Vox Oculi
Puritan Board Freshman
All I am trying to say is that since we do not know our election like God does (objectively and infallibility), if we see a lack of fruit, what assurance should we have? Christians will struggle with sin for their entire life for sure, but repentance is not simply knowing that it was wrong or feeling guilt, but rather turning away from it.
I hope that clarifies...
Our sanctification does function to assure us, sure. But it is not the basis of our assurance. If it was, we are setting ourselves up for uncertainty, depression and despair.
Yes, the Word is our source of confidence. God's promise to us that if we believe, we're saved. The purpose of works as far as their effect on us, as you said, is to confirm to us our salvation. It is an aid, that gives further confidence. You make a very good point that it by itself is not and shouldn't be the ROOT of our assurance. The foundation of our confidence is God, God's Word, God's character. Sanctification is a gratifying confirmation of what we already know. It functions to make us less susceptible to 'flaming arrows' -- attacks that question our faith.
Thanks LilyG. I just wanted to emphasize and underscore. Bearing in mind that the forum is publicly viewable, and saying the same thing from different angles can help a person 'get' something.