Daniel T. Bourdeau - The Eternal Gospel Church

"There are some who place great dependence upon the
pungency of their convictions, the ecstasy of their joys,
remarkable dreams, sudden impulses, the unexpected
application of some Scripture promise, or the fact that
they can refer to the particular moment and place of their
supposed conversion. None of these things, however,
constitute the distinguishing marks of grace. Instead,
therefore, of directing our minds to those circumstances
which may be as marked in the cases of the self-deceived as
in the cases of true believers, our inquiries should relate
to those traits of character which are the invariable
fruits of the Spirit, and which are common to all the
subjects of its saving influence." p. 94, Para. 1,
[HOLINESS].
There may be a tendency in us to take remorse, or a sense
of guilt, as evidence of true repentance. But thousands
have been deeply convicted of their sins who have never
truly repented, and brought forth fruits meet for
repentance. The wicked in the last day will have an
overwhelming sense of guilt when it will be too late to
repent. True repentance is invariably connected with
remorse; but remorse may be realized where there is no
genuine repentance. p. 94, Para. 2, [HOLINESS].
As for dreams, they may come from various sources, and God
has even given genuine dreams to those who were not in a
state of grace. There are false joys and rejoicings, as
well as true ones, and those who have them may seem happy
while experiencing them. And the fact that we were once
genuinely converted does not prove that we are now in a
good condition. We may have failed to walk in the light, to
grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, since our
conversion, and as a consequence be in a backslidden state.
p. 94, Para. 3, [HOLINESS].
We can also attach too much importance to the idea that we
have a form of godliness, and to the simple fact that we
have formally connected ourselves with the people of God.
We would not intimate that it is wrong to have a form of
godliness, or to formally unite with God's people. There is
a form of godliness, as well as a form of the truth and a
form of doctrine, Rom. iii, 20; vi, 17 ; 2 Tim. i, 13, to
which we should hold fast. The power of godliness does not
exist without a certain form ; but a form of godliness may,
and does exist without the power. Hence Paul in enumerating
the leading sins which were to make the last days perilous,