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Saved or Not? Dealing with Doubts and the Assurance of Salvation by Cooper Abrams All rights reserved |
Many people are struggling with assurance of salvation and wondering if they are truly saved or not. Often they are not comfortable talking with their pastor or fellow church members about their concerns, because of what it implies. However, it is a serious question that needs a truthful answer. No one can really answer the question for a person as to whether they are saved or not, or their relationship with the Lord, but God's word can provide the answer and the assurance. Maybe this article can point you in the right direction.
The first step is to honestly resolve the question, "Do you truly believe in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation?" This means you are not basing your salvation on your good works, worthiness, church membership, baptism or any act we might perform. The person who is truly saved is trusting alone in Jesus Christ's sacrifice our sins? This is the foundational truth on which salvation is based. God clearly states "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A person who accepts this truth is one who believes in Jesus Christ as Romans 10:9-11 state:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:9-11)
It is vital in being saved that you are recognize that you are sinner and need God's forgiveness. You should honestly ask yourself if you have repented of your sins and asked God forgive you. Further do want Jesus in your life to direct how you in how you live? That means have you made Christ the "lord" of your life? Is His will for your life what you are seeking? These two things go together. Many want salvation and heaven when they die, but do not want to make a commitment to the Lord to live the godly life His wants for us. Most people want to go to heaven, but more they want what the world has to offer. You see Christ is not first in their lives. Colossians 1:18 ". . .And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18) Note what Jesus said about this:
Jesus said the reason saying, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:19-21)
This does not mean that you will be perfect, but you will have a sincere desire and make a true effort in your life to live as God would want you do. Yes, you will fail at times, but God understands that and makes provision in that if we confess the sin He will forgiven and cleanse us from it. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10) The true child of God will abhor sin in their lives and seek to overcome it.
Salvation is a matter of belief and faith. He one truly believes in Jesus Christ they will accept what He tells us in His word. They will know that Jesus wants the best for them, so they will obey Him and seek to live a godly life and accomplish His will for their lives. This means the true believer makes a commitment to the Lord because He believes God and knows what He has said is true. True saving belief or faith is knowing and accepting God's truth. True belief chances the way a person thinks, which is what true repentance is. Saving faith knows the reality that we are God's creation and that what He says is true, thus we accept His word and it directs our lives. True belief in God's seeks Him and seeks assurance of salvation and their relationship with Him.
The Lord tells in Romans 10:9-10 two things that go together in receiving God's forgiveness and salvation. One is that we truly believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that God raised Him from the dead. It was Jesus Christ alone, who through His suffering, death and resurrection provided God's way of salvation. Our response to this "Good News" (Gospel) is to believe what God has said and accept it for our salvation. Second, if we truly believe in Jesus Christ we should not be ashamed of being a child of God and we should publicly identify ourselves with Him by telling others of our belief in Jesus Christ. This tests our commitment to the Lord. A person who is ashamed of having Jesus Christ in their life honestly has not made a commitment to Him.(Romans 10:11)
So the question is do you really believe in Jesus Christ? One evidence of true belief is that know you need to be saved and want Jesus to save you. The unsaved are not much concerned about who Jesus Christ is and of Him being our Creator and Savior. If they even think about it, is not something they will worry about. Most of the lost just for various reasons dismiss Jesus Christ. Many think they are good enough for heaven or rather not bad enough to be condemned to hell.
Another evidence that points to true believe is that a person will publicly profess Jesus Christ as their Savior. Further they will scripturally submit to baptism by immersion.(Rom. 10:11) It is vital to understand that baptism and being a member of a church does not save. However, these are important first steps in the life of a person who has received salvation by faith alone. If saving faith is present the person will act upon it. It will cause them to take certain actions that are taught in God's word. Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus and the one who is baptized is publicly declaring that they have believed and Jesus Christ is their Lord. Being a member of a church also does not save, but the Lord wants believers to join together in worship, service and fellowship. Baptism and church membership have no meaning for a person who has not believed and is not saved. No ritual, act, or work can save us. As quoted earlier God says,
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10) Public profession of faith, baptism and a change of life are first acts of obedience to those who have truly believed in Jesus Christ. If one truly believes then they will want to do what the Lord has said they are to do and they will obey the Lord. A saved person will follow the Lord and will "walk in the light" as the New Testament teaches.
"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:5-7)
Salvation is emotional and will involve feelings, but our assurance of salvation is not based on how we feel. Emotions vary, but salvation is a singular act of God when one believes and it is eternal. God says:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Once a person believes and is saved they are eternally saved and nothing can change that fact. Salvation cannot be lost if it is truly received. Jesus said,
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24) Over the years many people have written and told me they were very worried about their salvation for a number of reasons. Though not always, I can honestly say that people who have made a profession of faith and put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior, even though they for a time may doubt are indeed saved. I can also say that the unsaved are not much concerned about their salvation.
