“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.> ‘Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions’.”
(Psalm 51:1)
Saving faith, communicated by the Holy Spirit, is an active, living force that both initiates and cultivates a personal relationship between Christ and His own. The Spirit of God works this faith in the Elect, such that the things which they believe are not only understood to be true but also good.[1] This dual recognition of truth and goodness is crucial; for the wicked may perceive these truths and yet not find them to be good, leading them to fear and despair, particularly about their eternal fate.
In contrast, as the new believer grows in faith and begins to experience the many blessings of being in a restored relationship with their Maker, they realize an ever-increasing joy and comfort. This joy, rooted in the transformative power of faith, produces visible evidence that God is at work in their life; and this reality continues to reinforce their assurance of salvation. Further, those who are born of God delight in and obey His Word, seek Him in heartfelt prayer, and demonstrate a genuine love for fellow believers—all marks of genuine faith.
Their ultimate assurance, however, comes from the Spirit of adoption, whereby believers are made sons and daughters of God. This relationship is certified by God’s Spirit Himself, who bears witness with our spirit that we are His children (Romans 8:16). This deep spiritual connection manifests in our lives as an ongoing, growing relationship with our Heavenly Father.
And as that relationship grows, He continues to assure us of His unchanging love and eternal commitment to our well-being, which is not based on our merit but on His gracious character. As believers, we live in the confidence that “when He shall appear, we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2), and that our faith, which rests in His promises, will be fully realized in our ultimate transformation into the likeness of Christ.
As we reflect on these truths, let us hold fast to our faith, knowing that it is alive and active, continually affirming our standing in Christ—and that this living, Spirit-empowered faith is the channel through which we receive God’s promises (and He who promised is faithful!) and the means by which we are prepared for eternal glory.
Contemplations:
- The Goodness in Truth: In my walk of faith, I have learned that the truths of Scripture are not only spiritually and intellectually satisfying but are fundamentally good for me. This realization transforms my interaction with the Word from mere study to a delightful feast that nourishes my soul.
- Joy in Belief: Each increase in faith brings a greater measure of joy because it is rooted in the deep comforts of knowing God more intimately. As I trust in His promises, my fears are replaced by the peace that comes from divine assurance.
- Assurance of Salvation: Believing the promises of God concerning salvation has given me a secure confidence. As I see the fruits of His work in my life each day, my assurance is strengthened. I rest in the knowledge that I am His and that He is faithfully working in me.
- The Witness of the Spirit: The Spirit’s testimony within me, reassuring me that I am a child of God, is a source of unshakable confidence. In moments of doubt or struggle this inward assurance, confirmed by prayer and an inherent love for fellow believers, affirms my identity as a child of God and my eternal destiny.
Further References for Psalm 51:1:
2 Sam. 12:1; Psalm 106:45; Acts 3:19; 2 Sam. 24:10
[1] Bartholomew Robertson, Spiritual Increase, (London: Nicholas Okes, for William Lee, and are to be sold at his shop in Fleete streete, at the signe of the golden Buck, neare Seriants Inne, 1621), 61–70.
