dispensationally as set out in Ephesians 2:12 and here doctrinally and

practically, as set forth in the verse before us.  Nothing but grace can

operate here, and blessed be God, that is the title both of the dispensation

(Eph. 3:2) and the gospel (Acts 20:24) of this period.

Assurance.  Self -assurance or presumption is an unholy and ungodly attitude

of mind, and finds few friends whether in the social, moral or spiritual

realm, but the alternative is surely not a spirit of fear, of uncertainty, of

false humility; it is a simple trust in the utter faithfulness of the Lord,

in His word and in His work on our behalf.  The words 'assurance',

'assuredly' and 'to be assured' are used to translate a number of Hebrew and

Greek terms.

(Isa. 32:17).  This Hebrew word primarily means, 'to cling'

as a babe to its mother's breast (Psa. 22:9), and so 'to trust'.

As a noun it is used of fruits of the melon type, which support

themselves by tendrils (Num. 11:5).

Emeth (Jer. 14:13).  This word is translated 'truth' ninety times, and

indicates stability and firmness, and is allied with the Hebrew

word Amen, which has come into our own language.

(Lev. 27:17 'to stand firm').  It is the word used for

rising from the dead.  See the Aramaic words of Mark 5:41,

Talitha cumi.  In some passages where the word 'assuredly'

occurs, it is simply a duplication of the verb, as 'drinking he

shall drink', 'going forth he shall go forth' which do not come

within the scope of our theme.

Coming to the New Testament, the following Greek words are used.

Faith, a conviction, Acts 17:31.

Be assured of, 2 Timothy 3:14.

To persuade, 1 John 3:19.

To be fully carried along.

Full conviction 1 Thessalonians 1:5;

Colossian 2:2; Hebrews 10:22.

Acts 2:36.

Safely, surely, certainly.

Acts 16:10.

To put firmly together,

to gather assuredly.

The doctrine of Assurance extends beyond the confines of this analysis

and takes into its embrace the believer's relationship with the Purpose of

God, the Person and Work of Christ, and the utter faithfulness of God

regarding His promises and His acceptance of the believer.

Although the Redemptive work of Christ arises out of the Purpose of

God, and is only rendered effective by the faithfulness of God, we

nevertheless open our study, not before the foundation of the world, and not

with a preview of eternal bliss, but here and now, and consider the

Suretyship of Christ.

We find the title, 'A surety of a better covenant', in the Epistle to

the Hebrews, and while we recognize the distinctive calling that governs that