The worry I have with Westminster are XVIII.2-3. Notice the grounds of assurance given—not baptism or Word or the Table (unless one takes those to be implicit in “promises”), but “inward evidence of those graces” and “testimony of Spirit.” And even though 3 rightly says we may
attain assurance by the ordinary means, the definition of assurance that we attain by ordinary means is still, per 2, fundamentally a result of introspection. Furthermore, owing to Westminster’s view of baptism—that baptismal grace depends upon election and not the other way—
One can never actually fully rely on the ordinary means for assurance. God has spoken—but to me? How to tell? I’ve been baptized. But only the elect receive baptismal grace. So am I elect? How to tell? “Look at the grace of Regeneration given me!” But I’m a wretched sinner, etc.
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