Read: Romans 8:14-17
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).
God Gives Us Assurance
The Christian yearns to be sure that his life is pleasing to God. Holiness people believe that he can be sure. We believe that “entire sanctification is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by faith, preceded by entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness.” This inner illumination by the Holy Spirit brings with it a deep sense of personal assurance.
The doctrine of the witness of the Spirit has been a distinctive emphasis of the Wesleyan teaching because it is so clearly taught in the Bible. John testifies, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his spirit” (I John 4:13). Paul confirms the truth thus: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). Peter describes this assuring work of God in the soul when he reports the experience at the house of Cornelius: “And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us” (Acts 15:8).
Based on this clear scriptural teaching we rejoice in the doctrine of assurance. J. A. Wood has written, “Christian holiness is a matter of positive conscious experience within the reach of all believers.” John Wesley said, “None therefore, ought to believe that the work is done till there is added the testimony of the Spirit, witnessing his entire sanctification as clearly as his justification.” With glad hearts we may sing:
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchased of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood!
— Fanny J. Crosby