How Can I Be Sure

In a fallen world under God's curse and judgment and subject to Satan, doubt is to be expected, even and perhaps especially after one becomes a Christian. Former University of Birmingham Professor, John Stevens, assure us that doubts and questions about faith are not necessarily bad. Drawing from his personal encounters with various believers, he looks at such questions as:

1. What is doubt?
2. Why is doubt dangerous?
3. What do I have to believe to be a Christian?
4. How can I overcome doubt as a Christian?
5. How can I develop a confident faith?

• Conclusion: From doubt to faith.

I love the quotes in this book:

• "The art of doubting is easy, for it is an ability that is born with us." Martin Luther.
• "None has assurance at all times. As in a walk that is shaded by trees and chequered with light and shadow, some tracks and paths are dark and others are sunshine. Such is usually the life of the most assured Christian."
• "Feelings of confidence about our salvation need to be tested before they are trusted." J I Packer.
• "Doubt indulged soon becomes doubt realised." Frances Ridley Havergal.
• "Faith, like health, is best maintained by growth, nourishment and exercise and not by fighting sickness. Sickness may be the absence of health, 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 to build up faith rather than simply to fight against doubt." Os Guinness.

Stevens shows through Scripture and stories he shares of people with doubts that God allows doubts to strengthen and refine our faith, to humble us, to equip us to understand others who doubt, and to fulfill his good purpose in our lives. This is a short and easily readable book that will encourage anyone who struggles with doubt.

I received this book from The Good Book Company via Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for a review.