Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace, and that they shall be saved?

#WLC81

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Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith, true believers may wait long before they obtain it; and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions; yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair.

Proofs

  • Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the essence of faith, (Ephesians 1:13)
  • true believers may wait long before they obtain it; (Isaiah 50:10; Psalm 88:1โ€“3, 6โ€“7, 9โ€“10, 13โ€“15)
  • and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions; (Psalm 77:1โ€“12; Song of Solomon 5:2โ€“3, 6; Psalms 51:8, 12; 31:22; 22:1)
  • yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking into utter despair. (1 John 3:9; Psalm 73:15, 23; Isaiah 54:7โ€“10)