1689 CONFESSION, CH. 18, "ASSURANCE OF SAVING FAITH." PARA. 3: ASSURANCE IS ATTAINABLE.
Summary (Gerstner): "Difficult as assurance may be to obtain, it is not too difficult for it to be SHAKEN, LESSENED, OR INTERRUPTED from four specific causes: simple neglect; commission of SOME PARTICULAR SIN; SUDDEN OR STRONG TEMPTATION; or God's withdrawal of THE SENSE OF HIS PRESENCE. Nevertheless, the regenerate are never COMPLETELY without faith, love, and a sincere obedience by which assurance may be revived, and meanwhile they are always KEPT FROM COMPLETE DESPAIR."
IV. ASSURANCE IS VARIABLE. A. The fact of this variation. 1. As by negligence in preserving of it.
B. The reasons for this variation. 1. By falling into some special sin. 2. By some sudden or vehement temptation. 3. By God's withdrawing the light of His countenance.
C. The limits of this variation ― Yet they are never destitute of: 1. The seed of God. 2. That life of faith. 3. That love of Christ and the brethren. 4. That sincerity of heart and conscience of duty out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may in due time be revived. 5. By the which, in the meantime, they are preserved from utter despair.
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