How often do you doubt your own salvation? After committing sin, do you question whether you are truly a Christian? Some Christian leaders teach that no one should ever doubt or question their salvation. Others claim that no one can ever be certain of their salvation. So, what does the bible actually say about the doctrine of assurance?
There are several places where the bible teaches that not everyone who claims to be a Christian is in fact a true Christian. Jesus said, “not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven”. And, we read of Judas and Demas who identified as Christ’s disciples only to reveal later that they had always loved the world more than God. In addition, Paul told the Corinthians “examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves”. In Acts 8, Simon the Sorcerer was still in the bond of iniquity after he had been baptised. So, it is clearly possible for someone to be deceived about their spiritual state. Therefore, according to Peter, the Christian must be “diligent to confirm your calling and election”. All of this might seem a bit scary and unsettling. Must we all live in constant fear that God has not truly worked in our heart by His grace? Can we never have peace and rest concerning our standing before God? Not at all! The bible provides us with several ways in which we may enjoy true assurance of salvation.
First, we must remember that salvation is not an act of man but of God. Jonah 2:9 says, “salvation belongs to the LORD”. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God being rich in mercy…made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved”. God can never fail in His work and when He saves someone they are indeed saved. As Jesus says, “no one will snatch them out of my hand”. So, when we look at ourselves and see our weakness and sin, we must also look at God and his power and mercy.
Second, we must remember the promises of Christ. He said, “whoever comes to me I will never cast out” and “come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest”. These are absolute declarations made to anyone who comes to Jesus in faith and repentance. So, whoever comes in this way to Jesus can enjoy assurance of salvation.
Third, we must see spiritual fruit in our lives. Jesus said, “whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit”. So, if we have truly come to Christ, we will do good works and have a gracious character defined by gentleness, patience, kindness and humility. Do you see these evidences in your life? If someone loves Christ they will keep his commandments. If someone is united to Christ, they will share in the Holy Spirit and put to death sinful passions.
By God’s grace given to sinners in Jesus, we can know that we have passed from death to life.
–By Allen Beardmore