"BLESSED ASSURANCE" (Pastor Tom Henry) ~ 5/14/26

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” (Romans 8:16)

The Holy Spirit, in His character as a witness, not only bears witness for Christ, but He also witnesses to the children of God. This He has made clear in His Word: “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself...” (I John 5:10) “Hereby know we that dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” (I John 4:13) “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (II Cor. 1:22)

To have absolute assurance of the pardon of sin, of acceptance in Christ, and of adoption into the family of God is an attainment that many believe cannot be reached in this present life. But this is contrary to the testimony of Scripture, and to the experience of believers throughout Christian history, who have lived in peaceful assurance, and died in this sure hope. Though we cannot say that such a state of mind is necessary to one’s salvation, we can say that it is essential to the peace of mind that is the birthright of every child of God; and we can also say that it is the fruit of true saving faith that gives rest to the soul, and thus, glorifies God. Paul wrote, “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.” (Heb. 6:11) He exhorts, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…” (Heb. 10:22) Peter earnestly charges his readers to “…give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” (II Pet. 1:10) To what were they to give diligence in order to be assured of their calling and election? We have the answer in the verses that go before. “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and…temperance; and …patience; and…godliness; and…brotherly kindness; and…charity.” (II Pet. 1:5-7) In other words, by the fruit of the Spirit born in our lives, we have assurance that we are the Lord’s. This is certainly one way in which “the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.”

Notice, it is “the Spirit itself” Who is attesting to this wonderful relationship. The great work of making known to a poor sinner his pardon in the high court of Heaven, and his adoption into God’s family is entrusted to no inferior agent. None but God the Holy Spirit Himself bears this witness. He alone can make known the secret things of God to us. We could not know our election of God but by His witness. We could not know our sonship but by His knowledge. Do not rely on the witness of your spirit alone, or that of a friend, or a minister, for it is the Holy Spirit who can assure your spirit that you are “born of God.”

Notice next, that with which He bears witnesses. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit.” He witnesses to you personally. The witness is not borne to others about you, but to your spirit. Adoption into God’s family is a privilege so wondrous involving blessings so rich, of which none are either deserving or worthy, that, if the Spirit of God did not assure the believer with His own personal witness, no other testimony could suffice to remove the doubts and satisfy his spirit as to the reality of sonship. The eternal Spirit descends and enters our hearts as a witness to our adoption. Who but the Divine Spirit can attest to His work? It is He who renews the spirit, applies the atoning blood to the conscience, works faith in the heart, enlightens the understanding and thus prepares the believing soul for the revelation and assurance of his adoption into the family of God. As it is “with our spirit” that the Holy Spirit witnesses, it is necessary that he who has the witness within himself should be a repenting and believing soul.

Notice finally, the glorious truth to which the Holy Spirit bears witness: “That we are the children of God.” The Spirit is emphatically spoken of as the “Spirit of adoption.” “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Rom. 8:15) In another place we read, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Gal. 4:6) This is the blessed fact to which the Holy Spirit bears witness. The Spirit of adoption bears witness to our spirit that through adoption, we are “The children of God.” This is blessed assurance indeed.