Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Title: Assurance of Salvation
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Speaker: Michael Reeves
Format: Seminar from Ligonier's 2025 National Conference

Introduction to Assurance

In the episode titled "Assurance of Salvation," Michael Reeves delves into the theological underpinnings of assurance for Christians. The discussion emphasizes how assurance impacts a believer's prayer life, joy, and overall relationship with God. Reeves asserts that without assurance, Christians may experience fear, anxiety, and a diminished sense of God's presence.

Michael Reeves [00:00]: "The doctrine of assurance finds its end in creating healthy Christians who enjoy God and can rejoice in Him."

Understanding Justification

Reeves begins by explaining the foundational role of the doctrine of justification. He references Romans 3 and 4 to illustrate how righteousness is a gift from God through Jesus Christ, not a result of human effort.

Michael Reeves [02:12]: "The root of all Christian assurance is found in the doctrine of justification that is the basis for true assurance."

He emphasizes that justification by faith alone means that believers are declared righteous by God because of Christ's atoning work, not by their own deeds.

Reeves continues: "God is the one who justifies the ungodly because of His grace... righteousness is credited to us as a gift."

Secondary Assurance Through the Holy Spirit

Beyond justification, Reeves discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in providing a secondary level of assurance. The Spirit produces holiness and bears witness with believers' spirits, affirming their status as children of God.

Michael Reeves [04:30]: "The Spirit witnesses with our Spirit that we are children of God. It produces fruit in our lives."

He points out that a transformed life, marked by the fruit of the Spirit, serves as additional confirmation of one's salvation.

Perseverance of the Saints

The conversation transitions to the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, which assures believers that once they are truly saved, nothing can separate them from God's love.

Michael Reeves [08:03]: "Those who are born again... can have that absolute assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ."

He connects this perseverance to the believer's adoption as children of God, highlighting that God’s nature ensures the security of His children.

The Trinity and Assurance

Reeves explores how the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—collectively work to provide assurance to believers. Each Person of the Trinity plays a distinct role in affirming and maintaining a believer's relationship with God.

Michael Reeves [10:37]: "All three persons are involved in our assurance... the Spirit unites me to the Son so that in Him I have the status of the Son before the Father."

This unity ensures that believers are continuously connected to God, fostering a secure and assured faith.

Distinguishing True and False Assurance

Addressing potential doubts, Reeves differentiates between true assurance based on Christ and false assurance rooted in self-effort or external actions.

Michael Reeves [12:05]: "False assurance is based on yourself... True assurance is found in Jesus Christ and is enjoyed by those who will trust and rest upon Jesus Christ."

He warns against relying on personal righteousness or church activities for assurance, emphasizing that true assurance solely rests on Christ's work.

Historical Perspectives on Assurance

Reeves provides a historical overview, noting that the struggle with assurance has varied across different eras and theological contexts. He contrasts pre-Reformation Catholic views, which saw assurance as presumption, with Reformation emphasis on justification by faith alone.

Michael Reeves [15:25]: "Before the Reformation... assurance is described as the sin of presumption... The reformers clearly taught justification by faith alone, allowing believers to legitimately have assurance."

He references Martin Luther's personal struggles with assurance, illustrating the enduring nature of this theological challenge.

Modern Challenges to Assurance

In today's digital age, Reeves observes that social media and online teachings can contribute to fluctuating assurance among believers. The selective exposure to sermons emphasizing warnings over promises can lead to increased doubt.

Michael Reeves [17:57]: "One of the features of social media is that people's identity is bound up in their performance and their approval ratings... they are thinking, 'how it must be with God as well.'"

He underscores the importance of grounding assurance in biblical truths rather than cultural or societal pressures.

Handling Warning Passages in Scripture

Reeves addresses how to interpret and relate to warning passages, such as those in Hebrews 6 and 10, within the context of assurance.

Michael Reeves [19:13]: "There need to be warnings. But those warnings, we mustn't take that to mean that there is not true perseverance for the children of God."

He explains that these warnings are directed towards those who have not secured their faith in Christ, assuring believers of God's unwavering commitment to His children.

Counsel for Those Struggling with Assurance

For believers experiencing low assurance, Reeves offers practical steps:

1. Embrace the Doctrine of Justification: Reinforce understanding that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.

   Michael Reeves [22:17]: "If you are struggling with your assurance... you are tying your status before God to your own feelings about yourself... The only way... is because we are clothed in Jesus Christ."

2. Seek Transformation Through Grace: Allow the Holy Spirit to work in one's life, fostering genuine love for God that naturally results in holiness.

   Reeves continues: "It is by enjoying the grace of God that you will begin to find yourself actually loving him."

The Fruit of True Assurance

Reeves concludes by highlighting the ultimate purpose of assurance: fostering a vibrant, joyous, and obedient Christian life.

Michael Reeves [26:28]: "Assurance is the necessary pathway... to say, the Lord of Hosts is my Father. He cares for me right now. I can approach him right now with boldness in Jesus' name."

True assurance leads to bold prayer, continuous joy in God, and a life marked by trust and good works.

Conclusion

Michael Reeves' seminar on "Assurance of Salvation" provides a comprehensive theological framework for understanding and cultivating assurance in the Christian life. By grounding assurance in the doctrines of justification and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to live confidently and joyfully in their relationship with God.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Reeves [00:00]: "The doctrine of assurance finds its end in creating healthy Christians who enjoy God and can rejoice in Him."
• Michael Reeves [02:12]: "The root of all Christian assurance is found in the doctrine of justification that is the basis for true assurance."
• Michael Reeves [08:03]: "Those who are born again... can have that absolute assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ."
• Michael Reeves [12:05]: "False assurance is based on yourself... True assurance is found in Jesus Christ and is enjoyed by those who will trust and rest upon Jesus Christ."

Additional Resources:

• Book Mentioned: Right with God by Michael Reeves
• Series Mentioned: The Fear of the Lord

For more in-depth study, listeners are encouraged to explore these resources through Ligonier Ministries.