The Assurance of Faith

“O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” (Genesis 15:8).

IN previous studies we have seen that Abraham was saved solely and completely and exclusively by believing the Word of God concerning the supernaturally and miraculously born, long-promised son. Abram, therefore, was saved by faith and not by works. But soon after Abram had believed God, doubts began to arise in his mind, and he began to wonder as to the absolute certainty of that which he had accepted. He still lacked the full assurance. Abram was of like passions as we are, and like many of God’s children today, he sought for something in addition to that which God had plainly spoken. If you are like that, I invite you to give careful attention to the story of Abram as it is continued in Genesis 15.

Yes, Abram had believed, but soon doubts begin to arise in his mind, and he seems to say, “Lord, if I only had some more evidence, some external evidence that I could see; if I had not only your word, but something in addition to your own word, it would make me feel a great deal better.” You see, Abram would like to have had some emotional evidence, or some manifestation or sign, possibly of the flesh, so that he could say, “Now I know that I am saved.”

There are many today also who want to see things happen or to have some sensation of the flesh or the mind, who are seeking for something in addition to the simple Word of God. Now Abram may have been looking for some sort of evidence of that kind. Think about it as you read this verse again:

“O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?” (Genesis 15:8; emphasis is the author’s).

Adapted and modified excerpts from Studies in the Life of Abraham by M. R. De Haan (1891-1964)
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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