Have you ever wondered whether you are really a Christian?
If so, you are not alone.
Christians have struggled with the assurance of their salvation for centuries. That’s why Thomas Boston (1676-1732) wrote Am I Really A Christian? Eight Doubts Answered. In this short booklet, he addresses eight of the most common reasons believers may doubt the genuineness of their conversion.
Here is DOUBT #3:
“Heart in more turmoil.”
“I find that my heart has been in more turmoil after I became a Christian than it was before. Is this consistent with someone who is supposed to have been changed by Christ?
“Answer: Corruption can be stirred up in a Christian even more strongly than it was before he became a Christian. It might appear to you that all the forces of hell have been raised to try to recapture you as an escaped fugitive. Such stirrings may indeed occur in those truly changed by Christ. When restraining grace comes up against the corruption in a new believer, it is no wonder that corruption tries to fight back, “warring against the law of my mind” (Romans 7:23). Sin will resist all the harder when it knows this new principle is seeking to cast it out. When the sun shines through a window, we see all the dust in the house that we did not see before. So when the light of grace shines in our lives, we see the corruption inside us that we had not noticed before. Sin is not quite dead in the believer’s soul. It is dying a lingering death. It is being crucified. No wonder it begins to fight so hard—it knows it is about to die, so it struggles to live!
“Besides all this, the Christian might be faced with more numerous and stronger temptations after his conversion. Satan has to work harder to try to bring back one who has escaped, than he does to guard one who is still a captive. The author of Hebrews says, “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings” (Hebrews 10:32). He then adds, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (v. 35). Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for you, and the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Remember how Pharaoh and the Egyptians had the Israelites cornered at the Red Sea, but then God intervened and overthrew them (Exodus 14)?
“Do not let this doubt destroy the foundation of your trust. Empty yourself of doubting. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and you will be victorious.”
The above paragraphs are packed with sound biblical teaching. I find this comment especially helpful:
“The Christian might be faced with more numerous and stronger temptations after his conversion. Satan has to work harder to try to bring back one who has escaped, than he does to guard one who is still a captive.”
The Bible is clear that believers will continue to face temptation. It is to be expected. This is normal, because “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Words of comfort indeed!
To get a free downloadable copy of this 16-page booklet, visit:
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/aira/am-i-really-a-christian-bostonthomas
NOTE: This booklet contains selected sections from Human Nature in Its Fourfold State, by Thomas Boston, modernized for easier understanding by today’s reader. Jeffrey T. Riddle, pastor of Christ Reformed Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, provided the abstraction and modernization. Copyright 2015 Chapel Library. www.ChapelLibrary.org
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