Gospel Assurance and Warnings
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
It should come as no surprise that misunderstandings about the gospel message and the nature of true conversion result in a problem with genuine assurance of salvation. A pseudo-gospel of “easy believism” has led many into careless presumption, and a poor understanding of salvation has abandoned tender consciences to near spiritual despair. In Gospel Assurance and Warnings, Paul Washer shines the light of gospel hope as he cautions against the dangers of making an empty profession of faith. Examining this question using 1 John, Washer carefully explains from Scripture the basis for establishing and maintaining a sound assurance of faith.
Top Highlights
“The gospel call to repent and believe has been replaced with a call to accept Christ and repeat the sinner’s prayer, which is often at the end of tracts and the conclusion of emotional and often manipulative public invitations. Many people no longer obtain assurance of salvation by a careful consideration of their conversion and lifestyle in light of the Scriptures. Rather, it is granted by a well-meaning minister who is quick to pronounce the full benefits of salvation upon any who have prayed to receive Christ with any degree of apparent sincerity.” (Pages 3–4)
“As ministers of the gospel, we cannot be uninformed or careless with regard to our preaching of the gospel, our calling people to repentance and faith, and our counseling of seekers. People’s eternal destiny and the church’s reputation depend upon our diligence and fidelity in these high matters.” (Page 5)
“The first is the doctrine of regeneration. The person who has repented of sin and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ has been regenerated. He has become a new creature with a new nature and transformed affections. Although he must still battle against the flesh, the world, and the devil, and although he will not be perfected until his ultimate glorification in heaven, he will, nonetheless, exhibit the characteristics of the new person he has become.” (Page 42)
“If this does not appear to us to be the most terrifying aspect of hell, then we should question our salvation.” (Page 245)
“how do we know that we have believed unto salvation1 and that we are not merely deceived by a false faith?” (Page 13)
