The Doctrine of Christian Certainty

 The Doctrine of Christian Certainty


This treatise will attempt, in customarily-economical fashion, to establish answers to the following three important questions. . . . One, "How do I know that the Christian faith (religion) is the one true religion (faith)?"  Two, "How can I be sure that all other religions are false?"  And three, "How can I know if a man is truly-called to be a pastor (in the church)?"

 

As for the first query, a person may know that the Christian faith is the one true one--but one huge qualifier is absolutely necessary for this to be possible; and that is the experience of the miracle of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, as the atonement of Jesus Christ is applied to the soul.  Even when this condition is met, many factors inherent in our initially-fallen state can cloud the apprehension and appreciation of the grace of assurance (that Christianity is the true religion).  But nonetheless, it is still possible.

 

The Holy Spirit uses the Holy Scriptures to form and inform the newborn mind of Christ in a true believer, (see 1 Cor. 2:16b); and the redeemed saint has no real doubt about the truthfulness of the sacred text's teaching.  As he or she grows in understanding and experience, the regenerated churchman also recognizes the remarkable harmony of the Scripture's teaching with all the relevant facts of life.

 

Still, it must be said that it is the Holy Spirit's own deep-seated testimony to the soul of the redeemed, that Jesus Christ's blood has thoroughly cleansed that heart, which is the determining factor in the attainment of solid assurance--that (indeed) the Christian faith is the one true one. . . . Someone might object, that this feature is too subjective; and that it is not put to the same scrutiny to which all religious experiences ought to be subject.  It is true, that subjectivity is involved, (and we do not and should not deny it)--but it is not a subjectivity that has no basis in objective fact and instruction (or scrutiny).  The Apostle Paul did write, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God . . . " (Rom. 8:16/ESV)--and this assertion has no meaning in reality, unless it is actually experienced by those about whom the Apostle wrote.

 

As for the ancillary second question, relative to the fallacy of all competing religions--the answer here, (as in all things), revolves around the Person of Jesus Christ.  Once we know Him; and are convinced by the Holy Spirit that He is who He claimed to be--we are able to see clearly that any religion that fails to put Him (Jesus) at the heart of their worldview or perspective, is ipso facto (automatically) fallacious.  Our understanding of this does not necessitate our becoming obnoxious or unpleasant; instead, it simply helps us comprehend the truth of the world around us, and of the poor lost people found therein.

 

As for the third query, relative to the sincerity and genuineness of Christian ministers of the gospel in the church of Christ, both objective and subjective factors come into play.  A man called to this role is specially and particularly called by God--and that call is not completely open to the vision of all observers. . . . But certain important qualities will always accompany a bona fide call to the ministry--and one of them will be willing submission to a body of other men (also called), i.e. a presbytery of gospel ministers.  The true ministers will stay faithful, through thick or thin; and they will mimic (on an even larger scale) the experience of all truly born again churchmen who remain attached to Christ and His body, through the message of the gospel, for a lifetime.

 

I wanted to share these thoughts, because I know (from personal experience) that it is not always easy to navigate these issues. . . . It is also the case that there are many voices out there that are intent on grabbing our attention, and diverting us from the truth as it is enjoyed in our "sincere and pure devotion to Christ," (2 Cor. 11:3b/ESV).  The Holy Spirit will, no doubt (at all), lead all the saints into "all the truth," (Jn. 16:13a/ESV); and we have this assurance from the mouth and heart of the One who is Truth Himself, Jesus Christ our Lord, (see Jn. 14:6).

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #60

5 January 2026

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

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