Here is where some people get misled or go astray in their thinking. We must understand that our emotions are fickle and will change with different circumstances. There will be times when we "feel" especially close to the Lord, other times we just feel normal, and sometimes like God is not within a million miles of us. However, once saved, salvation is everlasting. So should we feel saved? The answer is "Yes," but let's qualify that answer. If a person is living a godly life, filled with the Holy Spirit, which means letting Him guide and direct us we will emotionally feel good about our relationship with the Lord.(See Eph. 5:18) However, that does not mean we will necessarily feel like we are on some spiritual "high." We are just living our lives as a normal Christian should. However, if a Christian is not living for the Lord or really trusting Him in their daily life our conscience will not let us feel really good about what we are doing. At times like this we can experience doubts, a lost of assurance and the peace and joy of being a child of God. But because my conscience is convicting me of not living as Christ would want am I not saved? No, we are out of fellowship with the Lord. The conviction we feel in our hearts is the Holy Spirit seeking to bring our failure in living to our attention so we can confess it, repent (turn from the sin) and get back to a correct relationship with the Lord. The question we should ask is am I truly saved based on God's word and His promise? If we believe God He has not nor will forsake us as Hebrews 13:5 says, ". . .I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." So if I do not "feel" like I am saved, it may because of the way I am living I am out of fellowship with Him.
Let's pursue this truth further. Assuming that a person has believed and received eternal life, there can be many reasons a person may not feel like they are saved. One major reason, as we have stated, is that a person is not living for the Lord. They know they are failing the Lord in their lives and they do not feel good about it. A child of God is indwelled by the Holy Spirit and He brings conviction when we sin. God is a loving father and He will chasten His children when they sin and go astray. In His love for the Christian He seeks to help them overcome their sin and its destructive result in their lives. God chastens which means He seek to correct wrong thinking and behavior in His children.
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:6-13)
Thus, if a believer does not feel saved there may be a good reason. That reason may be they are out of fellowship with the Lord and those in that state will not feel good about it.
Another reason that can cause doubts is that a person may not understand that his/her doubts come from trying to live for the Lord, but doing so in the flesh. As Ephesians 5:18 tells us a believer should let the Holy Spirit direct them. They should live in God's power, and not their own. That means applying God's principles to all we do, and being in a state of knowing the Lord is always present. That may not produce a feeling of God's presence, but if we are living godly, prayerful lives He is present and directing us whether we feel it or not. It is would be a mistake to think that we have to feel some emotion or be having some feeling to be assured we are pleasing God. A person who is letting the Holy Spirit direct them should derive their peace and joy from the knowledge they are obeying the Lord. There will be times when we "feel" close to the Lord, but in reality....if we are saved He is always there. Therefore we could let go of our doubts and fears and live trusting Him.
If you believed in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation....then did you see a change in your life as to your attitude towards sin and my faithfulness in obeying the Lord? When God truly saves there will be a noticeable change in one's life of some degree.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) When a Christian doubts and has problem with assurance of salvation the cause may lie in how they are living their lives. If we are out of fellowship with the Lord He will be bringing conviction to our hearts and we will not "feel" the blessings of knowing He approves of our lives. So the doubts and fears may be God's working in our lives to bring us back into fellowship. Living the life God intended will bring peace and assurance and also the opposite is true. The solution is simple. We should confess our sin(s) and seek His help in returning to fellowship as 1 John 1:8-10 explains. (More will be said about this later)
Let me stop here and interject an important thought by a personal illustration. Many years ago I joined the military spend seven years serving our country. I went to a recruitment center and with a lot of other men raised my hand and swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States and obey the orders of the officers appointed over me. At that point I was officially a United States Army soldier. I surely did not feel much like I was, but officially I was a soldier on the payroll and under orders. In the months that followed I went through intense training and soon I grew very confidence in my ability and skills as a soldier. Often I would find myself in an unfamiliar situation. Fears and doubts about my ability would arise and it was an unsettling feeling. However, I had made a commitment to the Army and my prior training directed me. I got through each trial and in time I became an effective member of my unit and served my country faithfully. But the day I raised my hand and took the oath in Raleigh, NC I was a soldier and it set the course of my life for the next seven years and saw me through some difficult times and even a year in Vietnam. Over the years I saw a number of men who just would not accept discipline of the Army life. They had not truly made a commitment to being a soldier. They wanted to act like civilians would not submit themselves to the discipline and military life. They were an unhappy lot and most of them failed miserably and were often in trouble. They had the name, the uniform, but no commitment or dedication that is required of a soldier. They tried to live both lives, but in doing so missed the benefits of being a soldier. Note what God says to us about trying to live worldly lives
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
I hope you can see the parallels. If we have believed and accepted Christ as our Savior, we should be committed to living like a Christian. Once God saves us we are His children,and that cannot change. How we feel about it may vary, but the main thing we must do is to start living like what God has made us.
God says "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." [underline added for emphasis] (Romans 6:4)
This truth is expressed many times in the New Testament. Note the instructions to the Galatians:
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25) To the Ephesians God said "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8) To the Colossians "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him" (Colossians 2:6) John instructs us "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7) Herein is the key. If we believe then we should live according in faith. Our faith in God's promises gives us assurance against doubts and fears.
God tells us in His word the Bible how we can live the best life possible so let's then look at several things God says about the life He wants us to live.
God says that believers should attend church, worship Him, fellowship with other believers, evangelized the lost, and show their thankfulness by giving their tithes and offerings with other believers to the Lord. Often for one reason or the other once faithful believers drop out of attending church. However, God has given us a straight forward command that we should be involved in a sound biblical local congregation.
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:19-25) Jesus instituted the local church to be a place of worship and refuge from the world.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16) God's purpose for us in attending church is that we be "edified," meaning be built up in the faith. This helps us to grow and in faith be assured for our salvation. Did you note that the Lord stated several purposes for why He gave us the local church.
He said, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro. . ."
James addressed the same situation saying, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (James 1:6-7)
God does not want us being tossed to and fro. When a believer is being tossed around by doubts we cannot really live our lives as God intended nor can be and example and witness to others. Being stable in our faith and commitment to the Lord will bring comfort and assurance. Being unstable will also produce its negative effect.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) A true New Testament church will teach and preach God's word and will support the child of God in their Christian lives. It is reading and learning God's word that helps us to mature in our faith and service to the Lord. The Bible is God's instruction explains what it means to be a Christian and live a godly life. Taking an active part one's local church is important and involves hearing the preaching and teaching of God's word, witnessing for Christ, studying with others, and giving one's tithes and offerings to the Lord. A Christian cannot feel good about their relationship with the Lord when they are ignoring the institution that Ephesians 5:25 say Christ gave His life for.
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25) A sound Bible believing church is God's way of providing help in our daily lives and growing strong in Jesus Christ. A Christian that is not living and obeying the Lord certainly will not "feel" good about their life when they are ignoring the help the Lord is trying to provide. God is seeking to draw wayward believers to living the life He has for them. Christians living outside God's will with never be comfortable or have assurance....and that is the way it should be.
Although, it is also vital that a believer be a part of a Bible believing church that preaches God's word, many believers find themselves in churches that only claim to be preaching the Bible. Many in reality, are preaching modern philosophies, a social gospel, and a watered down message which does not truly point people to Christ for salvation or edifies them or builds them up in the faith. A church that alters God's word, or changes it to fit the convenience of man is not a Bible believing church. Many times a church or pastor will bow under pressure and avoid strong preaching of God's uncompromising word. Paul warned young Timothy the pastor at Ephesus,
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:3) A true New Testament church will major in preaching and teaching God's word without compromise. If a person is not in a good Bible believing church they should seek one. How can a believer grow and mature in Christ when his church is teaching him false doctrines that are not of God. Worship is an important part of a believer's life after they are saved. It brings us closer to the Lord and instills a deep love and respect for Him. It bring vitality to our new Christian life and that brings peace and joy in our salvation. Too many churches are dead and have little life in them. They do not challenge God's people to live a godly life. Preaching is boring and topical and provide little meat to fed the child of God spiritually. They are pastored by professional preachers have an occupation, but little passion for God's word and care for His flock.
On the other hand, there is a modern trend that is growing rapidly of churches moving toward having contemporary services with a great deal of emotional modern music, special singers, and a message that keeps people laughing and entertained. This movement away from God and His purpose and plan for the local church is being called the "emergent church." Churches are doing away with choirs singing the biblical old hymns of the faith and replacing them with band's playing rock and roll music with some weak emotional "Christian" lyrics. God's church should be a place that spiritually provides a place of true worship of God. The atmosphere should be respectful, peaceful providing a place of quiet refuge. Nowhere in God's word do your find God condoning bringing the world into God's house. Instead He strongly condemned things that were of the world. Everything used in worship was to be totally sanctified unto the Lord with no exceptions. Providing a feel-good atmosphere of entertainment is not true worship. It may make a person feel good for a few minutes, but it fast fades away and becomes old. The entertainment of today will become boring tomorrow and churches that take to this path soon will find themselves more and more having to satisfy the flesh and ignoring the spiritual needs of their congregation. A Christian attending such a church can find themselves spiritually starved and wondering why they do not feel better about their salvation and relationship with the Lord. They go from one emotional "high" and feeling down between. If you are in such a church....run....get out of that entertainment hall and find you a sound Bible believing church to attend.
Not putting Jesus Christ first in one's life will cause a believer to lose the blessings of God and the peace and joy of salvation. Colossians 1:18b tells us ". . . that in all things he might have the preeminence." Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) It is easy to get caught up in work, hobbies, fishing, hunting, sports, social activities that take up our time. There is nothing wrong with doing these things if done in moderation.(Phil. 4:5) But they can affect us spiritually when pursuing these things becomes excessive or driving force of our lives. Jesus said to put Him first and in doing so all the other things in our lives will be taken care of. In fact, when we have a proper relationship with Christ, and He is given first place, He is directing our lives and that brings His blessing. A person robs themselves of the blessing and joy of their salvation when they put anything first before Jesus Christ.
Seek to share your faith with others. Let others know you are a Christians and seek to win them to Christ. It is a joy to be a soul winner. Also, seek to help your fellow believers, by being sensitive to their needs and problems. You can be a great help to others who may be struggling with doubts or problems in their lives. Many times we do not feel like we are saved because we are not actively doing what Christians are called to do.
Sometimes a person's past sins become a problem in coming to a full assurance of salvation. The source of these doubts come from two places. One is our memory and carnal nature. The natural man or carnal nature of man will be with us till we die. Often one begins to think of past sins and feels really unworthy and guilty. Another source is the devil who God says is the "accuser" of the brethren. His goal is to keep a believer doubting and ineffective in living for Christ. With either source a Christian will begin to dwell on their past failures. The cure for this problem is understanding salvation from God's word. Think, ....how many sins does God forgive when He saves a person? The answer to that is all sin, past, present and future. So then what sins are not under the blood of Jesus Christ? Answer, none. Further, who does God save? Paul said, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15) What man is righteous and is worthy to be saved? "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10) The truth is that all believers were and are sinners, but God forgives all sins and thus when our conscience or the devil begins up the past...we simply honestly reply, "Yes, I am a sinner, but I am forgiven because God said I am."
Lastly, unconfessed sin can also rob one of assurance of salvation and their relationship with the Lord. God's word addresses this in 1 John,
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10) When we sin we need to confess it to the Lord. Yes, He has already forgiven the believer, but in confessing our sins to the Lord we are admitting them to ourselves and to Him. If one denies their sin or ignores it they will not overcome the sin and in fact the unconfessed sin will lead to a complacent attitude towards disobeying the Lord and grow worse in time. The process of admitting and confessing sin helps us to overcome the sin so that we will not repeat it. When we honestly address sin and admit it, our attitude against allowing sin in our lives is strengthened. Thus the Lord cleanses us from the sin and its results.
A person who doubts their salvation has somewhere gone astray in their Christian life. If a person truly believes and accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and then questions their salvation they should examine their lives honestly and see where the problem is coming from. God has a will for every believer's life and it is the best life one can possibly live. Anything less will never truly satisfy or God peace and blessings.
Conclusion:
As I said at the beginning, I cannot tell if anyone is truly saved or can I give assurance, but God's word can. This is where the person who doubts their salvation must turn, and must believe God. I have two an articles on the Bible Truth web site. One deals with how one is saved and the other with assurance of salvation.
It is God's desire that everyone be saved and then have the full assurance of their salvation. We each should understand that all our feeling of unrest about our salvation is the Lord seeking us. It is the result of His bringing conviction to our hearts to draw us to Him in salvation or back to Him if we have broken fellowship with Him. The simple solution is to honestly repent of our sins. Repentance means to be sorry, but it biblically meaning means to have a change of heart. How we once thought we now see was wrong and we turn having a change of mind and believe God. God certainly wants to bless His children, and will if we simply do what He tells us.
The passage that changed my life is quoted below. Why not study and accept it as the rule of our lives,
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
8-9-08
1. If you doubt you are saved, then what would hinder you from right now making sure. If you are not saved then the following article explains salvation from God's word. "God's Simple Plan of Salvation." What does the Bible say about how a man is saved. . You can settle the matter right now.
3. Online New Converts Class. Many new Christians are not taught what it means to be a Christian. They are not told what God's word says they are to do. This is the reason for this New Converts Class. I will help establish a new believer, or older one in the faith.