Gospel Assurance and Warnings - Recovering the Gospel (Washer)

Description

It should come as no surprise that misunderstandings about the gospel message and the nature of true conversion result in a problem with genuine assurance of salvation. A pseudo-gospel of “easy believism” has led many into careless presumption, and a poor understanding of salvation has abandoned tender consciences to near spiritual despair. In Gospel Assurance and Warnings, Paul Washer shines the light of gospel hope as he cautions against the dangers of making an empty profession of faith and carefully explains from Scripture the basis for establishing and maintaining a sound assurance of faith.

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Contents

Preface

PART ONE: Biblical Assurance

1. False Assurance
2. Examine Yourself
3. Walking in God’s Revelation
4. Confessing Sin
5. Keeping God’s Commandments
6. Imitating Christ
7. Loving Christians
8. Rejecting the World
9. Remaining in the Church
10. Confessing Christ
11. Purifying Self
12. Practicing Righteousness
13. Overcoming the World
14. Believing in Jesus

PART TWO: Gospel Warnings, or Warnings to Empty Confessors

15. Gospel Reductionism
16. The Small Gate
17. The Narrow Way
18. The Outward Evidence of an Inward Reality
19. The Dangers of an Empty Confession

Series Descriptions  

The Recovering the Gospel Series addresses the essential elements of the good news of Jesus Christ, many of which are neglected in contemporary Christianity. It is the hope of the author that these words might be a guide to help you rediscover the gospel in all its beauty, scandal, and saving power. It is his prayer that such a rediscovery might transform your life, strengthen your proclamation, and bring the greatest glory to God.

Endorsements

“Few things are more important than the question of the assurance of our salvation. The dangers of false assurance are obvious, and Scripture warns us that the number of falsely assured in churches is legion. The tragedy of the ‘unnecessarily troubled’ is that they never gain the footing that produces the fruit of the Spirit and compels great acts of obedience. Just as I would want my children to know for certain they are mine, God wants His children to know that they are His. Washer has provided a great and thorough resource for those wanting to plumb the depths of the question “Am I really saved?” and to teach it to others. This book is loaded with scriptural analysis and pastoral advice. It is a necessary book for the library of anyone entrusted with the care of souls.” —J. D. Greear, PhD, author of Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved and Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary

“Paul Washer has given us a tremendously helpful tool to seek solid assurance that we are saved from sin by God’s grace. The Word of God is like a mirror for self-examination. The Epistle of First John particularly helps us examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Washer applies 1 John in a masterful way to this question, explaining a dozen marks of saving grace in the soul. At the same time, this book does not encourage us to rest on our past experiences but to press forward in spiritual growth in dependence upon the Spirit of Christ. Here is sweet help for God’s children struggling to enjoy assurance of their Father’s forgiveness and acceptance. And here is a sober warning to the self-deceived. May God use this book for His glory to the comfort of His people and the conversion of lost sinners.” — Joel R. Beeke, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

About the Author

Paul Washer ministered as a missionary in Peru for 10 years, during which time he founded the HeartCry Missionary Society to support Peruvian church planters. Paul now serves as one of the laborers with the HeartCry Missionary Society (www.heartcrymissionary.com). He and his wife Charo have four children: Ian, Evan, Rowan, and Bronwyn He has written many bestsellers, including the Recovering the Gospel series and The Gospel of Jesus Christ tract.