Below are abstract from RC Sproul – Chosen by God chapter 8 (Can we know that we are saved)
To be sure, stating our assurance of salvation may be an act of arrogance. If our confidence in our salvation rests in a confidence in ourselves, it is an act of arrogance.
(1) There are people who are not saved who know that they are not saved. (2) There are people who are saved who do not know that they are saved (3) There are people who are saved who know that they are saved. (4) There are people who are not saved who “know” that they are saved.
>>以上分類有林加道的味道.
Why should you go to Heaven?
80 percent gave an answer that involved some sort of “work righteousness.” People said things like, “I have gone to church for thirty years,” “I have perfect attendance in Sunday school,” or “I have never done any serious harm to anybody.”
They have done “their best” and that, they tragically assume, is good enough for God.
From a biblical standpoint we must realize that it is still not only possible for us to have a genuine assurance of our salvation, but that it is our duty to seek such assurance, If assurance is possible and if it is commanded, it is not arrogant to seek it. It is arrogant not to seek it.
The apostle Peter writes:
(2 Peter 1:10, 11) 彼得後書第一章 所以弟兄們，應當更加殷勤，使你們所蒙的恩召和揀選堅定不移。你們若行這幾樣，就永不失腳。 這樣，必叫你們豐豐富富的得以進入我們主─救主耶穌基督永遠的國。 There are many Christian who are indeed in a state of salvation who lack assurance. To be lacking in assurance is a grave hindrance to spiritual growth. The person who is not sure of his state of grace is exposed to doubts and terrors in his soul. He lacks an anchor for his spiritual life. His uncertainty makes him tentative in his walk with Christ.
Who can know for sure that he is not elect? – 這問題該是作者問基督徒. 作者的答案是Nobody.
If you are not sure, you would be well advised to make sure. Don’t ever assume that you are not elect. Make your election a matter of certainty.
The apostle Paul was sure of his election. He frequently used the term we when he spoke of the elect. He said toward the end of his life:
Of course, St. Peter meets him at the pearly gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."
"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!"
"Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St. Peter, "that's certainly worth a point." "One point? Golly. How about this: I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says. "TWO POINTS!!" the man cries, "At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God!"
"That's right!, Now you have got it!" said St. Peter.
Below is copy from the Bulletin Board of Methodist church at Jalan Pantai, Butterworth.
