As a young girl, Sarah grew up in a Christian family. She went to church every Sunday, read her Bible, and prayed regularly. But as she got older, doubts started to creep in.
Did she really believe in God or was she just going through the motions? Was she truly saved or just fooling herself?
Sarah isn’t alone in her struggle. Many Christians, like her, grapple with the assurance of salvation. They know they should have confidence, yet they sometimes feel uncertain.
If you can relate to Sarah’s story, then this post is for you. In the following paragraphs, you’ll discover biblical truths about salvation assurance and practical ways to know you are saved.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to be sure of your eternal destiny.
1. The Bible Says That Salvation Comes Through Faith Alone
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) states:
“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
biblegateway.com
Your good works cannot earn your salvation. If you think you must work to be saved, you’ll always doubt. But when you fully trust Christ’s finished work, you gain assurance.
The Apostle John teaches in the Gospel of John how you can be certain of eternal life:
“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:31 (EHV)
biblegateway.com
Salvation comes through believing in Jesus, not by your efforts. Resting in God’s grace brings assurance of salvation.
2. The Holy Spirit Confirms We Are God’s Children
How does God give you inner confidence you belong to Him? He sends the Holy Spirit!
Romans 8:15-16 (ESV) says:
“15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
biblegateway.com
The Spirit assures you that you are God’s child. He is the seal that guarantees your salvation.
When you believe, God puts His Spirit in your heart as a deposit until the day you’ll inherit eternal life (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Listen to the Spirit’s inner witness that you belong to God. Let Him assure you of your salvation.
3. Realizing Your Need for a Savior
To be assured of salvation, there must have been a point in your life when you realized you were lost and needed to be saved.
The Apostle Paul described this in Romans 7:9-10 (ESV):
“9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me.”
biblegateway.com
He realized he was spiritually dead and helpless to save himself.
Have you realized your need for a Savior? Do you know you can’t earn eternal life by good works? This awareness is essential for you to receive salvation.
4. You Are Saved by Faith Alone, Not by Works
Scripture plainly states that you are justified by faith in Jesus, not by obeying the law:
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)
biblegateway.com
Good works cannot save you. You must trust in Christ’s finished work.
Hearing and believing the Gospel is what brings salvation:
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17 (ESV)
biblegateway.com
When you hear the Gospel and believe in Jesus, God saves you. Understanding this will give you confidence.
5. The Holy Spirit Seals Us at Salvation
What happens when you believe the Gospel?
You are sealed with the Holy Spirit! Ephesians 1:13 (ESV) says:
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”
biblegateway.com
The Spirit seals you as God’s child forever. He is the deposit that guarantees your inheritance (Ephesians 1:14).
No one can break this seal. The Spirit abides in you forever assuring you of salvation.
6. Scripture Gives Us Assurance of Salvation
Ultimately, assurance comes from believing what Scripture says about how to be saved.
The Bible was written to give you confidence that you can have eternal life:
“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 (ESV)
biblegateway.com
As you understand and trust God’s word, He will assure you of your salvation.
You can be confident in Christ!
Key Takeaways: How to Know You Are Saved
- Salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus, not good works.
- The Holy Spirit confirms that we are God’s children.
- There was a point where you realized you were lost.
- You are justified by faith, not law-keeping.
- Believing the Gospel sealed you with the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture gives assurance of eternal life.
Knowing these biblical truths will allow you to be confident in your salvation. You are assured because of what Jesus did, not your own effort.
Rest in the finished work of Christ. Trust the promises in God’s word. Let the Holy Spirit bring you assurance of salvation each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if I’m really saved?
A. Examine your life for fruits of salvation like repentance, belief in Christ, and the Holy Spirit’s work in you.
Compare your faith to what Scripture says about salvation. Ask God for an inner witness from the Holy Spirit.
Q. What if I don’t feel saved?
A. Walk by faith, not feelings. Trust what God’s word says about how to be saved.
Ask Him to assure you of salvation through the Holy Spirit.
Q. How can I be sure I’ll go to heaven?
A. By believing the promise in the Bible that all who trust in Christ have eternal life. Rely on Scripture’s assurance, not your performance.
Q. What if I still struggle with sin?
A. Many Christians struggle with sin. However, they should repent when the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin.
God gives us the strength to resist sin. But when we fail, Christ’s blood cleanses us.
Q. What are signs I’m really saved?
A. Repentance and belief in Christ, understanding the Gospel, desire to obey God, the Holy Spirit’s witness, love for other Christians, and distaste for sin.
I hope these truths give you confidence in your salvation. But if you still have doubts or questions, please contact me. I’d love to help you find assurance in Christ.
