I think that while all that is true, one can also be a deceived tare, imagining that the "faith" he has is the same as the faith of a genuine believer, since both are equally sincere in their convictions - it isn't as though the tare was only pretending to be genuine - tares are (for the most part) genuinely deceived.

So the follow-up question is, how can I be sure that I am not a deceived tare and that my assurance is not a false one?

At the close of His sermon on the mount, Christ identifies two house builders. The imagery is similar to the tare and the wheat, as we see the same categories : one legitimate, the other counterfeit; and both looking the same. Here the wise builder is likened to the man who hears "these" words and acts on them. What words is Christ referring to? The whole sermon on the mount? Perhaps, but it seems more likely that he is referring back to the immediate context where he says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter."

If a person wants to know that they are deceived or not, they just need to ask themselves whose will is being done in their lives - God's or their own? A tare will look the part, but he isn't living for God's will - he is living for himself, and trying to do things to pacify God. A wheat is living for God's will - when he prays "Thy will be done" it isn't lip-service - it is a resolve. There is room for spiritual infancy and immaturity, but a "wheat" should always be growing in this resolve...

You are correct, sir. Sproul’s statement focuses on belief as proof, which it is, but not by itself. It would have been good to say something about the affections, as well.

Belief in the Biblical gospel is only the beginning. Tares, as you say, can manage that. Unless that belief causes me to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind, it’s dead.

I really do think though, that too much analysis of our own heart can lead to a paralyzing fear.

In my heart of hearts I can only depend on the Christ who died for me to give me assurance of my salvation--and I do believe that He wants us to have assurance(the whole book of 1st John, and specifically 3:19 & 4:13-5:1). The Apostle John talks of what the believer can know(5:13).

I understand that 1st John is full of proofs as to our personal salvation, and I must say that I do not always love as that epistle teaches that I should--but I think our very concern for our failures can be cause for joy.

I guess what I am saying is that one who is a tare may not know it--but one who genuinely belongs to Christ can know-unless that one has unforsaken and unconfessed sin in their life(hence no assurance).

It is very important to keep a balance between self examination as to whether we are in the Faith--and the full assurance that we ARE in the Faith.

I guess in the end it will only be our perseverance in the Faith that could prove to anyone that we are wheat.

Nice post, and comments. I'm encouraged.

The greatest encouragement is that Christ came TO save, and not just make saving a possibility. It's humbling to think God saved me, and He had this in His heart even before Adam sinned. he saw how wretched i would be, and yet He chose to make a rebel His own son, and love me, and loved me, as he did his own Son.
This truth is beyond belief, and yet it is God's truth.

The immature believers, and those who think the "L" of the tulip is a false teaching, see god as loving everyone the same, and he died for everyone, and it's up to us to accept God's gift.
To me that's not love, and it's not personal love, which is what the Lord has for each and every one of his elect.

The Lord loved Daniel, and David, and Victoria, and me, and all His chosen children, before he created us, and even before He made the universe.
Amazing love!