Peter
Problems with assurance can take several forms. There is intellectual doubt; is God for real, and is Jesus His Risen Son? That kind of issue hasn’t been directly in view in the FV debate.
There is also doubt about whether God intends to save me in particular. This doubter – let’s call him Doubter 2 – believes that God is, and is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Doubter 2 believes the creed, and believes that God saves His elect. His doubt is whether God had him, Doubter 2 himself, in mind when He sent Jesus to save His people. Does God really offer to forgive his, Doubter 2′s, sins and accept Him into fellowship?
Here the FV has some things to say. For us, the question, Does God offer Doubter 2 forgiveness and new life? has an empirical answer. Has God given promises to Doubter 2, with Doubter 2′s name on them? is the same as Has Doubter 2 been baptized? If he has, then God has addressed Him personally, directly, publicly with the promise of forgiveness and new life in His Son through the Spirit. God addressed him personally, directly, when the minister performing the baptism said, “Doubter 2, I baptize YOU in the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit.”
The question, Has God promised cleansing to Doubter 2? is also the same as, Has Doubter 2 heard the declaration of forgiveness? If he heard it, God was addressing Him.
The question, Has God promised to have fellowship with Doubter 2? is also the same as, Has Doubter 2 been at the Lord’s table? If he has, then God has extended an invitation to fellowship to Him.
So, there oughtn’t be any doubt whether God has addressed someone graciously. It’s as simple as asking whether God has let you in the front door, whether He has spoken to you in His Word and Sacrament.
Too long again; requires a third.
