If we can resolve two queries:
(1:) Have we high appreciations of Jesus Christ? “To you who believe—he is precious.” Christ is all made up of beauties and delights; our praises fall short of his worth, and is like spreading canvas upon a cloth of gold. How precious is his blood and incense! The one pacifies our conscience, the other perfumes our prayers. Can we say we have endearing thoughts of Christ? Do we esteem him our pearl of great price, our bright morning-star? Do we count all our earthly enjoyments but as rubbish—in comparison of Christ? Do we prefer the worst things of Christ—before the best things of the world? Do we prefer the reproaches of Christ—before the world’s embraces? Heb 11:26.
(2:) Have we the indwelling of the Spirit? “The Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Tim 1:14. How may we know that we have the indwelling presence of the Spirit?
Not by having sometimes good motions stirred up in us by the Spirit; for he may work in us—but not dwell in us. But by the sanctifying power of the Spirit in our heart, the Spirit infuses a divine nature! He stamps his own impress and image on the soul—making the constitution of it holy. The Spirit ennobles and raises the heart above the world. When Nebuchadnezzar had his understanding given him, he grazed no longer among the beasts—but returned to his throne, and minded the affairs of his kingdom. Just so, when the Spirit of God dwells in a man, it carries his heart above the visible orbs; it makes him pant after heavenly things, and thirst after Christ and glory. If we can find this, then we have grace, and so have a right to assurance.
If you lack assurance, wait for it. If the figures are engraved on the dial, it is but waiting a while, and the sun will shine on it. Just so, when grace is engraved in the heart, it is but waiting a while, and we shall have the sunshine of assurance. “The one who believes will not make haste.” Isa 28:16. He will wait upon God’s leisure. Say not, God has forsaken you, he will never lift up the light of his countenance; but rather say, as the church, “I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face. I will put my trust in him.” Isa 8:17.
Has God waited for your conversion—and will you not wait for his consolation? How long did he come wooing you by his Spirit? He waited until his head was filled with dew; he cried, “How long will you be unclean?” Jer 13:27. Christian, did God wait for your love—and can you not wait for his?
Assurance is so sweet and precious, that it is worth waiting for; the price of it is above rubies, it cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir. Assurance of God’s love is a pledge of election, it is the angels’ banquet: what other joy have they? When God assures the soul of his eternal purposes of love, what has he more to give? Whom God kisses—he crowns! Assurance is the first fruits of paradise. One smile of God’s face, one glance of his eye, one crumb of the hidden manna is so sweet and delicious—that it deserves our waiting.
God has given a promise that we shall not wait in vain. “They shall not be ashamed, that wait for me.” Perhaps God reserves this cordial of assurance for a fainting time. He sometimes keeps his best wine, until last. Assurance shall be reserved as a honeyed ingredient, to sweeten the bitter cup of death.
Thomas Watson. A Body of Divinity.
