Do you ever doubt your salvation?
If so, it's imperative to come to peace once and for all because God has appointed a day in the which He will judge the world. Based on Scripture, it is clear that this day is rapidly approaching. Besides, we never know when our own time will come to an end. Through God's grace, let's settle this once and for all!
Many folks will say you can know you are saved based on the evidence of a changed life. They call this your "fruit." But this is dangerous. A saved person who is actually growing in the faith will hopefully have a life marked by godliness, the fruit of the Spirit and an increasing hatred and grief for sin, but this is evidence of spiritual maturity—signs of the unquenched Spirit working within them over time which may or may not always be evident to others. But remember that the ministers of Satan can appear as workers of righteousness. Visible "evidence" is not how to know if you are saved.
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." 2 Cor. 11:14-15
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt. 7:21-23
On the authority of Scripture, you can know you are truly saved—not by looking to yourself, or your life, or what you do, but by trusting what the word of God says. If you believe the simple truth of the gospel, Scripture assures your salvation.
First, you be sure you believe the gospel:
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 6:23)
"...How that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures." (1 Cor. 15:3-4)
"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." (Eph. 1:13)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Eph. 2:8-9; see also Titus 3:3-7)
"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight." (Col. 1:19-22)
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," (Rom. 5:1)
Christ's death for your sin is the payment for your sin. Put your faith in Him alone. He died for you and rose from the dead. He is risen! And now, if you have trusted in Christ alone for salvation, you can rest in the authority of God's word because God cannot lie.
"In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began," (Titus 1:2)
Let's review:
What kind of life did God promise? (John 3:16, 1 John 5:11)
When God said that if you believe on His Son Jesus Christ you would have everlasting life, do you believe Him? (John 6:39-40, Acts 10:38-43)
When God said that this life is eternal and no one can snatch you out of His hand, do you believe Him? (John 10:28-30)
Read John 11:14-27. When God said that He who believes on Him shall never die, do you believe this?
Read 1 John 5 carefully. Do you believe the record God gave of His Son?
Do you think God's faithfulness is dependent upon your faithfulness? (Spoiler alert: it isn't. 2 Tim. 2:13)
For additional study:
Pastor Jesse Martinez from Calvary Community Church in Tampa, Florida recently responded to well-known Bible teacher who unfortunately promotes doctrinal error. This message provides sound doctrine and could help bring clarity to doubts about your salvation.
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