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John Wesley says: "By the testimony of the Spirit, I mean an
inward impression of the soul, whereby the Spirit of God
immediately and directly witnesses to my spirit that I am a child
of God; that 'Jesus hath loved me, and given Himself for me';
that all my sins are blotted out, and I, even I, am reconciled to
God."
This witness of the Spirit addressed to my consciousness enables
me to sing with joyful assurance:--
"My God is reconciled;
His pardoning voice I hear:
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And, 'Father, Abba, Father,' cry."
When the Holy Spirit witnesses to me that I am saved and adopted
into God's family as His child, then other evidences begin to
abound also. For instance:--
1. My own spirit witnesses that I am a new creature. I know that
old things have passed away, and all things have become new. My
very thoughts and desires have been changed. Love and joy and
peace reign within me. My heart no longer condemns me. Pride and
selfishness, and lust and temper, no longer control my thoughts
nor lead captive my will. I am a new creature, and I know it, and
I infer without doubt that this is the work of God in me.
2. My conscience bears witness that I am honest and true in all
my purposes and intentions; that I am without guile; that my eye
is single to the glory of God, and that with all simplicity and
sincerity of heart I serve Him; and, since by nature I am only
sinful, I again infer that this sincerity of heart is His blessed
work in my soul, and is a fruit of salvation.
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