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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.
Table of Contents:
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
Although the Recovering the Gospel Series does not represent an entirely systematic presentation of the gospel, it does address most of the essential elements, especially those that are most 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
Paul is the founder of HeartCry Missionary Society and currently serves as its missions director. He also ministered as a missionary in Peru for ten years. He has preached hundreds of sermons and has authored a dozen published works. Paul lives in Radford, Virginia, with his wife Charo and their four children: Ian, Evan, Rowan, and Bronwyn.
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