I agree. The verse, as it applies to you, is entirely subjective. The verse quoted has nothing to do with "feeling" saved. The poster took the verse entirely out of context, probably because he does not understand what the verse is saying.
The verse is saying that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Adoption referenced in the preceding context, can give witness, or testify to the fact, that we are saved. The knowledge of this adoption cannot be given by any human or earthly means; it must come from God himself: therefore the αυτο το πνευμα must have reference to the Holy Spirit, by whom alone the knowledge of the adoption is witnessed to the soul of the believer.
God, and God alone, can give testimony of our salvation for He, and He alone, was there to witness our regeneration, He accomplished our regeneration, and only He can know our hearts.
The Holy Spirit bearing witness with our spirit has nothing to do with "feeling" saved. It is the Scriptures, inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, that informs us (His Spirit bears witness with our spirit) that we are His children. And that witness is born in the pages of the Scriptures, and the promise of God, Who cannot lie, informs us (bears witness with our spirit - the spirit of understanding given to every new creature in Christ) that we are His children, regardless of how we feel, or even how we act.
God is telling us to "trust Him" and to trust His message to us found in the bible. If you believe Christ died for your sins, according to the scriptures, was buried, and rose again from the dead, according to the scriptures, you are saved, regardless of how you feel.
When we are down physically, or emotionally, we are often also down spiritually. But we have the infallible, unfailing word of God to inform us (bear witness with our spirit) that we are, in fact, His much beloved children.
The assurance of our salvation is not found in our feelings. It is found in His Inspired word. His Majestic Promise to us.
Hang in there. This too shall pass. You have a lot of cyber friends here on the Baptist Board who are on your side, and are lifting you up before the Throne of Grace in fervent prayer.
Well, I am the poster and I wish to correct you Dr Tom with the view of my own "experience" of doubt and fear.
The witness of the Spirit indicated in the Romans passage replaced the "feeling" that I was saved before my anguish of doubt with something better.
I now have not a shadow of doubt whatsoever because of the scriptural experiences of faith, fellowship, etc which were comparatively weak before my walk in the dry and water less places.
I disagree that "feelings" are not involved, they most certainly are (in my case anyway).
I do agree that these feelings, as strong as they are, take second place to the scripture which in and of itself is a witness to me personally of the Spirit of Christ (hidden from me for a season) speaking to me wordlessly of my sonship.
If joy is a feeling then I have an abundance of "feelings" over and above what I had before my experience in the wilderness and I certainly attribute that to Romans 8:16 as well as John 15:8.
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
I don't know why all His children are not led through these dry and waterless places, neither does it make us or them any better than anyone else except perhaps in appreciation of having that blessed assurance and the joy of one's salvation restored/renewed in our spirits.
In fact, I believe (in my case) He saw a flaw in my sanctification and had to discipline me to get me to the proper place.
So any who have not had this horrible experience - thank Him for that blessing , stay close, don't wander.
Psalm 88 was my song for a year or so.
HankD
