Based on the sources, the rules given for distinguishing true religious affections are described as certain and infallible in themselves. However, there are significant limits to their practical application.

Crucially, these signs are not intended for judging others. It was never God's design for humans to know with certainty who are His true followers and who are hypocrites; this discernment is reserved as God's prerogative, and no signs are expected to enable this in this life.

Furthermore, the signs are not sufficient to give certain assurance to true saints who are very low in grace or in a dead, carnal frame. This is not a flaw in the signs but in the saint. There is a defect in the object (grace is small and obscured by corruption) and a defect in the eye (spiritual discernment is enfeebled and darkened by sin). Trying to use signs in this state is like trying to distinguish objects in the dark.

For such saints, assurance is primarily obtained through action, specifically by mortifying corruption, increasing in grace, and obtaining the lively exercises of it. Assurance comes more by running than by considering or self-examination. While self-examination is a duty, it is not the principal means of gaining assurance.

Despite these limitations, the rules can be useful. They can help true saints detect false affections mingled with true, purifying their faith. They may also convince other types of hypocrites and help prevent hypocrisy. However, deeply entrenched hypocrites are noted as being particularly hard to reach.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

Patreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed