Evidence of Salvation
There is nothing in this world more important than being saved from sin. Every person possesses an immortal soul that will never cease to exist (James 2:26; Romans 2:7; II Corinthians 5:1). When Christ comes again and judges the world, the souls of the saved will enter heaven; the lost will be banished to hell (Acts 17:30-31; Matthew 25:31-46). In view of these biblical truths, nothing could be more important than having the assurance that one is saved from sin, and, consequently, that one has a heavenly home.
But how can one be assured of salvation? What “evidence” might one possess that could guarantee salvation? Some claim that “feelings” assure them of salvation. It is not uncommon to hear good, sincere folks say, “I know I’m saved because I can feel it!” or some similar statement. However, scripture warns: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). One may “feel” well but be very sick, and one may feel saved but be lost. Feeling saved does not mean one “is” saved! (cf. Matthew 7:21).
Further, one may rely on the words of a preacher for assurance of salvation. One may trust that “the pastor” knows the Bible and teaches the truth. But what if the pastor is misguided? What if, in sincerity, he teaches false doctrine? Scripture warns: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1). Too much is at stake to trust a weak, fallible man with the salvation of one’s soul! Hell is too hot, and heaven, too wonderful to miss!
Then, there are those who maintain their evidence for salvation is a dream, vision, or “better-felt-than-told experience.” Yet, in the days of the early church as recorded in the book of Acts, when sinners asked what to do to be saved, they were not instructed to have an experience, see a vision, or informed that God would speak to them in a dream (cf. Acts 2:36-47; 16:30-34). Rather, they were given the conditions by which they could respond to the gospel in a deliberate, rational manner.
The only safe, reliable source for the assurance of salvation is the Bible! One cannot be assured of salvation by depending on feelings, what a preacher said, family tradition, or by a mystical experience. Only by learning and obeying the teaching of the New Testament can one be assured of salvation. It teaches that sinners must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Christ (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 3:19), confess faith in Christ (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Having done these things, one who continues to live a faithful Christian life can be assured of a heavenly home (Revelation 2:10).
Do you have assurance of salvation?
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