Without a Doubt
How can I be sure I am saved? The apostle John addressed this in 1 John 3:19 when he wrote, “And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” He wanted us to know that we belong to God.
You are saved by grace, not by works. God does all the saving and keeping, not you—“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) And it is important to understand that salvation is not based on how you feel, but on what God has done. We cannot completely grasp salvation with our human mind, but we can experience it—“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8) If you have doubts about your salvation, there is a reason: (a) maybe you are not saved; (b) maybe you are living a life that does not reflect a commitment to Jesus Christ; (c) maybe you expected an experience or a feeling at salvation; or (d) maybe you still feel guilty for sin already forgiven … i.e. “He hasn’t forgiven himself yet.” What are the marks of a genuine Christian? #1 A genuine Christian has repented of his sins. #2 A genuine Christian tries to obey God—“We know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3) #3 A genuine Christian bears fruit in service to God. #4 A genuine Christian seeks fellowship with believers—“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) #5 A genuine Christian seeks to win others to Christ—“And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47b) #6 A genuine Christian knows the joy of being in Christ … and it can’t be taken away! That reality is known as eternal security. No need to doubt.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
