The Loss and Renewal of Assurance (Chapter 18, Paragraph 3)

“This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith…”

The confession makes a crucial distinction here. Assurance is not the essence of saving faith. One can truly believe in Christ and yet lack the joy of assurance. Faith looks outward to Christ; assurance is the inward confidence that Christ has saved me. The thief on the cross had saving faith, even with limited understanding and no long-term evidence of growth. Thus, lack of assurance does not mean lack of salvation.

“…but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it…”

Many believers struggle long before experiencing full assurance. Doubts, fear, past sins, and weak teaching can cloud the mind. John Bunyan’s Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is a vivid account of this—months of anguish before the light of assurance broke through. The soul may wait, wrestle, and weep before God grants peace.

“…yet being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God…”

But this is not a hopeless waiting. The Spirit enables believers to understand the blessings of the Gospel (1 Cor. 2:12). Through Scripture, preaching, and prayer, the Spirit teaches the believer what has been freely given in Christ: forgiveness, adoption, justification, and eternal life. Assurance grows as the Spirit illumines God’s promises.

“…he may, without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of means, attain thereunto.”

The confession rejects mystical or charismatic notions that assurance requires an extraordinary revelation. Instead, assurance is gained through ordinary means: the Word, sacraments, prayer, and obedience. These are the tools the Spirit uses to open our eyes. As we engage them regularly, assurance becomes more likely—not as a sudden lightning bolt, but a steady sunrise.

“And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure…”

This phrase, quoting 2 Peter 1:10, exhorts us to pursue assurance intentionally. We don’t passively wait for it—we seek it diligently. By examining our lives, confessing sin, growing in grace, and believing the promises of God, we grow in confidence that we are truly His.

“…that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, in love and thankfulness to God…”

Assurance is not merely a comfort—it’s a catalyst for deeper godliness. When believers are sure of God’s love, they are freed from fear and motivated by love. Joy and peace replace anxiety. Gratitude abounds. Obedience flows from assurance, not to earn salvation, but in celebration of it.

“…and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience…”

Assurance fuels joyful obedience. The Christian who knows he is God’s child does not serve begrudgingly, but gladly. He evangelizes, prays, and serves the church with vigor—not to earn favor, but because he already has it. A strong assurance leads to strong, cheerful service.

“…the proper fruits of this assurance…”

These are the expected outcomes of assurance: peace, joy, gratitude, strength, and obedience. If a person claims assurance but is proud, careless, or worldly, then their “assurance” is false. True assurance humbles and energizes the saint. It always bears fruit.

“—so far is it from inclining men to looseness.”

Some fear that assurance will make people spiritually lazy. The confession refutes this. True assurance never leads to carelessness. Instead, it deepens holiness. The more certain we are of God’s love, the more we desire to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Far from being a license to sin, assurance becomes a call to sanctification.

Application for the Believer:

If you lack assurance today, do not despair. You are not alone. Many godly saints have struggled long in the dark. But know this: God does not cast away His people. If your faith is in Christ, even if your joy is weak, your salvation is secure. Keep using the means of grace—read the Word, pray honestly, worship faithfully, and confess your sin. In due time, the Lord will restore comfort.

And if you have assurance, cherish it. Do not take it for granted. Let it move you to joyful service, loving obedience, and fervent gratitude. Assurance is not pride—it is peace in Christ.