QUESTION.—What is the real ground of assurance for one who is still in doubt and trouble about the forgiveness of his sins? L. U. M.
ANSWER.—The word of the Lord Jesus Christ when He says, "Thy sins are forgiven," should the soul have another doubt as to the blessed fact? When He says, "Thy faith hath saved thee," should the slightest feeling of uncertainty remain? When He says, "Go in peace," should the soul go in trouble?
Assuredly not! And assuredly it will not, if only it looks to Him, and not within; if only it hears His word, and does not listen to the voice of its own feelings. Oh! that anxious, troubled souls would only cease from looking within, and from judging of their state before God from their own feelings. The blessed consequences of faith in Christ are fully and plainly revealed in God's word. Let the eye of faith rest on it, and let the heart of faith count on it most surely, and then peace, like a river, will flow into your soul.
The character of your own mind, the nature of your religious education, or your present opportunities, can in nowise affect the heart of God, or the word and work of Christ. Faiths blessed, and never-ending consequences, the Spirit of truth declares to be, 1. Being justified. 2. Having peace. 3. Standing in grace. 4. Waiting for glory. "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Rom. 5:1, 21Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1‑2)).