There are times in the life of every believer that some doubt may creep into our minds regarding the state of our salvation. The question that I am asked by those experiencing these moments in the faith is, “How can I know that I am saved?” That is a legitimate question that deserves a sound biblical answer because we all have moments of doubt. There are two important evaluative methods that a person should use to determine whether or not he or she is a true believer.
The first evaluation method is an objective one which simply poses the question, "Do I believe?" Ask yourself if you affirm (believe) all that the Bibles teaches regarding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the One True Son of God the Father? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh (John 1:1)? Do you believe that God saves sinners completely and only through the work of Christ's obedient life and substitutionary death on the cross (John 3:16)? Do you believe in Christ’s resurrection and the events that followed His resurrection recorded in Scripture (Acts 1; 1 Cor 15:3-8)? Do you believe that Christ is the only way unto salvation and eternal life (John 14:6)?
The second evaluative method is a subjective one that considers one’s experiences in the faith and in life that offer assurance. This method often revolves around the answer to this question, "Is my faith real?" The epistle of 1 John was written to give true believers assurance of their salvation (1 John 5:13). Within this small letter, John provides several marks to assist the one doubting to determine the validity of their faith through the life that is being lived in the faith.
True believers walk in the light (1 John 1:6-7). The light here means both intellectual and moral truth. Ask, "Do I affirm the truths of Scripture, and desire to obey them?" Notice the wording of this question. It does not ask whether or not you obey the truths in Scripture, but that you affirm and desire to obey them. That’s a very important distinction.
True believers confess their sin (1:8-2:1) Confession in this context does not mean to recite every single act of wrong that we have ever done. Instead, John is talking about agreeing with God about the sin in our life. True believers hate their sin; they don't love it. They acknowledge they are sinful, and yet because of their belief on the person and work of Christ, they know they are forgiven.
True believers keep His commandments (2:3-4; 5:2-3). The word “keep” means an attentive, vigilant obedience. How is that possible? Through submission to the truths and commands of Scripture. How can we submit and be obedient? We must study Scripture so that we can understand it and thusly be in a position to obey it.
True believers love their brothers and sisters in Christ (2:9-11; 3:10, 14-15; 5:2). Ask yourself the question, "Do I love God's people and desire to be around them?"
True believers affirm sound doctrine (2:20-23; 4:2,6). In these verses John teaches that no true believer will fall into any serious, Christ-denying error or heresy. These verses are not talking about the sin and temptation that plagues us daily, but instead that a believer is incapable of falling into a false belief that denies the person and work of Christ or is complete blasphemy against God and His revealed truth through Scripture.
True believers seek holiness (2:29; 3:3-4, 6-9). Don’t panic. These verses are not referring to a state of sinless perfection or even the frequeny or duration of sin in the life of a believer. The word “sin” in these verses describes a person that lives an immoral, ungodly, unrighteous life as a matter of continual practice, and carries the attitude of hate for God’s righteousness that is associated with a hardened heart.
True believers have the Holy Spirit (4:13; 5:10-11). This one really sums up all the others, because without the Holy Spirit, none of the preceding marks are possible. So, ask yourself, is there evidence that the fruit of the Spirit is present in your life (Gal 5:22-23)?
Remember, a believer’s assurance of salvation does not need to be based on a past decision or an experience. It should rest, first, on one's faith in the objective truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ that is revealed in God's Word. Secondly, it should rest on the reality of a changed life marked by obedience, a love for Christ and His righteousness, and a hatred for sin. Recall often, loved one, these truths that are given to us for our assurance in the faith. When Christ has us because of our belief upon Him, no one can snatch us from Him (John 10:27-28). Finally, rest in the truth that if these things are true and evidenced in your life, trust God to continue to work out His salvation in your life—because His word promises that He will (Phil 1:6).
Brent Thompson
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