How does the world view the assurance of redemption?
The world regards the assurance of redemption as foolishness, dismissing it entirely and refusing any part of sanctification and holiness. It considers such things irrelevant, and unbelievers typically respond to invitations to Bible study with rejection, saying they are not into that stuff.
Les explains that Paul’s thorn in the flesh was a messenger of Satan, permitted by God to keep Paul from being exalted above measure. Paul then writes that in Christ Jesus we have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Les points out that the world thinks this is foolishness; the world thinks to have the assurance of redemption is just so much foolishness. The world certainly does not want any part of sanctification and holiness—it’s just not their bag. He recalls a dear lady who invited her neighbors to a Bible study, and they replied, 'Hey, now wait a minute, we’re not into that stuff.' Les told her not to be shocked, because that is the typical response.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: