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Questions Christians Ask
How can I be sure?
Many Christians experience times of doubt and uncertainty. At various times we can ask: Does God love me? Am I really a Christian? - and even Is there a God at all?! This short, readable book unpacks the difference between good and bad doubt, shows us where it comes from and how to deal with it in ourselves and others.
It explains clearly and simply the liberating reality of what the Bible tells us about doubt, assurance and the Christian life.
It explains clearly and simply the liberating reality of what the Bible tells us about doubt, assurance and the Christian life.
96 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
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85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 29, 2018
Enjoy this book like you enjoy a bag of potato chips. Tasty, but you get through it in one sitting. Even if it means missing some of the crumbs- make sure you get the big chips.
August 23, 2018
This book is written clearly and simply. It is a book that is very pastoral, presenting biblical theology accessibly to believers experiencing doubt in different way. The author defines doubt and gives examples of the ways in which believers of all ages and stages of life may be afflicted by doubts and how this may cause them to question their salvation. He diagnoses the causes of doubt and points the reader back to Christ, throuhh trusting in His words. He points us to Christ away from self and circumstances but to the one who has the words of eternal life who is the mainstay of our hope and confidence. This book is practical, pointing believers to the benefits of following biblical instructions about meeting with fellow believers and receiving mutual encouragement to keep going. He talks about the simple measures of cultivating personal bible reading and prayer as well as listening to good teaching in church. In other words there are no magic formulae, just returning to the simplicity of the Christian faith and walk, recognising our weakness but but relying on God's strength and employing his means of grace.
This is a useful book, which is gentle for the struggling soul whilst sounding a necessary warming to avoid allowing doubt to fester into unbelief, but rather to develop a healthy faith through the means God has given to cultivate this.
This is a useful book, which is gentle for the struggling soul whilst sounding a necessary warming to avoid allowing doubt to fester into unbelief, but rather to develop a healthy faith through the means God has given to cultivate this.
September 14, 2014
How Can I Be Sure? by John Stevens
Doubt the appropriate word to describe if I was going to be able to write this book review or not. At the time of this writing I confess I have had a rough few weeks in my life where I did not feel like reading or writing. So I was doubtful that I had the energy to read or write. However, by the grace of God that sustains us even in our deepest times of doubt I was able to finish reading John Steven’s book, “How Can I Be Sure.” As a result, I have found it to be a very timely fantastic book, as we each struggle at some point in life. As Stevens writes, “doubt is dangerous, but we need not be terrified by it… it’s an opportunity for spiritual growth.” Therefore, Christians should remember that doubt is different than unbelief, that doubt produces spiritual maturity, and that we must look beyond ourselves.
According to Stevens, the most troubling aspect of doubt is the difference between “doubt and unbelief.” Often the failure to distinguish between these two terms causes one to move beyond a casual doubt and towards questioning one’s salvation. Stevens offers hope and comfort by simply asking,
“Do you believe and trust in Jesus?” If the answer is “yes”, then you have every entitlement to assurance of salvation. If the answer is “no”, then you have no grounds for assurance.”
This is because our salvation is not based on any work we do as Christians. It is not even based on the level of our faith. Rather, salvation is based on the object of our faith, which is Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus fulfilled all the religious requirements we could never keep. As a result, we should trust what God did for us on the Cross of Christ than our works and effort. Then we will move from unbelief back to simple doubt.
Since belief on Jesus Christ distinguishes doubt from unbelief, we do not need to fear. Our doubts do not invalidate their eternal security. This is the first theme Stevens weaves throughout How Can I Be Sure and it’s a significant truth because our lack of assurance can have an adverse effect on our love and obedience towards Jesus. So be encouraged that if you believe on Jesus for your salvation you need not fear. In Christ, you are free to pursue answers to these doubts to be a more effective Christian, which is spiritual maturity.
Doubt also serves as part of the maturing process Christian’s experience. For us to ignore it can cause us to harden our hearts. The process may not be fun, but maturity occurs when we trust that God is working out our circumstances for good. Stevens illustrates this biblically by reminding us of when Paul struggled with the “throne in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12. Remember, God told Paul that His grace was sufficient for his suffering. Paul matured through his time of doubt by praying to God. It was through his prayers and the grace of God that Paul developed into who God desired for him to become. It was not his efforts. This does not mean we are absent in our responsibility, but we depend on God.
One way we can depend on God is by partnering with Him to turn our doubt into maturity by practicing spiritual disciplines. Stevens mentions four distinct disciplines throughout How Can I Be Sure and they are, consistently reading God’s Word, persistent prayer, obtaining help from other Christians, and keeping a spiritual journal. The first three are standard recommendations for anyone familiar with church, but the spiritual journal is a different twist. Basically, Stevens suggests the spiritual journal is to reflect on our past struggles and compare them with present doubts. Over time we can see how God has matured us in Christ. This recommendation does have its dangers. It can be too self-absorbed by reflecting too much on our past.
Self-reflection can help mature us, but too much self-introspection can be dangerous. Stevens mentions this danger many times in How Can I Be Sure by saying those “who have a tender conscience and an introverted temperament” tend to turn their doubt into questioning if they really are saved. Being an introvert and one who has practiced the sin of self-reflection, I know this to be true. The antidote involves two techniques, which Stevens recommends. First, I limit the amount of self-reflection like spiritual journaling I perform. Second, I move beyond my introspection by focusing on the needs of others. There is no better way to manage my spiritual doubts than to minister to others by sharing Jesus. By focusing on others I manage my spiritual energy outward and it keeps me from being legalistic with myself. As a result, by focusing on others I am reminded that in Christ I am fully accepted and this causes my faith to grow and not doubt. It’s important to keep a spiritual journal, but once we learn from the past we should not dwell on it, but move on.
Doubt can be very crippling if it is not managed properly. Stevens weaves the fact that doubt is different than unbelief, that doubt produces spiritual maturity, and that we must look beyond ourselves throughout How Can I Be Sure. As a result, Christians can walk away with greater assurance of their own salvation. They have biblically based principles to lean on God’s grace during their struggle than their own efforts.
Now these principles are perhaps a bit repetitive, as it seems Stevens belabors them when he could have ignored restating each principle again and said the same with less words. Despite this one negative, How Can I Be Sure is highly recommended. The book informs you on how to work through your doubt and live in the hope found in Jesus Christ. In fact, the repetition might serve as an advantage since it reinforces Steven’s encouraging principles multiple times. Even if it is too long, the book’s length of 86 pages is very accessible and well worth the time invested. You will walk away with a lifetime of peace than despair. Plus you will have an assurance of salvation. In short, How Can I Be Sure teaches you how to be blessed as you discover God’s rest, for you.
(I received this book through the Cross Focused Review program in exchange for an honest review of the book.)
Doubt the appropriate word to describe if I was going to be able to write this book review or not. At the time of this writing I confess I have had a rough few weeks in my life where I did not feel like reading or writing. So I was doubtful that I had the energy to read or write. However, by the grace of God that sustains us even in our deepest times of doubt I was able to finish reading John Steven’s book, “How Can I Be Sure.” As a result, I have found it to be a very timely fantastic book, as we each struggle at some point in life. As Stevens writes, “doubt is dangerous, but we need not be terrified by it… it’s an opportunity for spiritual growth.” Therefore, Christians should remember that doubt is different than unbelief, that doubt produces spiritual maturity, and that we must look beyond ourselves.
According to Stevens, the most troubling aspect of doubt is the difference between “doubt and unbelief.” Often the failure to distinguish between these two terms causes one to move beyond a casual doubt and towards questioning one’s salvation. Stevens offers hope and comfort by simply asking,
“Do you believe and trust in Jesus?” If the answer is “yes”, then you have every entitlement to assurance of salvation. If the answer is “no”, then you have no grounds for assurance.”
This is because our salvation is not based on any work we do as Christians. It is not even based on the level of our faith. Rather, salvation is based on the object of our faith, which is Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus fulfilled all the religious requirements we could never keep. As a result, we should trust what God did for us on the Cross of Christ than our works and effort. Then we will move from unbelief back to simple doubt.
Since belief on Jesus Christ distinguishes doubt from unbelief, we do not need to fear. Our doubts do not invalidate their eternal security. This is the first theme Stevens weaves throughout How Can I Be Sure and it’s a significant truth because our lack of assurance can have an adverse effect on our love and obedience towards Jesus. So be encouraged that if you believe on Jesus for your salvation you need not fear. In Christ, you are free to pursue answers to these doubts to be a more effective Christian, which is spiritual maturity.
Doubt also serves as part of the maturing process Christian’s experience. For us to ignore it can cause us to harden our hearts. The process may not be fun, but maturity occurs when we trust that God is working out our circumstances for good. Stevens illustrates this biblically by reminding us of when Paul struggled with the “throne in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12. Remember, God told Paul that His grace was sufficient for his suffering. Paul matured through his time of doubt by praying to God. It was through his prayers and the grace of God that Paul developed into who God desired for him to become. It was not his efforts. This does not mean we are absent in our responsibility, but we depend on God.
One way we can depend on God is by partnering with Him to turn our doubt into maturity by practicing spiritual disciplines. Stevens mentions four distinct disciplines throughout How Can I Be Sure and they are, consistently reading God’s Word, persistent prayer, obtaining help from other Christians, and keeping a spiritual journal. The first three are standard recommendations for anyone familiar with church, but the spiritual journal is a different twist. Basically, Stevens suggests the spiritual journal is to reflect on our past struggles and compare them with present doubts. Over time we can see how God has matured us in Christ. This recommendation does have its dangers. It can be too self-absorbed by reflecting too much on our past.
Self-reflection can help mature us, but too much self-introspection can be dangerous. Stevens mentions this danger many times in How Can I Be Sure by saying those “who have a tender conscience and an introverted temperament” tend to turn their doubt into questioning if they really are saved. Being an introvert and one who has practiced the sin of self-reflection, I know this to be true. The antidote involves two techniques, which Stevens recommends. First, I limit the amount of self-reflection like spiritual journaling I perform. Second, I move beyond my introspection by focusing on the needs of others. There is no better way to manage my spiritual doubts than to minister to others by sharing Jesus. By focusing on others I manage my spiritual energy outward and it keeps me from being legalistic with myself. As a result, by focusing on others I am reminded that in Christ I am fully accepted and this causes my faith to grow and not doubt. It’s important to keep a spiritual journal, but once we learn from the past we should not dwell on it, but move on.
Doubt can be very crippling if it is not managed properly. Stevens weaves the fact that doubt is different than unbelief, that doubt produces spiritual maturity, and that we must look beyond ourselves throughout How Can I Be Sure. As a result, Christians can walk away with greater assurance of their own salvation. They have biblically based principles to lean on God’s grace during their struggle than their own efforts.
Now these principles are perhaps a bit repetitive, as it seems Stevens belabors them when he could have ignored restating each principle again and said the same with less words. Despite this one negative, How Can I Be Sure is highly recommended. The book informs you on how to work through your doubt and live in the hope found in Jesus Christ. In fact, the repetition might serve as an advantage since it reinforces Steven’s encouraging principles multiple times. Even if it is too long, the book’s length of 86 pages is very accessible and well worth the time invested. You will walk away with a lifetime of peace than despair. Plus you will have an assurance of salvation. In short, How Can I Be Sure teaches you how to be blessed as you discover God’s rest, for you.
(I received this book through the Cross Focused Review program in exchange for an honest review of the book.)
November 22, 2022
I have read a number of these small books in the Questions Christians ask series, and this is the one that, to date, I have least engaged with!
I found the contents a bit laborious and not particularly pointed in addressing the question, 'How can I be sure?'
However, one quotation from page 81 resonated with me, "All too often our conversation with each other before or after church, or at our small groups, is about irrelevant trivia rather than encouraging one another in the faith."
If for only this sentence one will benefit from a reading of the book!
I found the contents a bit laborious and not particularly pointed in addressing the question, 'How can I be sure?'
However, one quotation from page 81 resonated with me, "All too often our conversation with each other before or after church, or at our small groups, is about irrelevant trivia rather than encouraging one another in the faith."
If for only this sentence one will benefit from a reading of the book!
October 5, 2020
The intro and conclusion was best with stories of all the different ways doubts can enter the Christian life (helpfully showing the variety of doubt)
The middle sections perhaps felt a bit too light-on, and I think a tiny section on the historicity if the bible might have helped (although I know it's a short book)
The middle sections perhaps felt a bit too light-on, and I think a tiny section on the historicity if the bible might have helped (although I know it's a short book)
April 18, 2018
A concisely helpful book on assurance of salvation. The author keeps a healthy tension in discussing doubt, disbelief and struggles. I would give this out to any teen or adult struggling with assurance since it's thoroughly Bible-saturated.
July 11, 2019
This is a superbly well-written, gracious and sensitive little book. It doesn’t take long to whiz through and it’s packed with quotes, evidence and scripture to back up the author’s statements. I would recommend this to absolutely everybody.
October 3, 2019
It was okay. A little reductionistic. But good nonetheless.
August 16, 2023
This series is great. I do think that this is the weakest in the series so far, but it's not a bad book by any means.
May 2, 2024
Such a wonderfully written book. So timely.
September 3, 2014
Doubt. For some it is the seedbed for growth and for others it is a miserable, dark and depressing pit. Everyone has doubts about things. For instance, I doubt I will ever climb Mount Everest, go to the moon or live to see the Lions have a winning season (sorry Lions fans). But while these are doubts that have little to no impact on my life, what about doubts that hit closer to home? What about doubts that strike at the heart of our personal beliefs which shape our decisions and everyday lives? What about doubts that center around our deepest held religious beliefs? What if I doubt the genuineness of my own faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior?
Doubt is a normal part of the Christian life and seeking to address this issue John Stevens has written How can I be sure? And other questions about doubt, assurance and the Bible as part of the Questions Christians Ask series from The Good Book Company. In this short and accessible book, Stevens scratches the surface on the place of doubt in the Christian life and how to handle it with Biblical counsel.
Many Christians have false ideas and impressions about the nature of doubt and its place in the Christian life. Perhaps it is the false ideas about doubt that cause too many Christians to struggle with it as mush as they do and for as long as they do. After all, if a doubting Christian were looked down upon by his or her peers would they be more likely to tell someone about them?
Stevens wants doubting Christians to be freed from the chains of doubt in their lives by helping them to understand the nature of doubt and how to address its root causes as well as attending symptoms. While there are many things a Christian can doubt about the content of their Christian faith, Stevens hones in on the doubt some Christians struggle with in regards to being saved at all. For some professing believers, doubt about their own salvation can lead to a strong assurance of their salvation while for others it can lead some to leave the faith all-together. Stevens hopes that doubting Christians can see that “the very circumstances that cause us to doubt may be the means that God uses to test, refine and strengthen our faith.” (35)
So what is the answer to doubting ones salvation? Simply put, Stevens responds with the gospel itself. It starts with trusting in what Jesus has done for sinners. It is understanding the basics of the salvation message that we are called to believe that form the grounds for our assurance of salvation. Further, it is seeing the fruit of the work of the gospel in our lives that can bring us more assurance of our salvation. Too often traveling evangelists and preacher will try to cause Christians to doubt their own salvation by telling them, “If you can’t remember the time and place when you were saved then you probably are not saved! Come down the aisle today and seal this day in your minds! Write it down in the front of your Bible so you don’t forget!” No doubt God calls us to remember many things lest we forget them, but the consistent witness of Scripture is to what one believes in the present. Stevens responds well to this when he says,
"The good news is that it doesn’t matter that you can’t date the precise moment that you came to faith in Christ. That time is known to God. What matters is that you are trusting in Jesus now. Present faith is the primary evidence that you has been born again and received the gift of God’s salvation." (43-44)
With all of the many helpful things Stevens addresses in how to deal with ones doubts, I think the above statement succinctly states the heart of where to begin with dealing with a believers doubts about their salvation. Who and what are you trusting right now for your salvation? Is it Jesus or someone/something else?
How can I be sure? is a wonderful, clear, Biblically based response to the Christian struggling with doubts about their own salvation. Stevens strikes a good balance between offering Biblical counsel with gentleness and yet not beating around the bush with the seriousness of the situation – the destiny of ones soul and eternal relationship with God. I recommend this book for new Christians who are still wrestling with their new found faith and even more seasoned Christians who are walking through the valley of the shadow of death that can be doubt.
I received this book for free from The Good Book Company through Cross Focused Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Doubt is a normal part of the Christian life and seeking to address this issue John Stevens has written How can I be sure? And other questions about doubt, assurance and the Bible as part of the Questions Christians Ask series from The Good Book Company. In this short and accessible book, Stevens scratches the surface on the place of doubt in the Christian life and how to handle it with Biblical counsel.
Many Christians have false ideas and impressions about the nature of doubt and its place in the Christian life. Perhaps it is the false ideas about doubt that cause too many Christians to struggle with it as mush as they do and for as long as they do. After all, if a doubting Christian were looked down upon by his or her peers would they be more likely to tell someone about them?
Stevens wants doubting Christians to be freed from the chains of doubt in their lives by helping them to understand the nature of doubt and how to address its root causes as well as attending symptoms. While there are many things a Christian can doubt about the content of their Christian faith, Stevens hones in on the doubt some Christians struggle with in regards to being saved at all. For some professing believers, doubt about their own salvation can lead to a strong assurance of their salvation while for others it can lead some to leave the faith all-together. Stevens hopes that doubting Christians can see that “the very circumstances that cause us to doubt may be the means that God uses to test, refine and strengthen our faith.” (35)
So what is the answer to doubting ones salvation? Simply put, Stevens responds with the gospel itself. It starts with trusting in what Jesus has done for sinners. It is understanding the basics of the salvation message that we are called to believe that form the grounds for our assurance of salvation. Further, it is seeing the fruit of the work of the gospel in our lives that can bring us more assurance of our salvation. Too often traveling evangelists and preacher will try to cause Christians to doubt their own salvation by telling them, “If you can’t remember the time and place when you were saved then you probably are not saved! Come down the aisle today and seal this day in your minds! Write it down in the front of your Bible so you don’t forget!” No doubt God calls us to remember many things lest we forget them, but the consistent witness of Scripture is to what one believes in the present. Stevens responds well to this when he says,
"The good news is that it doesn’t matter that you can’t date the precise moment that you came to faith in Christ. That time is known to God. What matters is that you are trusting in Jesus now. Present faith is the primary evidence that you has been born again and received the gift of God’s salvation." (43-44)
With all of the many helpful things Stevens addresses in how to deal with ones doubts, I think the above statement succinctly states the heart of where to begin with dealing with a believers doubts about their salvation. Who and what are you trusting right now for your salvation? Is it Jesus or someone/something else?
How can I be sure? is a wonderful, clear, Biblically based response to the Christian struggling with doubts about their own salvation. Stevens strikes a good balance between offering Biblical counsel with gentleness and yet not beating around the bush with the seriousness of the situation – the destiny of ones soul and eternal relationship with God. I recommend this book for new Christians who are still wrestling with their new found faith and even more seasoned Christians who are walking through the valley of the shadow of death that can be doubt.
I received this book for free from The Good Book Company through Cross Focused Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 26, 2015
In his book How Can I Be Sure?, John Stevens acknowledges that the people reading this book may be struggling with doubt themselves, or know others who are struggling, (Kindle location 40). His prayer is that the reader "will be reassured to discover that doubt is a common experience for God's people, and that you [the reader] will be helped to grow stronger in your faith."
In the introduction that author goes on to state that "doubt is one of the hidden struggles that many Christians face," and he exhorts Christians to be "honest about the problem, so that we can find help and recover a joyful and confident faith," (Kindle location 31). One problem with this book is that Mr. Stevens does not give a single definition of 'doubt', but describes it as "a number of different feelings of uncertainty." The author notes that sometimes doubt is used to mean unbelief, (Kindle location 117), but he also says that "doubt is not the same as unbelief," (Kindle location 159). His arguments are confusing at times because he does not have a clear thesis with defined terms stated in his book.
In addition, Mr. Stevens doesn't identify one specific object or instance of doubt, but considers a myriad of situations. Sometimes he talks about Christians who doubt their faith, (Kindle location 602); other times he talks about Christians who doubt the existence of God, (Kindle location 876); and still other times he talks about Christian leaders who doubt the essential doctrine of Jesus' resurrection, (Kindle location 123).
It is apparent that Mr. Stevens views salvation from an Arminian point of view which means that regeneration is a synergistic process involving action from both God and man. This view of salvation is clearly seen in his book when he writes: "I became a Christian through the witness of a number of friends...who shared the good news about Jesus with me...I resisted God's call on my life for more than a year, but finally trusted in Christ...," (Kindle location 15), and "You are not an unbeliever until you reject Jesus as Lord," (Kindle location 348). With this belief system in place, it's easy to see why the author is so concerned when Christians doubt their faith. When fallen man is perceived to have the power to resist and/or reject God in accepting the Gospel, then man must also be a part of maintaining that salvation. The Bible tells us that no man is righteous, (Rom. 3:10); therefore, losing salvation must be equally as possible as obtaining salvation in the Arminian belief system. To say that God is not sovereign in salvation, but that He is sovereign in perseverance is inconsistent.
A more consistent view would be that God is sovereign in the salvation process because regeneration is a monergistic work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible clearly states that no one seeks after God, (Rom. 3:11). The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF) says that the "effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, nor from any power in the creature co-working with His Special grace,' (Chapter 10, paragraph 2), and that "perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father," Chapter 17, paragraph 2). The Confession goes on to say that true believers may have their assurance shaken by negligence, sin, temptation, or God's will, yet they are never lacking the seed of God and life of faith whereby their assurance may in due time be revived, (Chapter 18, paragraph 4). The belief that God is sovereign in salvation and perseverance is consistent and biblical.
At the end of his book, the author gives good advice on how to develop spiritual disciplines in the Christian life, but he concludes that these disciplines will help overcome doubt and develop a more secure faith. These disciplines may help in the sanctification process, but they will not result in saving faith. The nebulous use of the word 'doubt' in this book, along with the unbiblical view of salvation, left me doubting the author's ability to truly help strengthen Christian faith. In How Can I Be Sure?, Mr. Stevens tries to dispel Christian doubt and give assurance of saving faith. However, this assurance is impossible given his Arminian soteriology; therefore, I cannot recommend this book.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the introduction that author goes on to state that "doubt is one of the hidden struggles that many Christians face," and he exhorts Christians to be "honest about the problem, so that we can find help and recover a joyful and confident faith," (Kindle location 31). One problem with this book is that Mr. Stevens does not give a single definition of 'doubt', but describes it as "a number of different feelings of uncertainty." The author notes that sometimes doubt is used to mean unbelief, (Kindle location 117), but he also says that "doubt is not the same as unbelief," (Kindle location 159). His arguments are confusing at times because he does not have a clear thesis with defined terms stated in his book.
In addition, Mr. Stevens doesn't identify one specific object or instance of doubt, but considers a myriad of situations. Sometimes he talks about Christians who doubt their faith, (Kindle location 602); other times he talks about Christians who doubt the existence of God, (Kindle location 876); and still other times he talks about Christian leaders who doubt the essential doctrine of Jesus' resurrection, (Kindle location 123).
It is apparent that Mr. Stevens views salvation from an Arminian point of view which means that regeneration is a synergistic process involving action from both God and man. This view of salvation is clearly seen in his book when he writes: "I became a Christian through the witness of a number of friends...who shared the good news about Jesus with me...I resisted God's call on my life for more than a year, but finally trusted in Christ...," (Kindle location 15), and "You are not an unbeliever until you reject Jesus as Lord," (Kindle location 348). With this belief system in place, it's easy to see why the author is so concerned when Christians doubt their faith. When fallen man is perceived to have the power to resist and/or reject God in accepting the Gospel, then man must also be a part of maintaining that salvation. The Bible tells us that no man is righteous, (Rom. 3:10); therefore, losing salvation must be equally as possible as obtaining salvation in the Arminian belief system. To say that God is not sovereign in salvation, but that He is sovereign in perseverance is inconsistent.
A more consistent view would be that God is sovereign in the salvation process because regeneration is a monergistic work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible clearly states that no one seeks after God, (Rom. 3:11). The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF) says that the "effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from anything at all foreseen in man, nor from any power in the creature co-working with His Special grace,' (Chapter 10, paragraph 2), and that "perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father," Chapter 17, paragraph 2). The Confession goes on to say that true believers may have their assurance shaken by negligence, sin, temptation, or God's will, yet they are never lacking the seed of God and life of faith whereby their assurance may in due time be revived, (Chapter 18, paragraph 4). The belief that God is sovereign in salvation and perseverance is consistent and biblical.
At the end of his book, the author gives good advice on how to develop spiritual disciplines in the Christian life, but he concludes that these disciplines will help overcome doubt and develop a more secure faith. These disciplines may help in the sanctification process, but they will not result in saving faith. The nebulous use of the word 'doubt' in this book, along with the unbiblical view of salvation, left me doubting the author's ability to truly help strengthen Christian faith. In How Can I Be Sure?, Mr. Stevens tries to dispel Christian doubt and give assurance of saving faith. However, this assurance is impossible given his Arminian soteriology; therefore, I cannot recommend this book.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2017
“Lord I believe. Please help my unbelief.” The cry of faith and doubt, assured uncertainty, desperate confidence, has been the greatest source of sustained faith for me. There are others as well, but God has used this desperate cry of a desperate father to spur me on in great seasons of doubt and, at times, despair. How Can I Be Sure? is a question with which I have personally struggled, mightily. And it is still, in seasons, a struggle that is much more prevalent than I would like. I was thankful for the chance to read John Stevens work from The Good Book Company on this very personal subject.
Stevens does much well and very little for me to criticize. I am sure, if I were a more astute reader or if I just tried really, really hard, I could nitpick or even come up with some genuine concerns. But, be it the topic or how it is handled, this book ministered to me much too greatly for me to be able to see much wrong with it. Stevens begins by listing some examples of people, all different people at different stages of their journey of faith, to set the stage for a conversation on doubt.
Is doubt and unbelief the same thing? Maybe, but not always. Like a child asking “why”, sometimes our doubt is genuine desire to know God more and the struggle that inevitably ensues when a sinful person seeks to know a holy God in a broken world, but sometimes our doubt is simply rebellious unbelief. Stevens does a service to all doubters by differentiating clearly between the two.
“Doubt is good” is a mantra that is oft repeated in our pluralistic, relativistic age, but Stevens aids the reader in seeing that, while doubt is inevitable and the result of wrestling through doubt is good for the believer and to the glory of God, doubt is quite dangerous. One thing he highlights that we may often miss is the peripheral danger of doubt. It is somewhat obvious that doubt is dangerous for the one doubting because, when left unchecked and allowed to fester, it can grow into unbelief and apostasy. An all-too-often overlooked aspect of the danger of doubt is its effect on those around us. Stevens cautions the doubter to not be an island and to honestly express their doubts, but to do so to people who it will not hurt or cause to doubt. This is a weaker brother argument that is much closer to Paul’s meat and drink position than the typical “alcohol is the devil”, Momma Boucher response of so many.
Stevens deals with issues of assurance, not by looking back at an experience or an earnest prayer or a date the evangelist told you to write in the front of your bible but, by encouraging the reader to trust Jesus and believe the Gospel. His question is not so much “Have you believed the Gospel?” but “Do you believe the Gospel?” It is important to note that this “believe” does not preclude doubt, even a season of rather intense doubt, but it is contrary to unbelief and apostasy. Beyond just mental assent, “believing the Gospel” is inextricably linked, to some degree or another, to growth in Christlikeness. Though this looks quite different for all and the amount of growth and areas of growth might not be as distinguishable for some as for others, citing 1 John and other biblical texts, Stevens persuasively argues that there is necessarily growth in the life of the Christian.
I once had a friend ask me what I would tell someone who was struggling, desperately, with their assurance. My advice was to meditate on the Gospel and to avail himself of all the means of grace (corporate worship and prayer, private study and prayer, the mutual edification of Christian fellowship, the hearing of God’s Word read and preached, taking communion and witnessing baptism). Stevens hits on essentially these items as he guides the reader on, not just how to overcome doubt but, how to “develop a confident faith”. To flip the proverbial saying, sometimes a good defense is a good offense. Often, the best way to fight doubt is to cut it off before it appears. Growing in a confident faith is not a magical force field against the arrows of doubt, but it is the best way to be prepared when those shots begin to be fired.
This is a great book that I look forward to sharing with people. Get it, read it, enjoy it.
I received a review copy from the publisher through Cross Focused Reviews.
Stevens does much well and very little for me to criticize. I am sure, if I were a more astute reader or if I just tried really, really hard, I could nitpick or even come up with some genuine concerns. But, be it the topic or how it is handled, this book ministered to me much too greatly for me to be able to see much wrong with it. Stevens begins by listing some examples of people, all different people at different stages of their journey of faith, to set the stage for a conversation on doubt.
Is doubt and unbelief the same thing? Maybe, but not always. Like a child asking “why”, sometimes our doubt is genuine desire to know God more and the struggle that inevitably ensues when a sinful person seeks to know a holy God in a broken world, but sometimes our doubt is simply rebellious unbelief. Stevens does a service to all doubters by differentiating clearly between the two.
“Doubt is good” is a mantra that is oft repeated in our pluralistic, relativistic age, but Stevens aids the reader in seeing that, while doubt is inevitable and the result of wrestling through doubt is good for the believer and to the glory of God, doubt is quite dangerous. One thing he highlights that we may often miss is the peripheral danger of doubt. It is somewhat obvious that doubt is dangerous for the one doubting because, when left unchecked and allowed to fester, it can grow into unbelief and apostasy. An all-too-often overlooked aspect of the danger of doubt is its effect on those around us. Stevens cautions the doubter to not be an island and to honestly express their doubts, but to do so to people who it will not hurt or cause to doubt. This is a weaker brother argument that is much closer to Paul’s meat and drink position than the typical “alcohol is the devil”, Momma Boucher response of so many.
Stevens deals with issues of assurance, not by looking back at an experience or an earnest prayer or a date the evangelist told you to write in the front of your bible but, by encouraging the reader to trust Jesus and believe the Gospel. His question is not so much “Have you believed the Gospel?” but “Do you believe the Gospel?” It is important to note that this “believe” does not preclude doubt, even a season of rather intense doubt, but it is contrary to unbelief and apostasy. Beyond just mental assent, “believing the Gospel” is inextricably linked, to some degree or another, to growth in Christlikeness. Though this looks quite different for all and the amount of growth and areas of growth might not be as distinguishable for some as for others, citing 1 John and other biblical texts, Stevens persuasively argues that there is necessarily growth in the life of the Christian.
I once had a friend ask me what I would tell someone who was struggling, desperately, with their assurance. My advice was to meditate on the Gospel and to avail himself of all the means of grace (corporate worship and prayer, private study and prayer, the mutual edification of Christian fellowship, the hearing of God’s Word read and preached, taking communion and witnessing baptism). Stevens hits on essentially these items as he guides the reader on, not just how to overcome doubt but, how to “develop a confident faith”. To flip the proverbial saying, sometimes a good defense is a good offense. Often, the best way to fight doubt is to cut it off before it appears. Growing in a confident faith is not a magical force field against the arrows of doubt, but it is the best way to be prepared when those shots begin to be fired.
This is a great book that I look forward to sharing with people. Get it, read it, enjoy it.
I received a review copy from the publisher through Cross Focused Reviews.
September 10, 2014
We all struggle with doubt. The struggle is not with doubt itself but how we let it affect our faith. Is our faith weakened or is strengthened by doubt? Can we develop a confident faith with doubt? Doubt can be dangerous to our faith if not dealt with. In this short read, we can recognize our doubt if it is rooted in unbelief or a question of faith.
Since Adam and Eve, as fallen human race, we are easily deceived. Our circumstances, experiences and challenges are different today, however, what is the same is the danger we put ourselves in our faith. We receive our salvation solely by faith in Lord Jesus and his work on the cross. If we are deceived by what we place our faith other than Jesus, we can have a faith that is on shifting sand. In the relationships Jesus had with others in the word, it is interesting how he brought the gospel front and center. In dealing with Peter, Thomas and even the rich young ruler, it is our understanding of what being a follow of Christ is and what Christ has done for us. Christ has won the final victory for us on the cross, however, we are fighting the daily battle of sin and as a Christian, we are aware of the sin in us and around us.
The study is encouraging in what causes doubt, lack of sleep, lack of knowledge, etc. and how we can be intentional to identify our doubt and cause of doubt. The opposite of doubt is a confident faith that we want to nurture and grow. Our doubt can lead us down a prideful road that can do damage to those we influence and are called to love.
The book ended with a great quote by OS Guinness…”Faith, like health is best maintained by growth, nourishment and exercise and not by fighting sickness. Sickness may be the absence of health, but health is more than the absence of sickness, so prevention is better than cure. Equally, faith grows and flourishes when it is well nourished and exercised, so the best way to resist doubt is build up faith rather than simply to fight against doubt.
As always it is what we pursue more than what we avoid. Pursue the holiness of God.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
Since Adam and Eve, as fallen human race, we are easily deceived. Our circumstances, experiences and challenges are different today, however, what is the same is the danger we put ourselves in our faith. We receive our salvation solely by faith in Lord Jesus and his work on the cross. If we are deceived by what we place our faith other than Jesus, we can have a faith that is on shifting sand. In the relationships Jesus had with others in the word, it is interesting how he brought the gospel front and center. In dealing with Peter, Thomas and even the rich young ruler, it is our understanding of what being a follow of Christ is and what Christ has done for us. Christ has won the final victory for us on the cross, however, we are fighting the daily battle of sin and as a Christian, we are aware of the sin in us and around us.
The study is encouraging in what causes doubt, lack of sleep, lack of knowledge, etc. and how we can be intentional to identify our doubt and cause of doubt. The opposite of doubt is a confident faith that we want to nurture and grow. Our doubt can lead us down a prideful road that can do damage to those we influence and are called to love.
The book ended with a great quote by OS Guinness…”Faith, like health is best maintained by growth, nourishment and exercise and not by fighting sickness. Sickness may be the absence of health, but health is more than the absence of sickness, so prevention is better than cure. Equally, faith grows and flourishes when it is well nourished and exercised, so the best way to resist doubt is build up faith rather than simply to fight against doubt.
As always it is what we pursue more than what we avoid. Pursue the holiness of God.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
September 6, 2014
Doubts — every christian faces them in their life. So what do we do with them? Are doubts bad? Often when youths come to me with doubts they’re almost too ashamed to talk about them. So how should a christian deal with the genuine doubts we have?
John Stevens has written a short and extremely helpful book on this important topic. Within the book, Stevens gives several examples of situations where christians faced with different kind of doubts, which is what he defines in the first chapter, and also highlights that not all doubts are wrong. Next, Stevens dwells on the topic of why some doubts are dangerous, essentially, some doubts do lead to disbelief, although that just means they were never really christians.
Following which, Stevens explores the benefits of doubts, how we can grow from it, and more importantly, how we can overcome our doubts in our christian lives. Here is where Stevens differ from the rest of the apologetics style books, Stevens helps the readers to see that our own spirituality, and also our community plays a vital role when we deal with doubts. Which is what he further elaborates on in the next chapter, how to develop our faith so we will not doubt. This I think make the book very comprehensive. It not only wants to help believers deal with any doubts they might have currently, more importantly, it encourages and persuades readers to grow spiritually once their doubts are resolved.
Lastly, Stevens provides a short appendix for christians who have various doubts to refer to. For a book of this length, one might not expect much from it, but do not be deceived by how thin it is, this book achieves what it sets out to do, and with much clarity and gentleness! I would recommend this book especially to new or old believers, who are dealing with doubts, and for pastors to learn how to deal with doubts pastorally. One can only wished this book had been published earlier!
Rating: 4.75 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
John Stevens has written a short and extremely helpful book on this important topic. Within the book, Stevens gives several examples of situations where christians faced with different kind of doubts, which is what he defines in the first chapter, and also highlights that not all doubts are wrong. Next, Stevens dwells on the topic of why some doubts are dangerous, essentially, some doubts do lead to disbelief, although that just means they were never really christians.
Following which, Stevens explores the benefits of doubts, how we can grow from it, and more importantly, how we can overcome our doubts in our christian lives. Here is where Stevens differ from the rest of the apologetics style books, Stevens helps the readers to see that our own spirituality, and also our community plays a vital role when we deal with doubts. Which is what he further elaborates on in the next chapter, how to develop our faith so we will not doubt. This I think make the book very comprehensive. It not only wants to help believers deal with any doubts they might have currently, more importantly, it encourages and persuades readers to grow spiritually once their doubts are resolved.
Lastly, Stevens provides a short appendix for christians who have various doubts to refer to. For a book of this length, one might not expect much from it, but do not be deceived by how thin it is, this book achieves what it sets out to do, and with much clarity and gentleness! I would recommend this book especially to new or old believers, who are dealing with doubts, and for pastors to learn how to deal with doubts pastorally. One can only wished this book had been published earlier!
Rating: 4.75 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2015
What a fantastic book to help those who are struggling with doubt in their relationship with God. A very short and to-the-point book that accurately explains the reasons Christians have for assurance in Christ.
There are case studies covering the following common reasons for Christians to doubt:
- doubts that he is really a believer because of his ongoing struggle with sexual temptation
- struggling in her faith because of her ongoing illness
- challenged in her faith by her attraction to her new colleague
- struggling with intellectual doubts that have been prompted by exposure to arguments which he had never had to consider before
- the teaching of the Bible that homosexual activity is sinful and wrong
- current experience of God is not as dramatic as it was at the time of his conversion
- struggling with the fact that he has never had to make a positive choice to believe and trust in Jesus
- has never had what she thinks is a valid “conversion experience
This book works through these (and other) reasons and gives sound Biblical reasons to rest assured in Christ.
