How is true Assurance discerned from Presumption? A. True Assurance humbles the Soul, Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And makes the Soul afraid of Sin, 2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these Promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit, perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God.

What is that which hinders the Sense of Peace in Believers? A. Their Sins against the Lord, and grieving of his Spirit, Isa 59:2 But your Iniquities have separated between you and your God ; and your Sins have hid his Face from you, that he will not hear.

Have not Hypocrites their Joys as well as real Christians? A. Yes, but the Joy of the Hypocrite is not grounded upon Scripture-warrant, and will vanish away, and will come to nothing at last, John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining Light, and ye were willing for a Season to rejoice in his Light.

After saying that true Grace may sometimes decay, the first inference is "To bless God for Gospel Ordinances, Psa 92:13-14 Those that be planted in the House of the Lord, shall flourish in the Courts of our God, they shall still bring forth Fruit in old Age; they shall be fat and flourishing.

Why do not all persevere? Because all Professors have not a good Root and Foundation, Matt 13:20-21

Labels: assurance, grace, joy, ordinary means, peace of conscience

Did God chose some because he foresaw they would be better than others? A. No: God's Choice was not on foreseen Works ; but meerly [sic] of his Grace, and good Pleasure of his Will, Eph 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good Pleasure of his Will, to the Praise of the Glory of his Grace.

May a Sinner that hath no Worthiness at all of his own, be taken into the Covenant of Grace? A. Yes, he may, Isa 43:25 I, even I, am he, that blotteth out thy Transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy Sins. This Covenant is not of Works but of Grace, Rom 11:5-6 And if by Grace, then it is no more of Works, otherwise Grace is no more Grace ; but if it be of Works then it is no more Grace, otherwise Work is no more Work.

Labels: covenant of grace, covenant of works, election, grace, works