Introduction
Discussed when Luther walked the stairs and got to the top and had no comfort and doubt. Men seek comfort by human means, and religious works. There is an illusion of comfort. It does not bring peace. Temporary relief, distractions. What we really want is lasting comfort in this life and the next.
2nd question answers how we can be certain of this comfort. Guilt, grace & gratitude.
We must know the problem if we are going to have comfort. Our guilt before God.
Colossians 2:8 (NKJV) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:9-10 (NKJV) 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Romans 8:35-39 (NKJV) 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [Shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.