False Assurance: The Assurance of Salvation with R.C. Sproul

Summary

In this segment, Dr. Sproul discusses the complex issue of false assurance of salvation, highlighting the dangers of misleading doctrines such as universalism, legalism, sacerdotalism, and other cultural misconceptions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding salvation's true requirements, stressing that false confidence often stems from misunderstandings of salvation or self-deception. Sproul critiques various false bases for assurance, including works-based righteousness, sacramental trust, and superficial religious practices like the sinner's prayer. The session serves as a cautionary exploration of how to discern authentic salvation from counterfeit assurances.

Takeaways

• 😀 The world can be divided into four groups of people: those who are not saved and know it, those who are saved and know it, those who are saved but don't know it, and those who believe they are saved but are not.
• 😀 One of the main complications in the quest for assurance of salvation is distinguishing between true and false assurance, as some people may feel assured but are ultimately not saved.
• 😀 False assurance often arises from a misunderstanding of the requirements for salvation, such as having a wrong theology or self-deception about meeting those requirements.
• 😀 Universalism, the belief that everyone will be saved regardless of their actions, is a common error that can lead people to falsely believe they are saved simply because they exist.
• 😀 A common false belief about salvation today is the doctrine of justification by death, which assumes that simply dying guarantees salvation.
• 😀 Legalism or works righteousness, the belief that salvation comes through good deeds and obeying the law, is another false basis for assurance. People may think they are saved because of their moral performance.
• 😀 Most people who are asked about salvation in evangelistic contexts often rely on works righteousness, citing their good deeds or moral behavior as the reason they expect to go to heaven.
• 😀 The story of the rich young ruler illustrates the false belief that good works and outward obedience to the law are sufficient for salvation, ignoring the deeper spiritual motivations that God requires.
• 😀 Sacerdotalism, or the belief that salvation is achieved through the priesthood, sacraments, or church membership, is another error that leads to false assurance, as no sacrament or membership can save by itself.
• 😀 The concept of ‘praying the sinner’s prayer,’ raising hands, walking an aisle, or making a decision for Christ can be misleading. These outward actions may not genuinely signify a person’s true faith or salvation.

Q & A

What are the four categories of people discussed in the transcript?

The four categories of people are: 1) those who are not saved and know it, 2) those who are saved and know it, 3) those who are saved but don't know it, and 4) those who are not saved but believe they are saved.

Why is it problematic for people to have a false sense of assurance of salvation?

It's problematic because some people, despite being in a false state of salvation, are convinced that they are saved. This creates confusion, as they may not truly meet the necessary requirements for salvation.

What are the two main causes of false assurance of salvation mentioned in the transcript?

The two main causes are: 1) misunderstanding the requirements for salvation (bad theology), and 2) having a correct theology but mistakenly believing one has met the requirements.

What is universalism, and why is it a false doctrine regarding salvation?

Universalism teaches that everyone is saved and goes to heaven. It's a false doctrine because it assumes salvation is automatic for all, without the need for personal faith or repentance.

What is the doctrine of justification by death, and why is it misleading?

The doctrine of justification by death assumes that simply dying is enough to guarantee a person’s entry into heaven. This is misleading because it ignores the biblical requirement of faith in Christ for salvation.

What is legalism, and how does it relate to false assurance of salvation?

Legalism, or works righteousness, is the belief that salvation is based on obeying God's law and living a good life. This is a false assurance because no one can earn salvation through their own works.

How did the rich young ruler’s encounter with Jesus illustrate the error of legalism?

The rich young ruler believed he could inherit eternal life through his good deeds, but Jesus showed him that even his external righteousness wasn't enough, highlighting the need for a pure heart dedicated to loving God above all else.

What is sacerdotalism, and why does it provide false assurance of salvation?

Sacerdotalism is the belief that salvation is obtained through sacraments like baptism, penance, or the Lord's Supper. This is false because no sacrament can save a person; salvation comes through faith in Christ.

What is the danger of placing assurance of salvation in church membership?

The danger is that people may believe they are saved simply because they belong to a church. However, church membership alone does not guarantee salvation; true salvation requires faith and repentance.

What are some common practices in modern evangelicalism that can lead to false assurance of salvation?

Common practices include praying the Sinner's Prayer, raising hands in evangelistic meetings, or walking down the aisle during an altar call. While these practices are meant to lead to repentance and faith, they can also give a false sense of security if they are seen as the only requirement for salvation.