Category: Theology 101
The Work of the Holy Spirit (Cont'd)
Confirmation and Assurance from the Spirit
The Spirit produces in the hearts of believers an awareness (and assurance) of God's love, especially as we endure tribulations (Rom. 5:1-5). As the Spirit of Adoption, He confirms in a believer's own spirit that he is indeed a child of God (Rom. 8:15, 16). He is the first fruits of redemption (Rom. 8:23). He is the promised seal and pledge of an inheritance in Christ (Eph. 1:13, 14) who seals a believer for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30). He reveals to believers that Christ abides in us (1 Jn. 3:24).
Not that we ever have reason to doubt God's promise, but we may doubt whether we are the beneficiaries of His blessing. The Spirit is given to God's people so that we can be certain of our place in His family. Furthermore, He is the earnest money which secures our participation in eternal life. As we observe the change taking place in our character gradually becoming more loving, etc., we sense in our own spirit that we belong to God. This is the result of the Spirit's work.