Assurance of Salvation: How to Know You’re Really Saved

Assurance of Salvation: How to Know You’re Really Saved

Hey friends, Let’s talk about something that’s incredibly important but often misunderstood: the assurance of salvation. If you’ve ever wondered, Am I really saved? or How can I know for sure? you’re not alone. Many Christians struggle with doubts about their salvation, and it’s a topic that deserves some thoughtful attention.

The good news is that the Bible doesn’t leave us guessing. It gives us clear reasons to have confidence in our salvation. So, let’s dive in and explore what Scripture says about assurance, why it matters, and how you can experience the peace that comes from knowing you’re truly saved.

What Is Assurance of Salvation?

Assurance of salvation is the confidence that you are truly saved, forgiven, and eternally secure in Christ. It’s not based on your feelings or your performance but on the promises of God and the work of Jesus. As the apostle John writes, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). Did you catch that? Know. Not hope, not wonder, not guess—know.

The Biblical Basis for Assurance

The Bible gives us several solid foundations for assurance:

The Promises of God: God’s Word is full of promises that assure us of our salvation. For example:
- “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
- “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36).
- “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28).
These promises aren’t based on our ability to hold onto God; they’re based on His ability to hold onto us.
The Work of Christ: Our salvation doesn’t depend on us—it depends on Jesus. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live, died the death we deserved, and rose again to secure our salvation. As Paul says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). If God has already given us His Son, we can trust Him to give us everything else we need—including assurance.
The Witness of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a key role in assuring us of our salvation. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” This inner witness isn’t a vague feeling; it’s the Spirit’s work of confirming in our hearts that we belong to God.

Why Assurance Matters

Assurance isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for our spiritual health. Here’s why:

It Brings Peace: When we know we’re saved, we can rest in God’s love and grace. We don’t have to live in fear or uncertainty. As Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It Fuels Joy: Assurance fills us with joy, even in difficult circumstances. Peter describes this joy as “inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). It’s the joy of knowing we’re loved, forgiven, and secure in Christ.
It Motivates Obedience: When we’re confident in our salvation, we’re free to obey God out of love, not fear. As 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” Assurance helps us live as grateful children, not anxious servants.

Common Doubts About Assurance

Let’s be real: even with all these promises, doubts can still creep in. Here are three common ones and how to address them:

“I Don’t Feel Saved” Feelings are fickle. They can change from day to day, even moment to moment. But God’s promises don’t depend on how we feel. As Martin Luther famously said, “When I look at myself, I don’t see how I can be saved. But when I look at Christ, I don’t see how I can be lost.”
“I Keep Sinning” If you’re worried that your sin disqualifies you from salvation, take heart. The fact that you’re concerned about your sin is actually a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work in you. As John writes, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Salvation isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being forgiven.
“What If I’m Not One of the Elect?” This is a common concern for those who believe in the doctrine of election. But here’s the thing: if you desire to know God, trust in Christ, and turn from sin, those are signs that you are one of the elect. As Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).

How to Grow in Assurance

If you’re struggling with assurance, here are three practical steps to help you grow in confidence:

Immerse Yourself in Scripture: The more you read and meditate on God’s promises, the more your faith will grow. As Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Examine Your Life for Fruit: While we’re not saved by works, true faith always produces fruit. As John writes, “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). Look for evidence of God’s work in your life—love for others, a desire to obey, a hunger for God’s Word.
Pray for Assurance: Ask God to give you the assurance you need. As James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” God wants you to have confidence in your salvation.

Encouragement: You Can Have Assurance

If you’re feeling uncertain about your salvation, here’s the good news: God wants you to have assurance. He doesn’t want you living in fear or doubt. He wants you to know that you’re His child, loved and secure in Christ.

So, take hold of His promises. Rest in His grace. And remember, your salvation doesn’t depend on you—it depends on Jesus. And He will never let you go.

Final Thought: Rest in His Promises

Assurance of salvation is one of the greatest gifts God gives us. It’s the confidence that we’re loved, forgiven, and secure in Christ. It’s the peace of knowing that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

So, let’s rest in His promises. Let’s live in the joy and freedom of assurance. And let’s share this good news with others, so they too can know the peace that comes from being saved by grace through faith in Jesus.

Soli Deo Gloria—to God alone be the glory!