Do you have assurance of Salvation?
In other words, how to you know you are saved? Much confusion surrounds this issue, but you need to understand salvation and how to have assurance and peace in your heart.
Many who think they are saved, are not!
Many times, in my journey as a Bible teacher I’ve heard the question, “How can I tell if I am truly saved?” That is a great question deserving a thorough answer. We know from Scripture that everyone who thinks they are saved is not. Let’s read what Jesus said.
“Not everyone 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.” – Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
This judgment scene is mind boggling. Imagine millions of people standing before the Lord Jesus believing they are saved, proclaiming to the Lord all the wonderful things they did in his name. I believe that has some universal application to the church age. There are many today warming church pews, especially in America, who are playing church but who are not saved.
In the above verse, the Lord Jesus is not interested in all the good works the people did in His name. He speaks to them, not about works, but about having a personal relationship with Him. Jesus commands them to “depart from me” because He never knew them. Does Jesus know you? Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Don’t make the same mistake as that crowd thinking your good works will save you. They will not!
Likewise, a simple acknowledgment of the historical facts about Jesus is not enough to save your soul. The crucial factor here is not how much you know “about” Jesus but do you “know” Jesus. An example might be that I know a lot of facts about the president, but I do not know him personally and he does not know me. Just knowing the facts is not enough.
You must believe and trust.
To be saved you must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, or as the King James Bible states, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” – John 20:31 KJV
“And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” – Act 16:31 KJV
These are just two of the many verses that tell us salvation comes through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. But what does it mean to “believe” in Jesus?
Good question because the Bible states that even the devils believe.
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” – Jas 2:19 KJV
So simple belief is not enough, although that is where we all must start. To believe in Jesus means to be fully persuaded that He is the truth, the sole source of redemption for your soul.
Then you must trust Him. What does it mean to trust someone? If I were to say that I trust you with my wallet, how would I prove that statement? I would need to give you my wallet for a period of time trusting that you would take care of it and not take my money or use my credit cards for your own pleasure. To trust without the subsequent action is empty and meaningless.
How to we prove our belief and trust in Jesus?
When Jesus came the first time, He gave His life for us.
“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Mat 20:28 KJV
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” – John 10:11 KJV
Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus gave His life for us. He died on the cross for our sins so through Him we can be saved and restored to fellowship with God the Father. If our salvation cost Jesus His life, then we show our trust in Him by giving our life to Him. Have you given your life to Jesus? That is how you begin to know Him and He you.
The Church Age
What must we believe and trust today during this present dispensation of grace? Jesus died on the cross for our sin, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. That is what you must believe and trust in for salvation.
You must entrust your life to Jesus in that His payment for sin on the cross was totally sufficient to cleanse you and restore you to fellowship with the Father.
It is not how much you know about Jesus, but how much you trust Him to save you.
Can you have assurance of your salvation? The indwelling Holy Spirit provides such assurance. He testifies with our spirit that we are saved and now children of God.
“The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” – Rom 8:16 KJV
You can have the assurance of your salvation via the indwelling Holy Spirit.
To read more on this fundamental topic, click here. It covers the gospel for today, salvation, being “in Christ,” and being sealed by the Holy Spirit.
