Barriers to Assurance
Spring 2022
God's true saints often lack assurance of salvation. There may be various reasons for this. For instance, the trials and troubles of life affect the peace and joy of the Christian. Ultimately the experience of testing may serve to increase assurance—the “afterward” of trial—yet during that time there may be a great sense of insecurity.
In bouts of sickness assurance may be affected. This can be seen in the experience of Job. God permits His people to be tested by numerous tribulations, including bodily illness. In such times we may reach conclusions about our spiritual state which are incorrect. Saints of God have been greatly troubled during periods of sickness. They may feel the Lord has deserted them (Psalm 77:7 -9). But even the worst of troubles are for our benefit and God's glory. The Psalmist did not lose his faith because of affliction. He said, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn Thy statutes.” Job was enabled to say: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”
In periods of sadness assurance may be lost. Some experience “spiritual depression” when their souls are “cast down” (Psalm 42:5, 11). The Lord may allow you to experience the emotions of a lost child. You might remember a time when, as a young child, you became separated from your parents in a store or crowded place. Oh, the fear and desolation you felt! Tears flowed. You did not know what to do or where to turn. You believed your parents loved you still, yet you just could not see them. But oh, the joy when you were re-united! There was huge relief when you were back in mother's or father's arms! (Psalm 31:22)
During times of self-abasement assurance may disappear. God's people sometimes engage in fruitless self-examination—morbid introspection. Finding sin and unbelief within they conclude: “I must not be truly saved.” Yet, one need not make such a hasty judgment. The verdict of our own hearts is not always right, since they are so fickle, and prone to reach wrong conclusions. Some will compare themselves to other eminent saints of God. They see the spiritual heights other Christians attain to and feel feeble by comparison, concluding, “Perhaps I am not converted!” Julius Caesar saw the statue of Alexander and uttered a huge sigh, because he himself at that age had done so little. Some Christians are like this. They are discouraged because they have lived so long and done so little for Christ. Such should understand that even they could do all they should, still they would be “unprofitable servants.” Salvation is of grace. Where grace is present unworthiness is felt. Consciousness of sin and confidence in God are often found in the same heart! Do not conclude that you are unregenerate because you feel unworthy. It may be itself an evidence of grace. Sin bothers you now as it never did before. You hate your sins, because now you love the Savior. Instead of listening to the changeable testimony of your own heart, listen to the Word of God (Isaiah 26:3; 1 John 1:9). Augustus Toplady wrote:
A debtor to mercy alone, Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on, My person and offering to bring.
The terrors of law and of God With me can have nothing to do,
My Saviour's obedience and blood Hide all my transgressions from view.
The work which His goodness began, The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen, And never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now, Not all things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo, Or sever my soul from His love.
Rev. Stephen Hamilton | Minister of Lehigh Valley FPC, PA