A question about reconcilation, and assurance of salvation...

[yearginchess]

I think I now understand what the sacrament of reconciliation is for: forgiveness of our sins, and to give us the assurance and confidence that our past sins we confessed are actually forgiven. If this is so, then would it be safe to say that reconciliation would actually be more important to someone–the knowledge of being forgiven by God–than assurance of salvation, which would offer some “hope” of eternal life, and no way of ever knowing if you were really forgiven.

So here is my question: Is it better in this life on earth to have assurance of forgiveness, or, as protestants would put it, “assurance of salvation”? I welcome your comments and answers.

 

[de_profundis]

Well, assurance of salvation would be pretty fantastic wouldn’t it! But in all honesty, what good is there in being ‘saved’ protestant-style, if you make your declaration of faith and then for the rest of your life you curse God and reject Him? It seems rather presumptuous in my opinion.

Conversion is a continual process, of which the sacrament of reconciliation is central. Knowing that Christ forgives us, and continuing to ask his forgiveness through this sacrament when we fall back into sin, is a sure way to keep our eyes on heaven. And when walking this path of continual conversion and repeated forgiveness through this sacrament, God’s divine mercy is more lucid and visible than ever. Why the need for assurance of salvation?

It is far better to have faith in his divine mercy, rather than to ask for a bank guarantee.

 

[JonNC]

I think I now understand what the sacrament of reconciliation is for: forgiveness of our sins, and to give us the assurance and confidence that our past sins we confessed are actually forgiven. If this is so, then would it be safe to say that reconciliation would actually be more important to someone–the knowledge of being forgiven by God–than assurance of salvation, which would offer some “hope” of eternal life, and no way of ever knowing if you were really forgiven.

So here is my question: Is it better in this life on earth to have assurance of forgiveness, or, as protestants would put it, “assurance of salvation”? I welcome your comments and answers.

It might help me to know what you mean by “assurance of salvation”. If you mean, as de profundis states, *"…you make your declaration of faith and then for the rest of your life you curse God and reject Him…" *, that is a false doctrine and I can’t respond to it. If, instead you mean that Christ’s promise through His death and resurrection is to be believed and open to all who have faith and are baptized then I will respond as follows:

For me, as a Lutheran, it is better for me to know that through confession and Holy Absolution, my sins are forgiven. Of course, knowing my sins are forgiven adds to my certain belief that Christ’s promise of salvation is real, and that His death and resurrection were for me.

Jon

 

[yearginchess]

. Knowing that Christ forgives us, and continuing to ask his forgiveness through this sacrament when we fall back into sin, is a sure way to keep our eyes on heaven.

That’s exactly what the protestant tradition I currently belong to lacks…and what opened my eyes! And you said it right, I believe…it will keep our eyes on heaven.

Thanks to all who replied!