Chapter 18 - OF THE ASSURANCE OF GRACE AND SALVATION

1 Although people who are not truly born again—including those who temporarily believe or who deceive themselves with false hopes—may have a misguided sense of being in God's favor and destined for salvation, this hope will ultimately prove to be empty. However, those who genuinely believe in Jesus Christ, sincerely love him, and strive to live with a clear conscience before him can be assured in this life that they are in a state of grace. They can rejoice in the hope of God's glory, a hope that will never lead to disappointment.

2 This is not just a hopeful guess or a shaky feeling. It's a certain, unwavering assurance of faith. This assurance is built on two things: (1) The finished work of Christ: The foundation is the blood and righteousness of Jesus, which are revealed in the Gospel. (2) The inward work of the Holy Spirit: This includes the inner evidence of God's grace in our lives and the testimony of the Holy Spirit confirming that we are God's children. This assurance leads to a humble and holy heart.

3 A Christian's assurance of salvation isn't essential to the nature of faith itself. A genuine believer may have to wait a long time and face many struggles before he experiences this assurance. However, by the Holy Spirit's help, he can understand the blessings God has freely given him. Through the proper use of biblical means—like prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship—a believer can attain this assurance without needing a special revelation. Therefore, it's the duty of every Christian to be diligent in confirming his calling and election. Doing so will lead to a heart overflowing with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, love and thankfulness to God, and strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience. These are the proper results of this assurance, and they are far from leading people to a careless or immoral life.

4 Believers can lose their assurance of salvation in various ways, but they never completely lose their faith. This assurance may be shaken, lessened, or interrupted by neglecting their spiritual walk, falling into a specific sin that burdens their conscience and grieves the Holy Spirit, or by a sudden and powerful temptation. God may also withdraw the light of his presence and allow even those who fear him to walk in darkness without light. However, believers are never without the "seed of God" or the "life of faith". This means that the love for Christ and their fellow believers, their sincere heart, and a sense of duty
remain. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, this assurance can be restored in due time. In the meantime, these qualities preserve them from complete despair.