According to Reformed Theology, What is the greatest assurance of Salvation?
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This response is inspired by: http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-446/a-tale-of-two-sorrows
Let us compare the cases of Judas and Peter.
What can we learn?
Spiritual knowledge is not assurance of salvation. Judas likely knew more about Christ than many of the future great theologians, yet Judas fell away.
Signs is not assurance of salvation. Judas witnessed some of the greatest signs of all time, yet Judas fell away.
Discipleship + being in the right church is not assurance of salvation. Judas hung out with Christ and the 11 true disciples.
So then, what is the assurance of salvation? It's likely the love of Christ vs the love of the things that Christ can provide in this world. Peter loved Christ: John 21:15-17. Judas appeared to love what Christ could provide in this world (and thus betrayed him upon realization that the earthly kingdom would not be immediately established.)
Then, this love is manifested as in John 14:15.
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In Ephesians 1, Paul says that in Christ, we have obtained an inheritance. He also says that the Holy Spirit has been deposited into those predestined according to God's will to honor Him in this manner.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV)
How do you know that the Holy Spirit has been deposited in you, thus guaranteeing your inheritance? Paul tells us in Galatians that the Spirit bears fruit (and this same teaching is repeated all over the New Testament).
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24 ESV)
If you see this fruit in your life, that is your assurance. If you do not see this fruit in your life and you beg God for it daily so that He would be glorified (knowing that all asked according to His will and in Faith will be granted), this is your assurance (you are to take up your cross daily).
If you have convinced yourself that you meet each of those fruits to such a degree that it would be unjust for God to punish you, then you have no assurance (Rich Young Ruler) other than what your mind as conjured up.
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