Definition: Freedom from doubt and uncertainty.

                          I. A man can have false assurance, therefore because a man has never doubted his salvation, this does not necessarily mean that he is saved. It is possible that he has not examined himself closely enough and thereby has deceived himself - Matthew 7:22-23; Micah 3:11; John 5:39-40; John 8:41-42; Philippians 3:5-7.

II. A man can have true assurance of his salvation. He can know beyond doubt, as to the condition of his soul - I John 3:19; Hebrews 6:11; II Timothy 3:14-15; II Timothy 1:12.

III. Assurance is obtained:

    A. By an examination of the experience of salvation in light of the scriptures - II Corinthians 13:5; II Peter 1:10&19.

    B. By understanding the word of God and what salvation is - Colossians 2:2-3; I John 5:20; II Timothy 3:14-15.

    C. By the witness of the Holy Spirit - I John 4:13, Romans 8:16.

    D. By keeping the commandments to love and believe, for one can not say he is saved if God has not put within him His Spirit of love and faith - I John 2:3-6, 3:24; John 15:10.

    E. By the work of God in salvation itself! - Isaiah 32:17, I Thessalonians 1:5.

IV. Assurance is important because:

    A. It enables us to draw near to God! - Hebrews 10:22.

    B. It enables us to experience the deepest levels of worship - Hebrews 10:19.

    C. It brings peace, rest and comfort to the believer - Colossians 2:2; II Thessalonians 2:16-17.

    D. It helps us endure affliction - II Timothy 1:12.

    E. It helps us to pray - I John 5:14-15

V. It is possible for one to be saved and at times question his salvation, but upon close examination he will be able to gain full assurance again - Isaiah 50:10; Hebrews 6:11, 10:26-31; Psalm 77:1-12; I John 5:13; Matthew 11:2-6. II Peter 1:9.

VI. It is the responsibility of every man to seek out full assurance of his salvation - II Peter 1:10-13; Hebrews 4:1; II Corinthians 13:5; Hebrews 2:1-3.