A very easy to read book, written in simple language. The book not only focuses on people who have doubts about the genuineness of their faith, but it also helps us to understand what we need to do to help these people to overcome their doubts.
This is a book that should be read and reread by every Christian - not only to strengthen their own faith - but to equip them to strengthen others.
How can I be sure?: and other questions about doubt, assurance and the Bible (Questions Christians Ask) [Kindle Edition]
There are case studies covering the following common reasons for Christians to doubt:
- doubts that he is really a believer because of his ongoing struggle with sexual temptation
- struggling in her faith because of her ongoing illness
- challenged in her faith by her attraction to her new colleague
- struggling with intellectual doubts that have been prompted by exposure to arguments which he had never had to consider before
- the teaching of the Bible that homosexual activity is sinful and wrong
- current experience of God is not as dramatic as it was at the time of his conversion
- struggling with the fact that he has never had to make a positive choice to believe and trust in Jesus
- has never had what she thinks is a valid “conversion experience
This book works through these (and other) reasons and gives sound Biblical reasons to rest assured in Christ.
A very easy to read book, written in simple language. The book not only focuses on people who have doubts about the genuineness of their faith, but it also helps us to understand what we need to do to help these people to overcome their doubts.
This is a book that should be read and reread by every Christian - not only to strengthen their own faith - but to equip them to strengthen others.
How can I be sure?: and other questions about doubt, assurance and the Bible (Questions Christians Ask) [Kindle Edition]
September 2, 2014
How Can I Be Sure? And Other Questions about Doubt, Assurance and the Bible
By John Stevens
The Good Book Company 2014
96 pages
This is the second book I have read in the Questions Christians Ask series. I am also reading one more but can't comment on that one because I am not done yet. But for this series of short introductions to difficult topics that Christians have questions about I have nothing but the highest praise for. These short little introductions have worked their way into my classroom rotation of books I loan out. With I am sure many more titles to make their way into that rotation as soon as I can find the time and money to read them. These books are ridiculously cheap and nearly as ridiculously easy to access. With questions and topics broken down into easily digestible chunks even hyperactive high school students can handle.
This particular book "How Can I be Sure?" is broken down into five main questions; what is doubt?; Why is doubt dangerous?; How can I be sure I am really a Christian?; How can I overcome doubt as a Christian; and How can I develop a confident faith? Each of these chapters includes practical answers to the question in the title. Along the way other topics are explored like how to deal with friends who have fallen away and how can I be sure God loves me. I see this book as being a perfect book for a new believer who may have all sorts of questions about what happens after they believe. Now I do not think it is only for the new believer, but also for those who have been believers for a long time. This book is chock full of information and creative examples that will inspire and motivate a believer in their walk with the Lord.
Highly Recommended. 5 stars
By John Stevens
The Good Book Company 2014
96 pages
This is the second book I have read in the Questions Christians Ask series. I am also reading one more but can't comment on that one because I am not done yet. But for this series of short introductions to difficult topics that Christians have questions about I have nothing but the highest praise for. These short little introductions have worked their way into my classroom rotation of books I loan out. With I am sure many more titles to make their way into that rotation as soon as I can find the time and money to read them. These books are ridiculously cheap and nearly as ridiculously easy to access. With questions and topics broken down into easily digestible chunks even hyperactive high school students can handle.
This particular book "How Can I be Sure?" is broken down into five main questions; what is doubt?; Why is doubt dangerous?; How can I be sure I am really a Christian?; How can I overcome doubt as a Christian; and How can I develop a confident faith? Each of these chapters includes practical answers to the question in the title. Along the way other topics are explored like how to deal with friends who have fallen away and how can I be sure God loves me. I see this book as being a perfect book for a new believer who may have all sorts of questions about what happens after they believe. Now I do not think it is only for the new believer, but also for those who have been believers for a long time. This book is chock full of information and creative examples that will inspire and motivate a believer in their walk with the Lord.
Highly Recommended. 5 stars
September 9, 2014
Since becoming a Christian at the age of eight, I have experienced doubt about my salvation at different points in my life. I always try to read any book about doubting your salvation that I can get my hands on since I can easily fall back into this wrong pattern of thinking.
This short but truth-packed book really hit home for me with some of the doubts I have had in the past. There were so many sentences and passages that I highlighted -- it is an immensely quotable little book!
Overall, this little book feels kind of more like an essay or a pamphlet rather than an in-depth book, but, as I said earlier, it is packed with truth. I would have liked a few more Bible verses and passages to go into more depth about doubt and faith. Even so, this book is a great place to get started when wrestling with your own doubt about God and salvation or if you are working with someone else who is having a difficult time with these issues.
See my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
This short but truth-packed book really hit home for me with some of the doubts I have had in the past. There were so many sentences and passages that I highlighted -- it is an immensely quotable little book!
Overall, this little book feels kind of more like an essay or a pamphlet rather than an in-depth book, but, as I said earlier, it is packed with truth. I would have liked a few more Bible verses and passages to go into more depth about doubt and faith. Even so, this book is a great place to get started when wrestling with your own doubt about God and salvation or if you are working with someone else who is having a difficult time with these issues.
See my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
November 24, 2014
Among Christians, doubt is rarely discussed openly, much to the detriment of both those who suffer from it and those who can strengthen others. Stevens points out that doubt is a good thing that makes us grow however, if unchecked, it can have heart-hardening and dangerous effects. Though his pacing and flow become muddled at times, Stevens writes with a genuine desire to encourage those who have occasion to doubt the beliefs of their Christian faith.
January 15, 2015
Good book with much Scriptural backing. Hard to cover the amount of territory he tries to, but does an admirable job.
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