Practical interpretation supporting an absolute assurance of salvation thumb|Anonymous (17th century) Portrait of John Calvin|327x327px Calvin heavily drew upon Augustinian soteriology. However, both Augustine and Luther, an Augustinian friar, held that believers, based on their own understanding, cannot definitively know if they are among the "elect to perseverance." Despite Calvin's inability to offer a clear rationale, he was more optimistic than Luther regarding this possibility. Calvin suggested that some assurance of being an elect might be possible. This possibility of assurance, based on personal introspection, was also expressed by later Calvinist theologians. It was mentioned in the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) and the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). In the 18th century, Hyper-Calvinism encouraged introspection as a means for adherents to determine their election. The concept persisted into the 19th century. This assurance forms the foundation of unconditional eternal security within Calvinist circles.
Practical interpretation supporting an absolute assurance of salvation thumb|Anonymous (17th century) Portrait of John Calvin|327x327px Calvin heavily drew upon Augustinian soteriology. However, both Augustine and Luther, an Augustinian friar, held that beli:evers, based on their own understanding, cannot definitively know if they are among the "elect to perseverance." Despite Calvin's inability to offer a clear rationale, he was more optimistic than Luther regarding this possibility. Calvin suggested that s?ome assura,nce of being an elect might be possible. This possibility of assurance, based on personal introspection, was also expressed by later Calvinist theologians. It was mentioned in the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) and the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). In the 18th century, Hyper-Calvinism encouraged introspection as a means for adherents to determine their election. The concept persisted into the 19th century. This assurance forms the foundation of unconditional eternal security within Calvinist circles.