto salvation?

A80: Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him,[1] may, without extraordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made,[2] and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God,[3] be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and shall persevere therein unto salvation.[4]

1. John 2:3
2. I Cor. 2:12; I John 3:14, 18-19, 21, 24; 4:13, 16; Heb. 6:11-12
3. Rom. 8:16
4. I John 5:13

Q81: Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved?
A81: Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith,[1] true believers may wait long before they obtain it;[2] and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions;[3] yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair.[4]

1. Eph. 1:13
2. Isa. 1:10; Psa. ch. 88
3. Psa. 22:1; 31:22; 51:8, 12; 87:1-12; Song of Sol. 5:2-3, 6
4. I John 3:9; Job 13:15; Psa. 73:15, 23; Isa. 54:7-10


Perhaps I should also mention that the "Westminster Larger Catechism" along with myriad other Reformed Confessions and Catechisms can be easily accessed on your own PC by downloading and installing this [Linked Image] program: Refcon3.

If anyone is confused as to how to install Refcon3 on their PC(s), post your question in the Computer Help Desk Forum and we'll provide easy instructions for installation and also tell you how to create a shortcut to add to your Start Menu.

In His grace,

[Linked Image]

simul iustus et peccator

[Linked Image]