Sin displeases God, and as mere sinful creatures, humans naturally experience a continuous reality of their condition and of how far they are removed from righteousness. If allowed and viewed appropriately, a doubt of assurance can lead to an admiration of the Lord, humbleness, and surrendering to the Lord and His will. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.Ephesians 2:8-9
The Reformation’s predominant principle was grace. Paul’s emphasis on the importance of grace in salvation influenced Luther’s and Calvin’s views on the role of sola gratia.
Adhering to the teachings of “by grace alone” lifts a burden on mankind, realizing they can never earn salvation. The customary teaching of the Reformation underscored faith and not works. Grace relates to assurance, a tenet many struggle with. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) argued, “All God’s children have faith: not all have assurance. I think this ought never to be forgotten.”[1]
Naturally, this discussion becomes complicated as sin enters the conversation. To be saved solely by grace does not imply consent to openly live in sin. Paul addresses this in Romans 6:
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2
Further studies in James, 1 John, and 2 John solidify the fact that repentance is necessary for a believer’s life, bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Walking daily with the Lord plays a role in sanctification, trusting in Him, and denying the ways of the flesh.
Genuine faith in Jesus Christ not only changes the mind of a Christian but also adjusts the priorities of their lives. Many people doubt their salvation, which alone proves the stain of sin in humanity; this is the devil’s work and validation that believers must grab onto the idea of assurance. J.C. Ryle wrote:
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The logic is simple: if a Christian sought to reform or purify the church to the standards found only in the Scriptures, a sense of tranquility often accompanied the movement, knowing the Lord would protect His church and ensure such purification prevailed. Yet, using the same understanding, if their movement faced opposition or failure, this was the will of God, regardless of the outcome. Certainly, all faith groups have their own martyrs and brave leaders, but once any student of history delves into the teachings of the Reformed faith and past and current adherents, a common occurrence is profound, and it typically focuses on a tenacity, peacefulness, and valor strictly correlated to their faith in God.

The early Reformers, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox, faced persecution. Luther went into hiding, Calvin fled France, and Knox’s opposition imprisoned him. Hundreds of other Protestants and church leaders also faced the same fate as English Reformer Thomas Cranmer, being burned at the stake.
Within the English Reformation, a commonality appeared; even when facing death, the martyrs (several priests and bishops) exhibited bravery until their last moments.
This courageous approach resembled the moment of the death of Stephen (Acts 7:59-60) and the peacefulness of Paul.
R.C. Reed argued,
But certainly one of the most direct effects of Calvinistic belief is to free the soul in which it finds lodgment from the fear of man and to brace it for rendering unswerving allegiance to God. The Calvinist believes that God is in every incident that touches life; that every pain and every peril are of his appointment, and must, therefore, be encountered in the spirit of worship.[1]
Calvinists, cleaving to the sovereignty and providence of God, maintain every event is determined by the Almighty, and regardless of the outcome, one must face such uncertainty with the assurance that God’s purpose and approval are at the core of every occasion.
Of course, expressing such views is much easier to say than to carry out. Nevertheless, when studying history, we learn some of the most courageous warriors and reformers were Calvinists. Stonewall Jackson once said, “My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me.”[2]
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