Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 31:61 (Autumn 2018)
Article: The Practical Syllogism And Assurance
Author: Robert N. Wilkin

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The Practical Syllogism And Assurance

Robert N. Wilkin

Associate Editor

I. Introduction

The English branch of the Reformation developed a view of assurance that relied significantly on what became known as the practical syllogism. Since the Puritans considered regeneration to be unknowable by purely objective means, they sought for indirect ways to determine whether one was regenerate.1 Most Puritans believed that there were two indirect (i.e., subjective) means: the practical syllogism (focus on external actions) and the mystical syllogism (focus on the inner person, especially godly inclinations).2 This paper will consider only the practical syllogism.

It is the thesis of this paper that the works-based practical syllogism produces doubt, not assurance.

II. The Puritan Use Of The Practical Syllogism

Puritan theologians use the practical syllogism in order to provide Calvinists with knowledge of their regenerate status, as well as motivation for wholehearted service for God.

Joel Beeke wrote his dissertation at Westminster Theological Seminary on “Personal Assurance of Faith: English Puritanism and the Dutch Nadere Reformatie from Westminster to Alexander Comrie (1640–1760).” His book The Quest for Full Assurance is a

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revision of his dissertation.3 Beeke explains the practical syllogism in this way:

The practical syllogism was based on the believer’s sanctification and good works in daily life. It emphasized the believer’s life of obedience that confirmed his experience of grace. It went something like this: Major premise: According to Scripture, only those who possess saving faith will receive the Spirit’s testimony that their lives manifest fruits of sanctification and good works. Minor premise: I cannot deny that by the grace of God I have received the Spirit’s testimony that I manifest fruits of sanctification and good works. Conclusion: I am a partaker of saving faith.4

The major premise concerns something which is true of believers. The minor premise is what is true of me as an individual. The conclusion is that I am a believer. Here is a simplified version of the assurance syllogism: